this decline in golf is real: just don't let it be real for too long

Recently, an article was published in the New York Times regarding 'the decline of golf.' From economic issues to changes in family values, this 'decline' is the real deal based on numerous stats from golf companies, courses and now veteran players.

The truth is, golf is an expensive sport. When I got serious about golf in high school, I didn't see any problem with going to the driving range to practice every day, but that was only because I wasn't the one supplying the money that paid for my range balls, let alone the clubs, and other little enticing golf accessories. The driving range around the corner from my house, which is definitely very 'homey' and welcoming, isn't very welcoming in price. It's $10.75 for a large bucket of balls. Compare that number with what you will in terms of how many meals you could buy, or other things you could do with that money, but seriously, that's just a lot to pay to hit 120 balls. The funny thing is, that's just the driving range. The costs of playing courses has become obscene. I have been truly lucky in the last few years because I was always considered a 'junior golfer,' which essentially meant that I received the 'junior rate.' I was living it up, playing 18 holes for $2-5. However, my junior card is no longer allowed and I have to come to terms with the reality of golf, which is if you don't have money, you may not be playing.

Another dilemma, other than money, is time. One of the reasons listed for the decline in golf in the NY article was that people aren't willing to put forth 4-5 hours on the golf course anymore. My grandma tells me stories about how my grandpa would wake up at 6 am and play golf all day and not come back until it was dark outside. However, if my dad did that today, my mom wouldn't let him back in the house. Newsflash--things are different. Family values have changed enough to make golfers conscious of the amount of time, let alone money, they spend on the golf course. It's a salient issue for parents who genuinely want to spend time with their families, while simultaneously genuinely wanting to enjoy their passion for golf.

Patience. Golf is a slow game. That doesn't mean it can't be played fast (just ask Rori Sabbatini--I can't stand that guy). But, you can ask the majority of avid golfers and they will say their best or favorite rounds came when they didn't rush and just enjoyed the round, whether with friends or by themselves. Most people who enter the game of golf assume they will catch on fast, like basketball or baseball. In these sports, with a day or two of practice you will develop some sort of comfort shooting a free throw or throwing the ball straight. However with golf--its just a tad bit different. You can top, shank, hook, draw, fade, look up, chunk, rush, or totally miss the ball FOR YEARS. But there is hope. There's that one shot that makes you keep coming back. There's that one moment where you are so tense from having shanked in front of everyone on the range or all your buddies on the course that you take the club back and 'pure' it. It's an almost indescribable feeling, but what it really does is provide motivation. The mentality is simple--if you did it once, you can do it again. People know that Tiger Woods has been playing since he was 3 years-old and so they attribute his 'time' with the game to his dominance. Now while I don't rule that out, its his motivation to get better that separates him from the pack. Motivation is what feeds the fire of mental power, physical power, and every other facet of the game. Too few are willing to keep working at the game long enough to experience that one swing that makes all others worth it.

With a possible recession coming, money is an issue. With families wanting to maintain closeness, familial bonding is an issue. In a society that perpetuates fast-pace everything, patience is an issue. But the truth in my mind is that the real issue is persistence and motivation. All of these other factors are real, and although I am young and without an income or family, I think this decline in golf can become a thing of the past if people let themselves give in to the possibility of getting better by giving the game more of their attention. I used to be very conscious of the way I ate, and when I looked to my parents to help they told me to 'eat in moderation.' Well, in this case, not to be too philosophical, I think Americans need to internalize the idea of 'LIVE in moderation.' Have balance. It may take more effort or more time, but when you hit that one shot, or if you have already hit that one shot, you will understand how necessary being persistent with this game is. It's your own personal reward that will bring you back to the course, possibly with a client or family member or simply by yourself, searching to repeat that one swing. The one that makes all other worth it.

I caught the eye of the tiger

ESPN.com featured a special interview with a sports analyst asking if Tiger is the most dominating athlete ever. Personally, I love the fact that golf, a sport often left out of 'the scene,' is getting all this publicity, but my skepticism lies in the fact that it may be a bit too hasty of a comment. The two analysts made some good points about Tiger, such as discussing his drought a few years ago and how people questioned whether he would ever be able to play as he did in 2000 when he won three majors and rewrote the records for each. Well, the answer is obvious--he's won 8 of his last 9 and he's putting as if the ball is a magnet to the hole.

The truth is, I love Tiger Woods. As a young aspiring athlete, I can't think of another sports icon today who is as inspirational as this guy is, especially with all of my favorite baseball players getting caught for steroid use (regardless of if they were aware of it or not). Whether it comes to his fitness regimen which has revolutionized the game or his dedication to his own community center for children off the course, or simply the fierceness that he brings to the course every time he steps on the tee box--Woods emanates fear in his competitors and hopeful curiosity in his fans. I've been lucky enough to watch Woods on two separate occasions. Both were Thursdays, and he didn't end up playing up to his standards the days I was there or winning either tournament. However, I saw enough to know: this guy is intimidating.

