Jump to content

Thoughts on why people are walking away from the game...


Recommended Posts

Some hobbies are more time involved than others. Went ice fishing last night...load car with gear..put on clothes and boots..make sure I got bait..battery's charged..drive to lake, drag gear 1/2 mile out on lake...drill holes in the ice..catch fish..load gear back up..drag back to car..drive home..unload gear and put battery's on charge..undress..fillet 25 bluegills..clean up mess and take shower..whewww!!! But...the thing is, I can't wait to go again this week!!

 

Golf is kind of like that too...lol.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 943
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Some hobbies are more time involved than others. Went ice fishing last night...load car with gear..put on clothes and boots..make sure I got bait..battery's charged..drive to lake, drag gear 1/2 mile out on lake...drill holes in the ice..catch fish..load gear back up..drag back to car..drive home..unload gear and put battery's on charge..undress..fillet 25 bluegills..clean up mess and take shower..whewww!!! But...the thing is, I can't wait to go again this week!!

 

Golf is kind of like that too...lol.

 

I wouldn't say that's the same at all.

 

You described some sort of adventure from which you brought back food which you'll later enjoy. I think that sort of experience lies somewhere between a hobby like running or golf (which should not take all day) and camping (which might take multiple days).

 

If golf takes all day, it's going to decline in popularity and it'll end up with a few odd enthusiasts who embrace the fact they spend all day at the course. It'll be purely for single guys who aren't doing more strenuous things like weight-lifting or climbing a mountain.

 

I think I'd have fun spending hours at the course just hanging out, but if that's what my generation makes golf and there's no networking for people while they're there we'll have ruined it, I think.

TSR3 (9o) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-6)
TSR2+ (14.5o 3w) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-7)

TSR2 (21o 7w) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-7)

zU85 (4-6) (UST Recoil)
Z-Forged (7-Gw) (Nippon Modus3)

SM9 56-F / 60-S
Maltby PTM-5CS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would rather have worms in my nose than sit on a frozen lake fishing, but to each his own. I could cut maybe 15-20 minutes off Mello's timeline, but not enough to get under 6 hours. In the case of my millennial son living in the Metroplex, it would be 30 minutes each way to hit a bucket of balls. No way he's going to do that, and then spend 6-7 hours on an endless slog around a packed course on weekends, while spending 50+ dollars to do so. It comes down to time and money.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I was growing up, golf was in the culture.This was before computers and even hand-held calculators. People embraced the outdoors--the beach, golf, hunting, fishing, even just hopping in the car and taking a long Sunday drive. With golf, you and your buddies could play the same sport and identify with the majority of celebrities you liked, even Presidents were praised and filmed playing golf. If you took a business partner out to play a round, it was a huge compliment and pleasant way to discuss business. Today, it is almost expected in some industries.

 

Today, all that is different, gone, replaced, and even criticized. I'm a golfer because I'm old and it is part of my life. But young people need to find a motivating reason to play and stick with it--school, country club, parents, friends, and, of course, major talent. Today, the culture of golf is very much smaller. Plus, there are environmentalists, etc., protecting the land, and rising costs for maintenance. And as we all know, to play the sport is expensive. It is hard not to want the best/newest equipment when the need to have the newest phone or computer is on everyone's want-list.

 

The need for more and more money to flow into the golf industry will have to reach a tipping point. What astonishes me most is the huge sponsorships and advertising dollars for the PGA Tour. I guess as long as there is a vast audience willing to spend money, that is a good thing. Doesn't help the publinx much.

 

I'm not on the bandwagon of make golf shorter and quicker. 6 hours is, of course, too long. If 9 holes take 3 hours, leave. But I love it out there. I've played regulation courses all my life and I don't mind the occasional 5-hour round on a beautiful track with a speedy cart girl/guy. I also really enjoy par-3 courses. Competition there can be fierce and fun.

 

Looks like we all have our personal takes, experiences, and guesses about people walking away from the game. My father told me all his life how he'd love to get out and play golf. He was a hard worker, and didn't do it until he was 73 years old and his company threw a golf outing in celebration of his retirement. He was on the third hole and talking about how he couldn't wait to play golf with me, when he had a heart attack and died. I'm not going anywhere away from golf.

