Is Golf Fading?

[mso489]

My dad played golf once or twice a year for business, and with no practice, was pretty good. My late wife's dad was an ardent golfer and played once or twice a week into his 70's, until his eyesight gave him trouble. My brother-in-law likes a good round of golf. I used to go to the driving range with my dad, and liked that, until my lower back began making my vision go white with pain. Dropped that and bowling. It's my understanding that the golf industry is currently in a distinct downward trend, courses closing, equipment. What's your take? Do you play? What's the trend?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Tried watching it once. It was one of the best naps I can remember.

 

[JMcQ]

Along with cemeteries, it is a poor use of land.

 

[coyja]

DIsc golf is free to play almost at every course, you can buy everything you need for less than $20, used way less land, and its approachable, does have the classist history attached to it, and doesn't take hours to play.
It does have a well earned reputation of attracting stoners, lol.

 

[olkofri]

Tried it a few (2-4) times. I had an OK time, but I didn't become a fan. Never been into sports, really. And since I'm of the belief that sports are more fun playing them than watching them, I ain't gonna waste time watching some guy whack a ball, or kick it, or throw it.

Now, if it's golf with a shotgun (clays), that's a completely different story: I'm all for it! ?

 

[mso489]

Golf courses make me restless. I'd rather walk than fiddle with the cart, clubs, etc. Personal service like a caddy would make me unsettled. Apparently you have to get into it to find it riveting, though many people play and love it, like a way of life. I'd tend to walk away, not in disgust, just to keep moving.

 

[Casual]

What’s that saying? “Golf is a walk, ruined.”

When I lived in the city, I loved golf because I got to spend half a day in nature. Now that my backyard ends at a forest and a stream, I find my golf clubs dusty in the garage.

Having two toddlers might also have something to do with it.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Never been into sports, really

Same

Now, if it's golf with a shotgun (clays), that's a completely different story: I'm all for it! ?

Oh hell yeah!!!?

 

[brian64]

 

[sandollars]

One of my houses is on a golf course. I have only played the course twice in 5 years.. Not a big fan but I like all the green in my neighborhood. Does that count for anything?

 

[jpmcwjr]

I love the game. I had a 35 year layoff, and after two years, I seem to be getting my game back. I average a bowl every 3-4 holes, so 4-6 per round.

 

[sandollars]

Same

Oh hell yeah!!!?

My Archery club has a golf type game for Archery.

It consists of 3-D targets arranged in a fashion one must walk the course and shoot from either the black, blue or red markers. One keeps score depending on how close you are to the prefect "Kill" zone. It's a lot of fun and takes an hour or two to complete. Below is a picture of my "clubs" It's good exercise and works your upper body muscles.

 

[warren]

Participation in sports is aways an up an own thing. Another Tiger or some such and numbers will jump. As far as a poor use of land, doesn't that depend on the income generated or, in the case of a country club, it's nobody's business but the owners. If the few hundred members and families enjoy themselves, I would say it's moneys well spent.

 

[mikestanley]

Golf is my passion. Picked up a deal at a very nice course this year and next. Unlimited golf for $90.00/yr. Play in two leagues. Its a sport you can play well into old age. Fresh air, walking, a decent cigar. Love it. And, if I didn't have the Golf Channel, I wouldn't need a television.

Mike S.

 

[trubka2]

I enjoy it and play a couple times a week in the summer. I suck at it, but I still enjoy it. Like Mike said, you get some fresh air, a little stroll (I never use a cart), a few nice smokes. And more importantly, it's time set aside to hang out with your buddies shooting the breeze. I'd usually rather go fishing, but it's too much of a hassle around here to pop out for a little morning fishing and still get some work done that day, whereas 9 holes is two hours including drive time.

I'd say the average age of the people I see out on the public courses where I play (8-12 bucks a round, btw) is about 50-55, which doesn't bode well for the future of the sport - not in this area, at least.

 

[weezell]

Two things I really miss! Playing golf and riding a motorcycle. Health wise, can't do either any more. Was on the computer the other night looking at new bikes, the wife walks by looks and says..."Have you lost your mind!". Sums it up...?

 

[greeneyes]

We've come a long way from the bow and arrow of old

 

[9mmpuffer]

I play 4-5 times per week in the spring/summer/fall. I love the game.

 

[Ctbill]

Used to play a bunch. Major time suck though...and nobody (business wise or otherwise) seems to have the time or interest these last few years. I see it waning.
As mentioned in a few prior post, I’d also rather shoot clays, jump on my motorcycle, launch a few arrows, go mountain biking, go for a hike (or lunting!) or go to the shooting range...

 

[brian64]

I average a bowl every 3-4 holes, so 4-6 per round.

Fresh air, walking, a decent cigar.

I'm glad to see smoking is still allowed on golf courses given the extent to which public smoking bans have taken over nearly everywhere.

I'm supposing it must be a very ingrained part of the golf culture that isn't so easily removed.