I believe that golf is attracting new players...what is not doing is attracting committed players and that is why pace of play suffers. there are plenty of new players that like going out to the course and drink beers and fool around for 5 hrs, out of those that like the social aspects off going out to the course with their buddies not enough are doing it to learn and get better at the game. It could be the price also..here around NYC i can't get a round for less than $48 walking unless you get a super twilight during the week..