Although each time I watched him I was blown away by Tiger's attitude and abilities to conquer the golf course, one of these instances ranges far beyond a memorable moment and instead belongs in my personal hall of fame. As my friend and I walked down the 9th hole at Tiger's Target World Challenge two years ago, elated that we weren't in school, we caught up with Tiger and watched him play. Although it wasn't his best day (he only had 3 birdies), we watched him pummel drives, shape gorgeous fades and draws, and slam 4 footers into 'their home.' However, while I was lucky enough to see some truly remarkable shots, the highlight of my day, and possibly teenage life, came in the span of maybe ten seconds or so when I was on one side of the rope waiting for my friend to come out of the restroom. T.W. himself walked right by me. When I think back to it, it reminds me of one of those slow motion scenes in the Matrix when Keanu Reeves and Lawrence Fishburn are defying the laws of physics and gravity all at once. I caught the eye of the Tiger. In pure disbelief, I nodded, not knowing what else to do. Then...he nodded back. It was as if every moment in my short, puny little life had led up to this moment. His tight fitting shirt outlined his muscles. The Nike symbol featured from head to toe made him more than a walking advertisement, but a walking, breathing, shot-making God. 'Focused' doesn't begin to explain his demeanor. 'Competitive' doesn't begin to explain his state of mind. Maybe something a little simpler might do the trick--HUNGRY. This man was hungry for a win. Hungry to show people what he could do. And hungry to spoil the hopes of his competitors.

I am no position to say whether Tiger Woods is the most dominating athlete ever. I have only been around a little while. I know very little of legends like Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan. But what I do know is this: 10 seconds is all it took this man to instill in me two things. First, that I wanted to compete at the highest level of golf as he did. And second, as hard as I worked, and as far as I got--a Tiger would be waiting.

Tiger is the man, but who can or will challenge him?

Tiger is a beast! it's funny how I have been preaching about how great young guys are like Luke Donald and Adam Scott, but the truth is, they've had so many opportunities to capitalize and they haven't done anything of consequence. Tiger just keeps stepping it up, like yesterday when he went 5 under in 4 holes. That's not ordinary. I guess that's just Tiger. But realistically, as a young player and addict of the PGA, it's almost upsetting to see Tiger just dominating everyone. No doubt it's unbelievable and I have so much respect for Tiger and his ability to conquer the game. But seriously, when a guy like JB Holmes wins or Daniel Chopra, the public will acknowledge that they are good players, but most likely it's just luck, or 'they had a good week.' No one would say that about Tiger, and why? His history speaks for itself. I want a young guy to challenge him. But I don't mean verbally like Sabbatini did--I mean head to head, one on one on the course. People think the match of the year will come when Tiger faces Mickleson, which is why so many were bummed when Mickleson lost today at the Accenture. But the truth is, I'd prefer to see the original pairing Tiger was in--Tiger Woods vs. hot shot up-and-comer Anthony Kim. Last year I went to the tournament at Riviera and watched Kim on the final day in which he had 9 birdies for a 64, the low of the day. The guy is long off the tee, attacks the pin, and has a touch around the greens that can without a doubt make him a contender in any tournament he enters into. I vividly remember him making four birdies in a row in a 'tiger-esque' way: 300+ drive, wedge to 6 feet to a tucked pin, and after reading the break, sinking the putt with a simple fist pump and glare into the distance waiting to demolish another hole. It was unbelievable that this kid three years older than me was not only contending with the big guns, but giving them a run for their money. He's my pick on my fantasy team, altho

The Beginning of the Beginning

Let's face it,

Too many people assume golf is a sport without substance. Scratch that. Most people don't even consider it a sport, they consider it a leisurely 'game.' But I'm not concerned with what other people think. I know that those people have never felt the intensity of walking down the fairway with a one-stroke lead on the 18th. I know that those people have never drained a 12-footer after reading the line from every angle imaginable. I know those people have never held their finish as they watched their shot sore through the air and roll down the green roadway of fairway. But more than anything, I know that those people associate golf with Tiger Woods and that's just about it.
Well, they're wrong.
I might say to them the old adage, 'Never judge a book by its cover.' Or I might just be blunt and say 'Go grab a club and see how easy this game is.' The truth is, I think golf is one of the hardest sports, if not at the hardest, to thrive in. People say Tiger Woods is the best player ever, and that may be true. They also say that he is unbeatable presently, which may also be true. But then again, you look at events like the Masters last year and a guy like Zach Johnson steps it up, and questions wander through everyone's mind in the form of 'Really? Zach Johnson?' And that's precisely what I mean. Golf is an individual sport. Anyone can have the lead, and just as easily anyone else can take it from them. No matter what your world ranking, no matter was your stats declare--the tee box is 'the great equalizer.'