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
- Groucho Marx

WIMB
PING G400 Driver 10.5*

TaylorMade Burner 3-wood and 5-wood REAX reg graphite

Mizuno MX-23 forged 5-PW, Mizuno forged SW, GW, LW

Putter:  Odyssey White Hot Rossie 36" --  Ball: TP5 X

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I was growing up, golf was in the culture.This was before computers and even hand-held calculators. People embraced the outdoors--the beach, golf, hunting, fishing, even just hopping in the car and taking a long Sunday drive. With golf, you and your buddies could play the same sport and identify with the majority of celebrities you liked, even Presidents were praised and filmed playing golf. If you took a business partner out to play a round, it was a huge compliment and pleasant way to discuss business.

 

Golf seems like a niche thing these days.

 

I have a few friends that love playing when the weather is good but after those guys there is a sharp drop-off in interest and even general awareness. Most people just aren't interested. Golf doesn't seem to appeal to many people.

 

But to me, that's the essence of the question. Why is golf not more appealing?

 

There's definitely a steep learning curve. That's true. But you know, if there's a range nearby you can experiment hitting balls there for a small amount of money. And if you enjoy it you can find the time to play a par-3 course or 9-holes somewhere.

 

So I don't really buy those excuses. What I do buy is the fact golf simply isn't that great to a lot of folks.

 

To the majority of people it's kind of a pointless endeavor. Even if you're good, it doesn't really benefit you in any way socially or economically. There are basically no women there. So if you're a women yourself, that can be unattractive or at least a little intimidating and if you're a guy it's destined to be in competition with other things that may matter more like dating, socializing, working out, working overtime for more money, etc.

TSR3 (9o) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-6)
TSR2+ (14.5o 3w) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-7)

TSR2 (21o 7w) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-7)

zU85 (4-6) (UST Recoil)
Z-Forged (7-Gw) (Nippon Modus3)

SM9 56-F / 60-S
Maltby PTM-5CS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I was growing up, golf was in the culture.This was before computers and even hand-held calculators. People embraced the outdoors--the beach, golf, hunting, fishing, even just hopping in the car and taking a long Sunday drive. With golf, you and your buddies could play the same sport and identify with the majority of celebrities you liked, even Presidents were praised and filmed playing golf. If you took a business partner out to play a round, it was a huge compliment and pleasant way to discuss business.

 

Golf seems like a niche thing these days.

 

I have a few friends that love playing when the weather is good but after those guys there is a sharp drop-off in interest and even general awareness. Most people just aren't interested. Golf doesn't seem to appeal to many people.

 

But to me, that's the essence of the question. Why is golf not more appealing?

 

There's definitely a steep learning curve. That's true. But you know, if there's a range nearby you can experiment hitting balls there for a small amount of money. And if you enjoy it you can find the time to play a par-3 course or 9-holes somewhere.

 

So I don't really buy those excuses. What I do buy is the fact golf simply isn't that great to a lot of folks.

 

To the majority of people it's kind of a pointless endeavor. Even if you're good, it doesn't really benefit you in any way socially or economically. There are basically no women there. So if you're a women yourself, that can be unattractive or at least a little intimidating and if you're a guy it's destined to be in competition with other things that may matter more like dating, socializing, working out, working overtime for more money, etc.

 

Golf always has been a niche thing, it’s probably been more widespread in the last 20yrs than it ever had been. Part of wha5 is happening is a return to its traditional niche.

Callaway Rogue ST Max 10.5°/Xcaliber SL 45 a flex,Callaway Rogue ST Max Heavenwood/Xcaliber FW a flex, Maltby KE4 ST-H 3h/Rapid Taper a flex, Maltby KE4 ST-H 4h/Rapid Taper a flex, Maltby KE4 Tour TC 5h/Rapid Taper a flex, Maltby KE4 Tour+ 6-G/Xcaliber Rapid Taper a flex, Maltby Max Milled 54° & 58°/Xcaliber Wedge 85 r flex, Mizuno Bettinardi C06

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some hobbies are more time involved than others. Went ice fishing last night...load car with gear..put on clothes and boots..make sure I got bait..battery's charged..drive to lake, drag gear 1/2 mile out on lake...drill holes in the ice..catch fish..load gear back up..drag back to car..drive home..unload gear and put battery's on charge..undress..fillet 25 bluegills..clean up mess and take shower..whewww!!! But...the thing is, I can't wait to go again this week!!

 

Golf is kind of like that too...lol.

