Is cost the reason for decline in new golfers?

**sgt1372** · September 24, 2014

I think intimidation, lack of tolerance, and pride are causing the decline in golf.

By intimidation I mean if you've never been to a golf course before and unless you are going to play with a friend it can be intimidating, and most people will not pick up the sport for this reason. How many new people end up just going on their own and playing 9 holes, I don't know of any.

By pride I mean people just won't play if they aren't very good, I know a few people who won't play anymore because we got better and they didn't. So they are embarrassed because well they aren't very good, but golf is supposed to be fun so just go have fun, screw what other think.

By lack of tolerance I mean there is a lack of tolerance for people who's average shot is 50 yds because they are starting off and can't get the ball up in the air or when they do they don't go where they mean it to. They also play a lot slower than someone who hits 2 or 3 shots to get to the green, patience is a virtue that very few people have these days. Everyone is in a hurry and on the courses I play there can be some really rude golfers if someone is slowing things down a little if they are new.

I agree with the responses that point to the lack of time, difficulty of the game and cost as the main reasons why fewer people are interested in learning how to play (or in continuing to play) golf.

Difficulty :

I'm 64, retired and am more than reasonably athletic for my age. I just picked up the game and have spent 4-5 hours/day 2-3x's a week over the past 6 weeks trying to learn how to hit the ball reasonably straight and with sufficient distance with ALL of my clubs to make par on a 3/4 par 9 hole course. That's a lot of effort that many people are not willing to expend to learn anything, let alone golf. Golf, as I've learned, is a very "technical" sport that requires the ability to hit the ball w/different types/lengths of clubs in different circumstances with accuracy, which is VERY hard to do once, let alone w/consistency. No wonder people (who take the sport too seriously) have fits and break their clubs and/or quit the game in frustration.

Time :

As noted above, it takes a lot of time to just learn how to play the game. After that, it takes a lot of time to get away to just play the game.

I haven't played a full 18 hole course yet but I have played several 9 hole courses ALONE already. It can take me 45 min-1hr to get to just get to the golf course, 1.5-2 hours to play and another 45min-1 hr to get home, not including additional time to eat lunch, go to the bathroom or change my shoes. So, that's up to 4 hours to play 9 holes in the middle of a weekday.; I only play on weekdays. Despite being retired, I've got a "life" and I really don't want to spend an entire day playing 18 holes. Might do it once in awhile in the future but, for me, 9 holes is all I need and even that takes just about all the time I want to spend in a day on it.

Cost :

Cost is relative but you do need $$$ to play this game. Fortunately, I have all the money I need but I didn't go crazy getting started. Even so, I've paid over $500 for some pretty good used golf clubs (clubs that cost over $2k new), a used bag for $50, new golf shoes/gloves for $100, and extra $ for tees, a towel, divot tool and other accessories. I paid $70 for 5 beginner PGA lessons and paid another $55 (at a discount) for 5 additional lessons. I've paid $7-10 for a large bucket of balls each time I practiced on the range, which up to now probably amounts to over $100 but I also saved some money by scrounging for unused balls that others left/leave lying around on the range. I've spent $10-21 to play various 9 hole courses (so far) and about $4-8/per trip to visit those courses; not including $$ for food/drink for lunch after playing. I haven't added it all up but I wouldn't be surprised if I've spent about $1k in just 2 months learning how to play and playing golf. That's a lot of money for many people; more than enough to stop them from playing.

Not sure about intimidation, pride and lack of tolerance.

Intimidation :

FWIW, I'm one of those golf newbies who, after learning how to hit the ball relatively straight on the range, has started to go out on his own to play on 9 hole courses. So, intimidation was not a factor stopping me from playing golf. Might be for some but, if you're interested enough in learning how to play the game, I don't think the lack of a partner would stop anybody.

Pride :

Although I thought I was reasonably good on the range, it's clear that I suck on the course BUT, since I play alone and I DO NOT keep score, it doesn't matter. No pride or embarrassment involved. Rules? What rules? If I hit a lousy shot, I just hit another (and another, and another), as long as it doesn't slow play down for others, until I hit one I like and (if I can find them) pick up all the balls I don't like. I know I suck but as long as I don't keep score and try to brag about how "good" I am, it doesn't matter. Saw a group of 4 golfers on a course today, who were worst than me, and they didn't seem to mind either. The key is NOT taking the game and your inability to play it well too seriously. It only matters if you have FUN doing it and if you do that's all that matters.

