How to get more people to play and get interested in golf

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by walk18

The thing with memberships is then you're playing the same damn course all the time. That would get old quick, unless they have a good reciprocal agreement.

Luckily at my course I never get time to play more than 4 or 5 holes at a time and the greens are different every day. On Tuesday they're too long, too grainy, and so slow you can't get the ball to the hole. On Wednesday they're double cut and quick as linoleum. Good times.

[x129]

Just join a second club. Problem solved. Reciprocal memberships always sound like a good idea when I hear about them but I bet the business reality makes them tricky and there are probably some social issues that would have to be dealt with. The exclusive clubs (or the ones that think they are) would be worried about letting "lessor" players on while the members would whine about the "bad" behavior of the nonmembers and you wouldn't have the same social forces involved they help keep a private club operating smoothly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by walk18

The thing with memberships is then you're playing the same damn course all the time. That would get old quick, unless they have a good reciprocal agreement.

[Moxie Dawn]

You want an outsider's opinion? As stated in another thread, I'm in this forum because zipazoid is my friend and is a golf nut and is constantly showing me threads from this joint and asking me to join the forum and telling me that the next time I'm in Florida we are going to play golf. I didn't ask to play. I was told. And that's fine, because I have never played and enjoy trying new things. So why have I never tried playing golf to this point? Since getting more people to play is the topic of the thread, I'll tell you why I never have so far.

1. It costs too much. That's the number one reason for most people, I think. For a middle or lower-middle class person, the expense can't be justified. I have to pay the bills and feed my kid, and if there is money left, that money goes to some need of my kid or a general household need. It might go to an indulgence, but it will be an indulgence that is more long-lasting than a single round of golf. I live in Alabama where we have the RTJ Golf Trail. Lowest greens fee is $46 with no cart. For forty-six bucks I can take my son to eat and to a movie and buy him a Transformer. Or I can play golf by myself. Which one do you think I'm going to do?

2. So having said that, there is a reasonably well-founded impression that golf is elitist and only for rich people. So let's say I do get a raise and suddenly I have another $46 a week with which to play golf. Yay me! So I'm gonna show up at an RTJ course with my second-hand, mismatched clubs that I found on Craigslist and my Walmart khaki slacks and my New Balance track shoes (because there is no way I'm dropping a hundred bucks on "golf" shoes), and I'm gonna play? With you guys? I think not. I'm intimidated by you. Even if I was a man I would be, because men compare themselves based on stuff and money. Which you have and I don't. I don't fit in with you and I have a good idea I'm not welcome. Why would I think that? How about this:

Originally Posted by meenman

This is one is way out of line - you pay to be a member at a private club. With all the horror stories I hear on this board alone about etiquette and slow play - I do NOT want the outside public on my course.

I pay top dollar for my course that has not been destroyed by those that dont care, for my weekend rounds that rarely hit 4 hours and for the general social situation.

If people cant afford to join, they do not belong. That's what public courses are for.

3. I'm female. And yes, I know plenty of women play and there's the LPGA and all that, but golf is a very segregated sport in terms of the sexes. Every year there's that damn debate about letting women join Augusta (which I'm against; private clubs set their rules and that's how it should be), and even in this forum there is the faint aroma of misogyny. Don't get all mad about it. I don't hold locker-room talk against a man, and I'm sure the majority of you are outstanding persons. But still, there's that faint aroma. And that's just another reason for me to be intimidated by the idea of going to a course where the majority of players are men.

So those are my primary reasons. And believe me, I will be delighted for you to explain why I am dead wrong about all those notions because it will make me feel a lot better about playing golf with zip when I go to Florida.

[newtogolf]

I wouldn't say you're dead wrong but maybe a bit biased.  Golf can be expensive but it's about priorities.  You could take your son to the range, rent a club and spend an hour or two there learning to play together rather than sit in a movie and stare at a screen.  You can play at a municipal course during twilight hours and spend about $25 for nine holes.  On most muni courses people aren't wearing the latest Puma shorts and golf shirt or sporting $100+ golf shoes and expensive clubs.

Country club golf is intimidating and expensive.  You pay a premium for exclusivity, access to a well maintained course and comraderie among people you share a common passion with.  I thought much like you that golf was for rich prima donna's who walk around with their noses up in the air.  I'm sure some clubs like that exist and there are a few snobs in my club but it's not nearly as bad as I thought.

I took my wife and kids to a movie last night, between the movie and snacks we easily spent $120, we sat there in silence and watched a movie.  Today I took my son to the range, it cost me $24, we enjoyed the beautiful day and had a blast together laughing and teasing each other at how bad some of our shots were.

What I'm saying is if you want to find excuses not to play golf, or why other activities are better use of your money it's easily done.  I suggest you take Zip up on his offer and give golf a honest chance, I'm guessing you'll change your mind.

