Comments on: Bad Times on the Links http://www.thebusinessofsports.com/2008/12/15/bad-times-for-the-sport-of-kings/ News and opinions on the business side of sports Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:59:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Ryan B http://www.thebusinessofsports.com/2008/12/15/bad-times-for-the-sport-of-kings/comment-page-1/#comment-426 Ryan B Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:09:05 +0000 http://www.thebusinessofsports.com/?p=446#comment-426 I don't think there's any doubt that the recession will negatively impact many in the golf industry, but I think its a bit more nuanced than the doom and gloom scenarios that some have painted. Based on conversations I've had with people in the golf course management industry, avid golfers are playing as much as ever... but they are shopping around more for cheaper greens fees and are looking for better deals on equipment and clothing. So, a lot of the high-end courses are suffering and have been forced to reevaluate their business models, while many of the mid- and lower-tier courses are actually seeing a spike in rounds played. It should also be noted that a lot of work is being done in the industry to attract new and younger participants to the game to ensure the sport's long-term health. For example, the First Tee National School Program has introduced the game of golf to students at more than 2,000 elementary schools during physical education classes in the past four years. For more about the First Tee, visit www.thefirsttee.org I don’t think there’s any doubt that the recession will negatively impact many in the golf industry, but I think its a bit more nuanced than the doom and gloom scenarios that some have painted. Based on conversations I’ve had with people in the golf course management industry, avid golfers are playing as much as ever… but they are shopping around more for cheaper greens fees and are looking for better deals on equipment and clothing. So, a lot of the high-end courses are suffering and have been forced to reevaluate their business models, while many of the mid- and lower-tier courses are actually seeing a spike in rounds played.

It should also be noted that a lot of work is being done in the industry to attract new and younger participants to the game to ensure the sport’s long-term health. For example, the First Tee National School Program has introduced the game of golf to students at more than 2,000 elementary schools during physical education classes in the past four years. For more about the First Tee, visit http://www.thefirsttee.org

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