Intolerance :

I haven't run into that on a course yet BUT, even if I do, I'd just let it pass. I don't hit the ball so short that I would hold up play anywhere BUT I still need to work on my game and want the time to be able to do it and, if others are in a hurry, I'd just take a rest and let them play through. No big deal to me.

**Infamous 273** · September 24, 2014

00:00 & $

**Lihu** · September 24, 2014

That's sounds good. Your signature says So Cal. In St Pete on business?

Yes, on business, and I had no idea you were so close.

**inthehole** · September 24, 2014

The reason i never wanted to try golf & waited until mid-40's to start (both my brothers played their entire adult lives) ... was simply I knew golf would be HARD to get good at & I didn't need another hobby, so I couldn't afford the time to learn it (I was fishing competitively every weekend) & didn't want to do it half assed.

I think most people know golf is hard & figure it would take too much effort to learn to do it well.

Furthermore, think back to your high school days ... you always had the athletes and those in gym class with at least decent hand eye coordination ... and then you had probably >50% of the other kids that just weren't very athletic at all - those without basic athletic aptitude would likely have no interest whatsoever in golf, which would continue into their adult lives...

**Jeremie Boop** · September 24, 2014

That is why I said, "if you are planning to". It is kinda stupid to just pay for a membership and not get the benefit out of it.

You can plan on playing a lot, but that still doesn't mean you'll have $850 in your pocket to pay for it ahead of time, that's what my point was.

**saevel25** · September 24, 2014

You can plan on playing a lot, but that still doesn't mean you'll have $850 in your pocket to pay for it ahead of time, that's what my point was.

Save up for it. I never assumed that this would be a spontaneous buy that someone has to have the money on hand. I get some people just can't afford that at all. If a person is going to play a significant amount, and doesn't mine playing the same course, then I would say it should be something to look into.

**Jeremie Boop** · September 24, 2014

Save up for it. I never assumed that this would be a spontaneous buy that someone has to have the money on hand. I get some people just can't afford that at all. If a person is going to play a significant amount, and doesn't mine playing the same course, then I would say it should be something to look into.

I don't think you are understanding what I am saying. Even saving $850 isn't easy for a lot of people, especially those with families. It's much easier to play as you have the money available. I completely understand what you are saying about the value of getting a membership in regards to being able to play a lot of golf through the season, but it's just not practical to say "save up the money for a membership if you struggle with the cost of greens fees"...

**Flav** · September 24, 2014

Memberships are they way to go if you don't mind playing the same course more times than not. Cost is something you can control as is the time in most cases. In my opinion people who like golf will stick around no matter what. They will find a way to play once or twice a month, even if it's just a charity scramble tournaments. They understand golf is not a game to be mastered. People with no patience are the ones who leave it before they even give it a chance. People who are good or great at other sports and expect it to be the same with golf right from the start leave. Those with patience and an understanding golf can be an unforgiving game stay and relish the good shots. One way to reverse the decline would be for the pga, usga start a positive campaign. Get adds with people saying why they started and why they like to play. Get more courses to start buddy programs. My club pairs potential members and first time players with current members who volunteer to play with them. Usually involves no swing tips etc but help with etiquette and taking the intimidation factor away. There are simple steps to take to solve this dilemma until the economy picks up.

**newtogolf** · September 24, 2014

I don't think you are understanding what I am saying. Even saving $850 isn't easy for a lot of people, especially those with families. It's much easier to play as you have the money available. I completely understand what you are saying about the value of getting a membership in regards to being able to play a lot of golf through the season, but it's just not practical to say "save up the money for a membership if you struggle with the cost of greens fees"...

I would discourage someone from waking up one day proclaiming they are going to be a golfer, then proceed to withdraw $850 from their bank accounts and head off to the local golf store.

I'm currently helping my daughters boyfriend get into golf. Fortunately for him he's a lefty so I was able to provide him with one all his clubs to "borrow". Most people know a golfer and most golfers have some spare clubs hanging around that they'd lend a friend. Golf isn't for everyone, maybe the problem golf has is that no one really understands how to get "into" it.

People that are considering golf as a hobby should reach out to any golfers they know or borrow a few clubs. If they don't know any golfers, Golfsmith has a large number of 6 irons for $10 - $20 they could try and a glove for $10.
Take the 6i to the range with a golf buddy or pay for a lesson and practice hitting the 6i. If you decide you like hitting the 6i and want to invest more, head back to Golfsmith and buy a used driver for $30 - $50.