Originally Posted by Moxie Dawn

So those are my primary reasons. And believe me, I will be delighted for you to explain why I am dead wrong about all those notions because it will make me feel a lot better about playing golf with zip when I go to Florida.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by Moxie Dawn

You want an outsider's opinion? As stated in another thread, I'm in this forum because zipazoid is my friend and is a golf nut and is constantly showing me threads from this joint and asking me to join the forum and telling me that the next time I'm in Florida we are going to play golf. I didn't ask to play. I was told. And that's fine, because I have never played and enjoy trying new things. So why have I never tried playing golf to this point? Since getting more people to play is the topic of the thread, I'll tell you why I never have so far.

1. It costs too much. That's the number one reason for most people, I think. For a middle or lower-middle class person, the expense can't be justified. I have to pay the bills and feed my kid, and if there is money left, that money goes to some need of my kid or a general household need. It might go to an indulgence, but it will be an indulgence that is more long-lasting than a single round of golf. I live in Alabama where we have the RTJ Golf Trail. Lowest greens fee is $46 with no cart. For forty-six bucks I can take my son to eat and to a movie and buy him a Transformer. Or I can play golf by myself. Which one do you think I'm going to do?

2. So having said that, there is a reasonably well-founded impression that golf is elitist and only for rich people. So let's say I do get a raise and suddenly I have another $46 a week with which to play golf. Yay me! So I'm gonna show up at an RTJ course with my second-hand, mismatched clubs that I found on Craigslist and my Walmart khaki slacks and my New Balance track shoes (because there is no way I'm dropping a hundred bucks on "golf" shoes), and I'm gonna play? With you guys? I think not. I'm intimidated by you. Even if I was a man I would be, because men compare themselves based on stuff and money. Which you have and I don't. I don't fit in with you and I have a good idea I'm not welcome. Why would I think that? How about this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by meenman

This is one is way out of line - you pay to be a member at a private club. With all the horror stories I hear on this board alone about etiquette and slow play - I do NOT want the outside public on my course.

I pay top dollar for my course that has not been destroyed by those that dont care, for my weekend rounds that rarely hit 4 hours and for the general social situation.

If people cant afford to join, they do not belong. That's what public courses are for.

3. I'm female. And yes, I know plenty of women play and there's the LPGA and all that, but golf is a very segregated sport in terms of the sexes. Every year there's that damn debate about letting women join Augusta (which I'm against; private clubs set their rules and that's how it should be), and even in this forum there is the faint aroma of misogyny. Don't get all mad about it. I don't hold locker-room talk against a man, and I'm sure the majority of you are outstanding persons. But still, there's that faint aroma. And that's just another reason for me to be intimidated by the idea of going to a course where the majority of players are men.

So those are my primary reasons. And believe me, I will be delighted for you to explain why I am dead wrong about all those notions because it will make me feel a lot better about playing golf with zip when I go to Florida.

You're not dead wrong. You're dead right on all 3 counts. I'm a man and I agree with #1 100%.

For $60 I can play one 18 hole round. For $50 I got my daughter a season's pass at a local pitch and putt and I got one too so we can play together. Got a range pass there too so we can hit balls.

My adult season's pass cost me (or rather, cost our family budget) $1200. For $1200 I can get a year and a half membership for the entire family to use all the City owned facilities (gymnastics club, 3 swimming pools including 2 centres with water slides and wave pools, gymnasiums, ice rinks, indoor soccer, climbing walls, and on and on). Every time I stop and play golf without my wife or my kids I feel like a selfish tool.

[Moxie Dawn]

No, don't feel like a selfish tool. People need, NEED, time alone and individual pursuits. I wouldn't suggest anyone feel guilty about enjoying something they love as long as they are keeping proper priorities. And I don't mean to imply that people who spend a lot of money on golf are selfish at all. If you can do it then by all means do it.

[BWChuck]

Originally Posted by Moxie Dawn

2. So having said that, there is a reasonably well-founded impression that golf is elitist and only for rich people. So let's say I do get a raise and suddenly I have another $46 a week with which to play golf. Yay me! So I'm gonna show up at an RTJ course with my second-hand, mismatched clubs that I found on Craigslist and my Walmart khaki slacks and my New Balance track shoes (because there is no way I'm dropping a hundred bucks on "golf" shoes), and I'm gonna play? With you guys? I think not. I'm intimidated by you. Even if I was a man I would be, because men compare themselves based on stuff and money. Which you have and I don't. I don't fit in with you and I have a good idea I'm not welcome. Why would I think that?

Very few golfers start out with quality equipment/attire, and it is totally unnecessary to have a good time.  The majority of good golfers will never judge any new player based on their "mismatched clubs" or clothing.  What people will judge new players on, is their lack of etiquette and/or respect for the course and the people playing on it.  Basic etiquette can be understood in a 5 minute conversation.  Golf can be intimidating at first, but for very different reasons than you state.  It can be a little embarrassing to hit bad shots at first, but you'll soon see that most golfers actually enjoy seeing people trying to learn the game that they have learned to love so much, everyone started at some point.