 

Walmart is heated, and they sell fish as well. Although you may still need to shower after a trip there...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're going to Walmart to find your country club fellows, you won't bump into them there. Otherwise you will find great prices and surprisingly high quality. It is nothing like the K-mart (or Fart Mart as we called it) of years gone by.

 

Golf is niche. Rich niche. It began at the grassroots level, so many of those tracks still exist, but its niche value lies in the country clubs, club fitters, and schools where where golf is still a society.

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
- Groucho Marx

WIMB
PING G400 Driver 10.5*

TaylorMade Burner 3-wood and 5-wood REAX reg graphite

Mizuno MX-23 forged 5-PW, Mizuno forged SW, GW, LW

Putter:  Odyssey White Hot Rossie 36" --  Ball: TP5 X

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Golf always has been a niche thing, it’s probably been more widespread in the last 20yrs than it ever had been. Part of wha5 is happening is a return to its traditional niche.

 

I honestly don't think it's niche - it's played by 25 million people in the US, 60 million worldwide. It's consistently in the top 10 of any result where you google most popular sports.

[color=#A4A4A4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=2]Srixon z565 Speeder 569 Evo IV SR[/size][/font][/color]
[color=#A4A4A4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=2]TaylorMade RBZ 3 wood, [/size][/font][/color][color=#A4A4A4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=2]Matrix Ozik R[/size][/font][/color]
[font="helvetica, arial, sans-serif"][color="#a4a4a4"][size=2]Srixon U65 2 iron, Miyazaki S[/size][/color][/font]
[color=#A4A4A4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=2]Cobra F6 Hybrid 22 degrees RedTie S[/size][/font][/color]
[color=#A4A4A4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=2]Srixon z945 5-pw w/ DG s200[/size][/font][/color]
[color=#A4A4A4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=2]Miura Y 51 and K 56 DG Spinner, Yururi Raw 61 KBS [/size][/font][/color][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#a4a4a4][size=2]HiRev[/size][/color][/font]
[font="helvetica, arial, sans-serif"][color="#a4a4a4"][size=2]Odyssey O-Works Black 34"[/size][/color][/font]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking at all the price hikes for 2019 irons is making me think if I was not a Golfer already I wouldn't take the game up. £150 an iron, for steel shafts is a rip off. I would love to see the profit margin. Wages are not going up at the same rate as clubs are.

 

Others have pointed out that adjusting for inflation and the like iron sets are still less than they were in the past. The issue now is that there are a lot of other things competing for those dollars and a lot fewer people have any type of truly disposable income. Even most people who can splurge on things like going to the movies, on weekend trips here and there, out to eat somewhat regularly, etc., are only one medical bill, major car/home repair, tuition spike, etc., away from having to give up most of their leisure activities.

 

That £150 price tag would actually look even less daunting than the comparable price in the late 90s to early 2000s when wages were up vs cost of living if those conditions still existed now. It hurts more because the margin for most is tighter than ever and actually upside down for many.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

See for me, I guess I’m hooked and I prioritize it differently. I’d rather play a round of golf than spend $10/person on a movie ticket. In a few months it’ll be on demand for less anyway. With young kids, weekend trips aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. It’s easier to get away for a 5-6hr round of golf than it is to leave for the weekend with or without kids. I get it though, my priorities are different. I already love the game!

 

I think I said it in here before, too, as far as buying equipment goes there will always be people that buy new clubs like there are people that buy new cars. For me, I’ll buy that year end leftover that performs just about as good if not exactly the same for a fraction of the price. I bargain shopped my way to a whole new bag last season with premium shafts, the latest offerings, barely used clubs and I’m not even close to half of what it would’ve all cost new. Is it still a lot of money? My wife definitely thinks so! But it’s all relative. You can get into the game for much less than I spent. When you start, you should probably buy a cheap couple hundred dollar starter set anyway. All sports are expensive nowadays. My sister played on traveling soccer teams growing up and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on tournaments every weekend of every month. The difference is she doesn’t still play soccer like I still play golf sooooo I think that means I win! Lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1- the stupid itty bitty rules of golf , those should NOT apply for the weekend golfer , annoys me every weekend when you see someone giving someone a hard time for taking a little blade of grass out of the bunker, or fixing a cleat mark(I know rules changed this year) or stuff on that line...

 

2- buying a bucket of range balls is a minimum $10... Ridiculous !!!! Now places are charging people to use the 'chipping' green ????? Really ?

