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.