As for "men compare themselves based on money and stuff."  I could not disagree more.  I feel that statement is much more true of women, whereas men, compare themselves on competitiveness and performance.

[The Recreational Golfer]

First of all, we all know golf a difficult sport to play, and has a steep learning curve. In my area, executive courses and par-3s, the best places to learn to play golf and be a golfer, are going out of business. Perhaps an executive course and a regulation course could set up a partnership of some kind with green fees discounts that would encourage newbies to play on the shorter course, giving those courses business and putting the newbies in a more comfortable setting more often that not.

Cost is a factor, but there are courses in my area where you can play 18 for under $40. You can pick up a set of clubs at a second-hand store that will do while you are seeing if golf is something you really want to take up. You can spend $100s later if you want to.

Then there's the whole bit about learning how to behave on the course (etiquette) and how to keep play moving (no slow play). Not much of that is intuitive, but needs to be taught. Another hill to climb.

My loopy idea is that golf courses should be built with 21 holes, not eighteen. The extra three (non-challenging) holes would be for beginners only, where they could get their feet wet and get comfortable being on a golf course before they had to start driving in the fast lane/jump into the deep end of the pool/insert metaphor.

The best way to get women to start playing is through a women's club outreach.

[Moxie Dawn]

Originally Posted by BWChuck

Very few golfers start out with quality equipment/attire, and it is totally unnecessary to have a good time.  The majority of good golfers will never judge any new player based on their "mismatched clubs" or clothing.  What people will judge new players on, is their lack of etiquette and/or respect for the course and the people playing on it.  Basic etiquette can be understood in a 5 minute conversation.  Golf can be intimidating at first, but for very different reasons than you state.  It can be a little embarrassing to hit bad shots at first, but you'll soon see that most golfers actually enjoy seeing people trying to learn the game that they have learned to love so much, everyone started at some point.

As for "men compare themselves based on money and stuff."  I could not disagree more.  I feel that statement is much more true of women, whereas men, compare themselves on competitiveness and performance.

Women compare themselves based on appearance first and foremost. Is she prettier, skinnier, younger, etc. That will always be the first comparison we make. We are creatures of incredibly low self-esteem quite often. And I agree with what you said about men, but don't forget competitiveness is often expressed in job title and paycheck.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by Moxie Dawn

No, don't feel like a selfish tool. People need, NEED, time alone and individual pursuits. I wouldn't suggest anyone feel guilty about enjoying something they love as long as they are keeping proper priorities. And I don't mean to imply that people who spend a lot of money on golf are selfish at all. If you can do it then by all means do it.

I need an individual pursuit that I can share with my daughter. For now, golf fits the bill. When my son is her age we may be onto something else. Maybe canoeing.

[BWChuck]

Originally Posted by Moxie Dawn

Women compare themselves based on appearance first and foremost. Is she prettier, skinnier, younger, etc. That will always be the first comparison we make. We are creatures of incredibly low self-esteem quite often. And I agree with what you said about men, but don't forget competitiveness is often expressed in job title and paycheck.

Fair enough, but I will add that a guy with 1200 dollar clubs and the attire to match that can't get the ball off the ground, will be judged much more than the guy in jeans that can play good golf.

[Moxie Dawn]

Oh, I definitely agree with that.

[The Recreational Golfer]

Moxie, meeman, sean, everybody else -- what does all this have to do with finding ways to get more people interested in golf?

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by The Recreational Golfer

Moxie, meeman, sean, everybody else -- what does all this have to do with finding ways to get more people interested in golf?

People do not feel welcomed at many, if not most, golf courses. People do not typically want to spend money taking part in activities where they do not feel welcomed.

Do you get it now?

[iacas]

Originally Posted by The Recreational Golfer

Moxie, meeman, sean, everybody else -- what does all this have to do with finding ways to get more people interested in golf?

I don't know, but this is the last post that's about the dress code. We have plenty of other threads for that talk.

In fact, I'm just going to move those posts to one of them: http://thesandtrap.com/t/15300/dress-codes-good-or-bad-for-the-game/594#post_716482 .

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by iacas

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Recreational Golfer

Moxie, meeman, sean, everybody else -- what does all this have to do with finding ways to get more people interested in golf?

I don't know, but this is the last post that's about the dress code. We have plenty of other threads for that talk.

In fact, I'm just going to move those posts to one of them: http://thesandtrap.com/t/15300/dress-codes-good-or-bad-for-the-game/594#post_716482 .

Golf takes too long to play, it's too expensive, and it's extremely boring relative to other activities.

[The Tin Man]

I would rather more people quit playing..........it's crowded enough here.

Los Angeles Muni's are the only thing the city owns that's making money.

[BWChuck]

Originally Posted by 1puttit

What has really hurt the game is the demise of the cheap 9 hole course. In Chicagoland at least, most of them are gone because the land was more valuable so it was sold off to build houses.

+1

I learned on a "pitch 'n putt," and am honestly not sure if I would have taken to the game without it.

So, if this is the case, and they are being shut down faster than born, why is this happening and what can we do about it?