I can walk on for $5-15 and play a full round instead (if I had the time) or could go to the batting cages and hit there for an hour for a few bucks ...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1- the stupid itty bitty rules of golf , those should NOT apply for the weekend golfer , annoys me every weekend when you see someone giving someone a hard time for taking a little blade of grass out of the bunker, or fixing a cleat mark(I know rules changed this year) or stuff on that line...

 

I seriously doubt ANYONE is not playing golf because of the "stupid itty bitty rules".

 

Define "weekend golfer". If you mean the casual golfer who doesn't keep a handicap, who cares ?

 

You posted a 6 handicap Does this mean your handicap is not a valid one ?

 

If you don't play in any formal competitions then who cares what rules you play by ?

 

2- buying a bucket of range balls is a minimum $10... Ridiculous !!!! Now places are charging people to use the 'chipping' green ????? Really ?

I can walk on for $5-15 and play a full round instead (if I had the time) or could go to the batting cages and hit there for an hour for a few bucks ...

 

Cost ? OK, I can certainly buy "cost" but walk on per $5-$15 ??? Where ? At Fred's Goat Track and Country Club ? Can one play MINIATURE golf for $15 nowadays ? A batting cage for an hour "for a few bucks" ? Hyperbole much ?

Callaway Epic Flash SZ 9.0 Ventus Blue 6S

Ping G425 14.5 Fairway Tour AD TP 6X

Ping G425 MAX 20.5 7 wood Diamana Blue 70 S

Titleist 716 AP-1  5-PW, DGS300

Ping Glide Forged, 48, DGS300

Taylormade MG3 52*, 56*, TW 60* DGS200

LAB Mezz Max 34*, RED, BGT Stability

Titleist Pro V1X

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would agree that the costs associated with practicing can be a deterrent in some scenarios. It probably depends on where you go.

 

The range I used to go to raised their rates and even stopped manning the shop area once they had an automated ball machine outside. It went from $10 for the jumbo bucket to like $18 which definitely limits how much practice you can afford over the course of a week. If you plan on being at the range working on every element of your game you might end up spending a lot that way.

 

Anyone hoping to get better really needs to be on some sort of membership that affords unlimited practice and good walking rates.

 

That said, more courses are getting better about doing range packages or less deals that accommodate the casual player during weekdays or in the slower periods.

TSR3 (9o) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-6)
TSR2+ (14.5o 3w) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-7)

TSR2 (21o 7w) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-7)

zU85 (4-6) (UST Recoil)
Z-Forged (7-Gw) (Nippon Modus3)

SM9 56-F / 60-S
Maltby PTM-5CS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I played racquetball I bought a lot of different racquets, e-Force, Head, Ektelon, Wilson released new racquets every 6 months to a year just like golf equipment. There was always promise of something better in the new racquet, shoe or ball. Take a look at the running shoe market, how many brands, models etc. If you're heavily involved in a hobby and have some disposable income you can waste a lot of money in any hobby.

 

No one "has" to buy a new driver, woods and irons every year, fact is there isn't that much difference year to year. I'd guess you could go at least 5 years with minimal impact to your score or distance, some of us just like buying the latest and greatest, but it's not a requirement.

 

IMO People are walking away from the game (if that is even true) because over the last 30 years the role of the man has changed. Men in my dads generation (77 years old) went to work, they had minimal involvement with raising kids except for sports, did minimal house work if any, didn't cook except for bbq on weekends and spent their evenings / weekends golfing, fishing or something else they wanted to do. The men from that generation have increasing health issues or have passed and the men in later generations have a different set of priorities.

 

There are financial factors as well, incomes have gone up minimally over the last 15 - 20 years reducing the households disposable income and in some cases forcing spouses to work, adding to the responsibilities of men. Kids sports are now incredibly time consuming, going year round and often requiring travel all over the state or worse.

 

Ladies golf is slowly increasing in participation which is a positive. Women like the social and health aspects of the game and view it as an opportunity to spend more time with the girls or their spouse and friends. Good news for private clubs is they are becoming a driving force in membership gains and tee times.

 

Money can be made a factor in anything we opt to do as a hobby but the reality is it will never truly stop someone from doing what they have a passion for but other factors might.