It's crazy to invest any real money into a hobby that you might not even enjoy. If money isn't a huge issue, buy a box set for $100 - $150.

**saevel25** · September 24, 2014

I don't think you are understanding what I am saying. Even saving $850 isn't easy for a lot of people, especially those with families. It's much easier to play as you have the money available. I completely understand what you are saying about the value of getting a membership in regards to being able to play a lot of golf through the season, but it's just not practical to say "save up the money for a membership if you struggle with the cost of greens fees"...

That is why I said, " I get some people just can't afford that at all."

**brice** · September 24, 2014

Being 22, the biggest reason I've come across is "Golf's for old people."

**David in FL** · September 24, 2014

I appreciate the offer to look, however I'm pretty good about looking for deals myself. The main issue is anywhere there may be decent deals is 45+ minutes away. I have regularly driven up to and over an hour to play with @saevel25 and @CarlSpackler, however those courses weren't cheap and I wouldn't drive that far just to golf on the cheap because with the gas and travel time it wouldn't be all that cheap would it? My point was, while you may be able to find super cheap golf prices where you are that is not the case for everyone. Therefore the cost of golfing could well be a factor in whether they are able to golf or not.

Really wasn't offering to help you out.....

.......but rather to make a point in this thread. Even if you're so far outside of normal population areas that plentiful, cheap golf is unavailable (and I'll still bet that it is) you represent a very small minority, and as such are an outlier. Certainly not an example of how golf is unaffordable across the spectrum.

Another way to put it into perspective......if you so choose, you can play a round of golf for about what it costs for 2 people to eat at McDonalds. Last I heard, McDonalds wasn't in decline do to their exorbitant cost.....

I live in Largo, which is in Pinellas County just to the west of Tampa. I don't think you could find a goat ranch for under $10 walking!

I know the area well. Here're a bunch, with cart , and I didn't even look at Tampa or down into Bradenton, both a quick drive across the bridge for you.....

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Some are pretty good, some mediocre, but whether you or I would personally choose to play an individual course is irrelevant. People can (and do) play these courses, and as such play golf very inexpensively.

There are a lot of reasons people don't play more golf, or start to play, but golf need NOT be expensive, at all.

Time and difficulty of the game are tops on my list.

**Flav** · September 24, 2014

Being 22, the biggest reason I've come across is "Golf's for old people."

That's why they need youth leagues like Little League for example. Get the younger ones involved more and the sport will lose stereotypes like that and grow.

**brice** · September 24, 2014

On the baseless guess that most people begin golf between the ages of 35-45, maybe the fact that this age group makes up a smaller percentage of the population than it did 14 years ago has something to do with it. I can't find an actual stat of when people normally take up golf

**Jeremie Boop** · September 24, 2014

Really wasn't offering to help you out.....

.......but rather to make a point in this thread. Even if you're so far outside of normal population areas that plentiful, cheap golf is unavailable (and I'll still bet that it is) you represent a very small minority, and as such are an outlier. Certainly not an example of how golf is unaffordable across the spectrum.

Another way to put it into perspective......if you so choose, you can play a round of golf for about what it costs for 2 people to eat at McDonalds. Last I heard, McDonalds wasn't in decline do to their exorbitant cost.....

I'm not "so far outside of populated areas", but I'm not near large cities. Also, it depends on who's eating at McD's whether it's comparable to a round of golf cost wise... If it's 2 people like me we could golf at a decent course for what it costs haha.

If the cost of golf wasn't an issue at least for a decent number of people it wouldn't even be in the discussion, however it seems that it is at least enough of a problem that it warrants consideration. One point I'd like to clear up, those prices you listed, are those for today? If so, you are showing times that most people wouldn't be able to play due to being at work, which is what I had mentioned before about the cheapest prices being during times that most people can't play *weekdays before 4 or 5 depending on your job*. Having super cheap golf prices at times that are during work hours is like having cheap gas at a station you can't get to....

**David in FL** · September 24, 2014

I'm not "so far outside of populated areas", but I'm not near large cities. Also, it depends on who's eating at McD's whether it's comparable to a round of golf cost wise... If it's 2 people like me we could golf at a decent course for what it costs haha.

If the cost of golf wasn't an issue at least for a decent number of people it wouldn't even be in the discussion, however it seems that it is at least enough of a problem that it warrants consideration. One point I'd like to clear up, those prices you listed, are those for today? If so, you are showing times that most people wouldn't be able to play due to being at work, which is what I had mentioned before about the cheapest prices being during times that most people can't play *weekdays before 4 or 5 depending on your job*. Having super cheap golf prices at times that are during work hours is like having cheap gas at a station you can't get to....

