Page 56 - The Golf Guide, Fall 2016

Shanks & 3–Putts

The Slow Decline of Golf?

Mike Ahrnsbrak — Golf Guide Senior Writer
PGA Professional, Lexington Golf & Country Club
If you’re a fan of the news media, and I’m not, you would think that golf was
dying, and dying fast. Numerous articles have appeared recently in the Wall Street
Journal, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated that state just that. The cynic
in me thinks that perhaps golf is in the crosshairs of the intellectually elite, who
believe that golf remains a rich man’s game played predominantly by older, white
males, you know, the 1%. To be sure, the game had and still has its challenges.
But the negative publicity comes from “both sides of the proverbial aisle,” where
conservatives continually harp on President Obama for playing golf. I disagree with
our President on a lot of issues but playing golf isn’t one of them. I think it’s great
for him to enjoy a round of golf. The truth is, the game has made significant strides
toward becoming more welcoming. Let’s take the arguments being made and see
what the industry has done to tackle some of the negative perceptions out there.
Golf appeals to only the rich and well to-do: Nothing is further from the truth. Of
the approximately 15,500 courses in the USA, 11,500 are public. Many private
clubs have taken steps to address the changing culture by loosening dress codes
and becoming more family friendly. Some old line clubs haven’t had to adapt to
the changing culture. In many instances clubs have either embraced the changes,
become semi-private, or are now housing developments or shopping centers. Foot
Golf, Hack Golf, Fling Golf, and The Golf Board are just a few different variations
of golf that make things interesting for younger generations and help boost
awareness of the game.
The game is too hard, too boring, and takes too long: Millennials unquestionably
have a difficult time connecting to the game. With instant gratification available
through technology, the game can be difficult to learn and navigate. With the
addition of entertainment venues like high tech driving ranges, however, golf can
be entertaining and fun! Golf courses now embrace the time crunch by offering
time specials (hourly rates), early morning or late evening times, and playing less
than 18-holes.
My kids won’t play because none of their friends play, and it’s not a team sport:
True, we have lost a generation of golfers. Soccer has had tremendous growth over
the past couple of decades, and golf has taken a page from their book. Check out
PGA Junior League Golf. It’s a little league style team sport that is taking the
country by storm! Check out pgajlg.com and see what’s happening. Add to that
the success of Drive, Chip & Putt, and we are on course to regain some of what we
lost. Of course, who wouldn’t like to compete at Augusta National?
We can really shine when we share the game we love with other people. We grow
the game one player at a time. Invite your friends out to mini-golf or the driving
range. And before they get too frustrated, have them take a quick lesson or clinic
from a PGA Professional.
Who knows, maybe golf will still be around when all the glaciers melt or we have
another ice age. Until then, Play More Golf!

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