Driver - Callaway Paradym
Woods - Callaway Paradym 3W
Hybrids - XXIO 10 3H, 4H, 5H
Irons - Callaway Paradym 6-52*
Wedge - PXG Forged 56** 
Putter - Ping TYNE C
Ball - Titleist AVX

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm sitting here, reading the thread while I eat stew my wife made last night...delicious. Thats 5 meals for less than $15. She's out to a church function tonight, while I fry up some meatballs to make a sauce for the rest of the weeks lunchs (with store-bought gnocchi-cheap as borscht). I'll get 6-8 meals for $20.

 

The food is awesome. I do this while thinking about the approx. $5,000 I'll spend golfing this season and the $20 a week I spent this winter at the range. and...I've got the money to do it.

 

I could order in every meal every night (many do these days) and then complain about the cost of golf.

 

I have to make choices.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think the price of equipment is an issue. Right now I can buy a set of clubs for £110. You can probably get clubs, trolley, shoes, couple of gloves, 50 lake balls and a bag of tees for less than £200. Sure it's crap stuff but for someone who's just curious about starting it's perfectly fine.

 

In the UK at least the cost of playing is hardly a big deal either. It's around £30 a round peak rate at most courses (as little as £10 twilight rate) and no need for membership at the vast majority of courses.

 

So starting to play is easy: ~£250 and just book a tee at your nearest golf course. You could be on the first tee the day after ordering if you went with next day delivery.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would agree that the costs associated with practicing can be a deterrent in some scenarios. It probably depends on where you go.

 

The range I used to go to raised their rates and even stopped manning the shop area once they had an automated ball machine outside. It went from $10 for the jumbo bucket to like $18 which definitely limits how much practice you can afford over the course of a week. If you plan on being at the range working on every element of your game you might end up spending a lot that way.

 

Anyone hoping to get better really needs to be on some sort of membership that affords unlimited practice and good walking rates.

 

 

 

I agree with practice totally. It`s not easy to find a place where you can go and hit 50,100, 250yd shots for free, and not get yelled at for divoting up the place. I can go shoot hoops, play tennis, baseball, bocce ball, disc golf all for free at local parks. But I can`t go practice golf anywhere for free.

 

As for good walking rates, by reading this thread it sounds like courses should be offering better riding rates, due to long hours spent on the course.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a beautiful game, and there will always be plenty of golfers and courses.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Was reading a story in past golf mag, the writer was retiring from the mag and talking about the game. He basically said "golf is golf, it isn't meant to be played so fast that you miss the enjoyment of the game, the tranquility of the golf course, the interaction of the people you golf with, the sun and the sky". Not my words, but I'm glad I have that.

 

It's no different than base ball. 8.5 innings minimum. Time, cost? Damn, folks aren't complaining.

 

If that doesn't work for some folks, they won't play traditional golf.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Those residential housing courses are built on greed with no thought of long term economics. Their closing cuz they aren't built on golfers. Build em and get out. Once the boomers die, even those massive warm weather communities are gonna have trouble. Might be 20 years from now, but its gonna happen.

 

I play a muni, decent shape, 127 years old this year. $54 a round , canadian. Beautiful setting, nice folks play there, I know I'm gonna be there for 4.5 hours on the weekend. If I need to do something else, I don't play there and then complain about it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a beautiful game, and there will always be plenty of golfers and courses.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Was reading a story in past golf mag, the writer was retiring from the mag and talking about the game. He basically said "golf is golf, it isn't meant to be played so fast that you miss the enjoyment of the game, the tranquility of the golf course, the interaction of the people you golf with, the sun and the sky". Not my words, but I'm glad I have that.

 

It's no different than base ball. 8.5 innings minimum. Time, cost? Damn, folks aren't complaining.

 

If that doesn't work for some folks, they won't play traditional golf.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Those residential housing courses are built on greed with no thought of long term economics. Their closing cuz they aren't built on golfers. Build em and get out. Once the boomers die, even those massive warm weather communities are gonna have trouble. Might be 20 years from now, but its gonna happen.

 

I play a muni, decent shape, 127 years old this year. $54 a round , canadian. Beautiful setting, nice folks play there, I know I'm gonna be there for 4.5 hours on the weekend. If I need to do something else, I don't play there and then complain about it.

 

Yes they are. Baseball is doing everything they can to speed up the game because they are loosing viewers. They are considering adding a pitch clock between pitches to speed things up.