People perceive that golf has to be expensive. Unfortunately, a lot of experienced golfers tend to think so too, and don't do enough to counter that. If we want to grow this game, we need to be ready to step in and prove otherwise when we hear the "it's too damn expensive" argument. Borrow a set of clubs, pick up a dozen cheap balls at Dick's and take 'em to play 9 holes for $7 after work.

.....and yep, you can find the same cheap golf in the evenings and on the weekends too.

**Lihu** · September 24, 2014

Really wasn't offering to help you out..... :-P .......but rather to make a point in this thread. Even if you're so far outside of normal population areas that plentiful, cheap golf is unavailable (and I'll still bet that it is) you represent a very small minority, and as such are an outlier. Certainly not an example of how golf is unaffordable across the spectrum. Another way to put it into perspective......if you so choose, you can play a round of golf for about what it costs for 2 people to eat at McDonalds. Last I heard, McDonalds wasn't in decline do to their exorbitant cost..... I know the area well. Here're a bunch, with cart , and I didn't even look at Tampa or down into Bradenton, both a quick drive across the bridge for you..... [TR] [TD] [/TD] [/TR]

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DZD - Algerian DinarARS - Argentine PesoAUD - Australian DollarBHD - Bahraini DinarBDT - Bangladeshi TakaBOB - Bolivian BolivianoBWP - Botswanan PulaBRL - Brazilian RealGBP - British Pound SterlingBND - Brunei DollarBGN - Bulgarian LevXOF - CFA Franc BCEAOCAD - Canadian DollarKYD - Cayman Islands DollarCLP - Chilean PesoCNY - Chinese Yuan RenminbiCOP - Colombian PesoCRC - Costa Rican ColonHRK - Croatian KunaCZK - Czech Republic KorunaDKK - Danish KroneDOP - Dominican PesoEGP - Egyptian PoundEEK - Estonian KroonEUR - EuroFJD - Fijian DollarHNL - Honduran LempiraHKD - Hong Kong DollarHUF - Hungarian ForintISK - Icelandic KronaINR - Indian RupeeIDR - Indonesian RupiahILS - Israeli New SheqelJMD - Jamaican DollarJPY - Japanese YenJOD - Jordanian DinarKZT - Kazakhstan TengeKES - Kenyan ShillingKWD - Kuwaiti DinarLVL - Latvian LatsLBP - Lebanese PoundLTL - Lithuanian LitasMKD - Macedonian DenarMYR - Malaysian RinggitMVR - Maldivian RufiyaaMUR - Mauritian RupeeMXN - Mexican PesoMDL - Moldovan LeuMAD - Moroccan DirhamNAD - Namibian DollarNPR - Nepalese RupeeANG - Netherlands Antillean GuilderTWD - New Taiwan DollarNZD - New Zealand DollarNIO - Nicaraguan Cordoba OroNGN - Nigerian NairaNOK - Norwegian KroneOMR - Omani RialPKR - Pakistani RupeePGK - Papua New Guinean KinaPYG - Paraguayan GuaraniPEN - Peruvian Nuevo SolPHP - Philippine PesoPLN - Polish ZlotyQAR - Qatari RialRON - Romanian LeuRUB - Russian RubleSVC - Salvadoran ColonSAR - Saudi RiyalRSD - Serbian DinarSCR - Seychellois RupeeSLL - Sierra Leonean LeoneSGD - Singapore DollarSKK - Slovak KorunaZAR - South African RandKRW - South Korean WonLKR - Sri Lanka RupeeSEK - Swedish KronaCHF - Swiss FrancTZS - Tanzanian ShillingTHB - Thai BahtTTD - Trinidad and Tobago DollarTND - Tunisian DinarTRY - Turkish LiraUSD - US DollarUGX - Ugandan ShillingUAH - Ukrainian HryvniaAED - United Arab Emirates DirhamUYU - Uruguayan PesoUZS - Uzbekistan SomVEF - Venezuelan Bolivar FuerteVND - Vietnamese DongYER - Yemeni RialZMK - Zambian Kwacha