 

Second thing about this. Pro baseball is 9 innings, amateur baseball plays 7. I don't understand why it seems like courses and the USGA won't embrace 9 holes. Most sports at the recreational level take 1-2 hours (tennis, basketball, softball, etc). Golf is the only that takes longer, but a 9 hole round would put it directly in line with every other recreational sport time wise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a beautiful game, and there will always be plenty of golfers and courses.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Was reading a story in past golf mag, the writer was retiring from the mag and talking about the game. He basically said "golf is golf, it isn't meant to be played so fast that you miss the enjoyment of the game, the tranquility of the golf course, the interaction of the people you golf with, the sun and the sky". Not my words, but I'm glad I have that.

 

It's no different than base ball. 8.5 innings minimum. Time, cost? Damn, folks aren't complaining.

 

If that doesn't work for some folks, they won't play traditional golf.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Those residential housing courses are built on greed with no thought of long term economics. Their closing cuz they aren't built on golfers. Build em and get out. Once the boomers die, even those massive warm weather communities are gonna have trouble. Might be 20 years from now, but its gonna happen.

 

I play a muni, decent shape, 127 years old this year. $54 a round , canadian. Beautiful setting, nice folks play there, I know I'm gonna be there for 4.5 hours on the weekend. If I need to do something else, I don't play there and then complain about it.

 

Yes they are. Baseball is doing everything they can to speed up the game because they are loosing viewers. They are considering adding a pitch clock between pitches to speed things up.

 

Second thing about this. Pro baseball is 9 innings, amateur baseball plays 7. I don't understand why it seems like courses and the USGA won't embrace 9 holes. Most sports at the recreational level take 1-2 hours (tennis, basketball, softball, etc). Golf is the only that takes longer, but a 9 hole round would put it directly in line with every other recreational sport time wise.

Can play nine holes on any course we play. That has always been an option...heck pay the nine hole rate and quit after 5 holes if you like.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a beautiful game, and there will always be plenty of golfers and courses.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Was reading a story in past golf mag, the writer was retiring from the mag and talking about the game. He basically said "golf is golf, it isn't meant to be played so fast that you miss the enjoyment of the game, the tranquility of the golf course, the interaction of the people you golf with, the sun and the sky". Not my words, but I'm glad I have that.

 

It's no different than base ball. 8.5 innings minimum. Time, cost? Damn, folks aren't complaining.

 

If that doesn't work for some folks, they won't play traditional golf.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Those residential housing courses are built on greed with no thought of long term economics. Their closing cuz they aren't built on golfers. Build em and get out. Once the boomers die, even those massive warm weather communities are gonna have trouble. Might be 20 years from now, but its gonna happen.

 

I play a muni, decent shape, 127 years old this year. $54 a round , canadian. Beautiful setting, nice folks play there, I know I'm gonna be there for 4.5 hours on the weekend. If I need to do something else, I don't play there and then complain about it.

 

Yes they are. Baseball is doing everything they can to speed up the game because they are loosing viewers. They are considering adding a pitch clock between pitches to speed things up.

 

Second thing about this. Pro baseball is 9 innings, amateur baseball plays 7. I don't understand why it seems like courses and the USGA won't embrace 9 holes. Most sports at the recreational level take 1-2 hours (tennis, basketball, softball, etc). Golf is the only that takes longer, but a 9 hole round would put it directly in line with every other recreational sport time wise.

Can play nine holes on any course we play. That has always been an option...heck pay the nine hole rate and quit after 5 holes if you like.

 

Can I play the holes backwards? 9,8,7,6...?

Lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a beautiful game, and there will always be plenty of golfers and courses.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Was reading a story in past golf mag, the writer was retiring from the mag and talking about the game. He basically said "golf is golf, it isn't meant to be played so fast that you miss the enjoyment of the game, the tranquility of the golf course, the interaction of the people you golf with, the sun and the sky". Not my words, but I'm glad I have that.

 

It's no different than base ball. 8.5 innings minimum. Time, cost? Damn, folks aren't complaining.

 

If that doesn't work for some folks, they won't play traditional golf.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Those residential housing courses are built on greed with no thought of long term economics. Their closing cuz they aren't built on golfers. Build em and get out. Once the boomers die, even those massive warm weather communities are gonna have trouble. Might be 20 years from now, but its gonna happen.

 

I play a muni, decent shape, 127 years old this year. $54 a round , canadian. Beautiful setting, nice folks play there, I know I'm gonna be there for 4.5 hours on the weekend. If I need to do something else, I don't play there and then complain about it.