DZD - Algerian DinarARS - Argentine PesoAUD - Australian DollarBHD - Bahraini DinarBDT - Bangladeshi TakaBOB - Bolivian BolivianoBWP - Botswanan PulaBRL - Brazilian RealGBP - British Pound SterlingBND - Brunei DollarBGN - Bulgarian LevXOF - CFA Franc BCEAOCAD - Canadian DollarKYD - Cayman Islands DollarCLP - Chilean PesoCNY - Chinese Yuan RenminbiCOP - Colombian PesoCRC - Costa Rican ColonHRK - Croatian KunaCZK - Czech Republic KorunaDKK - Danish KroneDOP - Dominican PesoEGP - Egyptian PoundEEK - Estonian KroonEUR - EuroFJD - Fijian DollarHNL - Honduran LempiraHKD - Hong Kong DollarHUF - Hungarian ForintISK - Icelandic KronaINR - Indian RupeeIDR - Indonesian RupiahILS - Israeli New SheqelJMD - Jamaican DollarJPY - Japanese YenJOD - Jordanian DinarKZT - Kazakhstan TengeKES - Kenyan ShillingKWD - Kuwaiti DinarLVL - Latvian LatsLBP - Lebanese PoundLTL - Lithuanian LitasMKD - Macedonian DenarMYR - Malaysian RinggitMVR - Maldivian RufiyaaMUR - Mauritian RupeeMXN - Mexican PesoMDL - Moldovan LeuMAD - Moroccan DirhamNAD - Namibian DollarNPR - Nepalese RupeeANG - Netherlands Antillean GuilderTWD - New Taiwan DollarNZD - New Zealand DollarNIO - Nicaraguan Cordoba OroNGN - Nigerian NairaNOK - Norwegian KroneOMR - Omani RialPKR - Pakistani RupeePGK - Papua New Guinean KinaPYG - Paraguayan GuaraniPEN - Peruvian Nuevo SolPHP - Philippine PesoPLN - Polish ZlotyQAR - Qatari RialRON - Romanian LeuRUB - Russian RubleSVC - Salvadoran ColonSAR - Saudi RiyalRSD - Serbian DinarSCR - Seychellois RupeeSLL - Sierra Leonean LeoneSGD - Singapore DollarSKK - Slovak KorunaZAR - South African RandKRW - South Korean WonLKR - Sri Lanka RupeeSEK - Swedish KronaCHF - Swiss FrancTZS - Tanzanian ShillingTHB - Thai BahtTTD - Trinidad and Tobago DollarTND - Tunisian DinarTRY - Turkish LiraUSD - US DollarUGX - Ugandan ShillingUAH - Ukrainian HryvniaAED - United Arab Emirates DirhamUYU - Uruguayan PesoUZS - Uzbekistan SomVEF - Venezuelan Bolivar FuerteVND - Vietnamese DongYER - Yemeni RialZMK - Zambian Kwacha

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Some are pretty good, some mediocre, but whether you or I would personally choose to play an individual course is irrelevant. People can (and do) play these courses, and as such play golf very inexpensively. There are a lot of reasons people don't play more golf, or start to play, but golf need NOT be expensive, at all. Time and difficulty of the game are tops on my list.

Cost is definitely not an issue in FL, and I think time is an issue. Pace of play with 3:30 rounds is still a long time. On the other hand, I used to see lots of people standing around waiting for all the machines at the local gym. It usually took a good 3 hours to get a decent workout, mostly waiting for the machines. Difficulty is being reduced by new instruction like 5SK and LSW, and it only took me a year to go from a weed whacker to hacker. I think it might be stigma. Nike seems to be doing an ad campaign geared towards the young and "athletic" crowd. If people think they can get a good workout from golf, more might be prone to doing it. Even 4 years ago, I had no idea you could get a decent workout from golf. I just thought it was only for a bunch of overweight middle aged men. Now I know.

**Jeremie Boop** · September 24, 2014

People perceive that golf has to be expensive. Unfortunately, a lot of experienced golfers tend to think so too, and don't do enough to counter that. If we want to grow this game, we need to be ready to step in and prove otherwise when we hear the "it's too damn expensive" argument. Borrow a set of clubs, pick up a dozen cheap balls at Dick's and take 'em to play 9 holes for $7 after work.

.....and yep, I can find the same cheap golf in the evenings and on the weekends too.

Fixed it for you

You keep forgetting, or chose not to care, that those cheap prices aren't everywhere. Regardless, this back and forth is pointless. You and I won't be on the same page because we don't have the same experiences when it comes to the cost of a round of golf.

On a side note, thank's for letting me know how nice it must be to live down there with so many courses to play at such good prices, some day I'll retire and move there.

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