 

Yes they are. Baseball is doing everything they can to speed up the game because they are loosing viewers. They are considering adding a pitch clock between pitches to speed things up.

 

Second thing about this. Pro baseball is 9 innings, amateur baseball plays 7. I don't understand why it seems like courses and the USGA won't embrace 9 holes. Most sports at the recreational level take 1-2 hours (tennis, basketball, softball, etc). Golf is the only that takes longer, but a 9 hole round would put it directly in line with every other recreational sport time wise.

 

Re the base ball comment: 8.5 innings:if the home team is leading, game over.

 

But thats the point...Sport is losing impatient people in general. Everything is taking to long....

 

No its not...its keeping addicted folks away from shiny screens.

 

TV is losing viewers. Times have changed, Hendrix is dead, I'm almost over it

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a beautiful game, and there will always be plenty of golfers and courses.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Was reading a story in past golf mag, the writer was retiring from the mag and talking about the game. He basically said "golf is golf, it isn't meant to be played so fast that you miss the enjoyment of the game, the tranquility of the golf course, the interaction of the people you golf with, the sun and the sky". Not my words, but I'm glad I have that.

 

It's no different than base ball. 8.5 innings minimum. Time, cost? Damn, folks aren't complaining.

 

If that doesn't work for some folks, they won't play traditional golf.

 

Maybe the game is right sizing?

 

Those residential housing courses are built on greed with no thought of long term economics. Their closing cuz they aren't built on golfers. Build em and get out. Once the boomers die, even those massive warm weather communities are gonna have trouble. Might be 20 years from now, but its gonna happen.

 

I play a muni, decent shape, 127 years old this year. $54 a round , canadian. Beautiful setting, nice folks play there, I know I'm gonna be there for 4.5 hours on the weekend. If I need to do something else, I don't play there and then complain about it.

 

Yes they are. Baseball is doing everything they can to speed up the game because they are loosing viewers. They are considering adding a pitch clock between pitches to speed things up.

 

Second thing about this. Pro baseball is 9 innings, amateur baseball plays 7. I don't understand why it seems like courses and the USGA won't embrace 9 holes. Most sports at the recreational level take 1-2 hours (tennis, basketball, softball, etc). Golf is the only that takes longer, but a 9 hole round would put it directly in line with every other recreational sport time wise.

 

Re the base ball comment: 8.5 innings:if the home team is leading, game over.

 

But thats the point...Sport is losing impatient people in general. Everything is taking to long....

 

No its not...its keeping addicted folks away from shiny screens.

 

TV is losing viewers. Times have changed, Hendrix is dead, I'm almost over it

 

But the screen isn't losing viewers, and there are more screens today than ever--more to watch too.

 

Yes, people are more imptient. They don't like apprehension and drama, they want action and results. They get it from their virtual world and want it for the real world. If they don't get it, they throw a tantrum and hope others join their "cause." Idiotic and selfish.

 

Golf is a game for a leisuely society. There are still enough of us left to keep golf going as a game and industry, but not forever.

 

I would say that if you don't like slow play, try to solve the problem without hurting the sport or making it more expensive for us or the courses. If you love the sport, slow or not, be a preservation activist not a complainer with no answers. Or, just find a solution for you and move on.

 

Me, I don't experience slow play where I live now. Up in NJ, where I grew up, courses are packed. So I'd plan for it, bring some food, watch golf or play poker on my phone, or just practice my chipping. I am sorry, but I love it out there. If I get done too soon, I want to play again. If you have a wife and kids to get back to, your problem isn't golf. Figure it out.

 

 

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
- Groucho Marx

WIMB
PING G400 Driver 10.5*

TaylorMade Burner 3-wood and 5-wood REAX reg graphite

Mizuno MX-23 forged 5-PW, Mizuno forged SW, GW, LW

Putter:  Odyssey White Hot Rossie 36" --  Ball: TP5 X

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why are people walking away from the game?

 

They should not have been there in the first place! Preserve the game, if they like the game, they will come and they will stay. I've said many times, those wanting to grow the game are only wanting to grow their wallets.

Titleist TSR-1 10.5 Speeder Driver, 3-wood, 7-wood
Callaway Epic Star Max, 5-wood

Mizuno JPX 923 Forged 6-AW

Titleist TSR-1 Hybrids 5 and 6 

TM Putter

Srixon Z-Star

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...