quote:
It's not just golf. Look at sporting events across the county. Most season tickets (for all sports) are no longer geared toward the middle class. Such things are becoming luxury items. I sure wish this was not the case.

I agree with this. Golf is the canary in the coal mine, but all sports are going through this.

quote:
The best way I can explain this is by using that triangle analogy. One point is affordable prices, the next point is great golf course, and the final point is not overcrowded.

I realize this doesn't factor in driving distance and some other factors. But this is a simplified version of why golf courses don't succeed unless it is used to drive up real estate prices.

I am very familiar with the triangle analogy. The problem I have is that the rush to have every golf course be a "championship course" with a "signature hole", is driving the learner out of the game. The reduction of courses is clearly driving overcrowding as well. When established courses like Sherwood and Fairwood go under without any option to opening up to the public, the duffer gets left behind. And without duffers, the game is stuck in a shrinking model. There has to be a model that can save the courses, even if the original owners go under.

Perhaps it's a function of the sport itself, it being so tied to personal bragging about status.

GEAUX TIGERS

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Posted by DirtyMikeandtheBoys

Member since May 2011

19430 posts

Posted on 2/18/14 at 10:51 am to Thorny

Sorry, we don't allow duffers at Bushwood, I myself am no slouch....

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Posted by Camp Randall

The Shadow of the Valley of Death

Member since Nov 2005

15610 posts

Posted on 2/18/14 at 10:55 am to Thorny

quote:
When established courses like Sherwood and Fairwood go under without any option to opening up to the public, the duffer gets left behind. And without duffers, the game is stuck in a shrinking model. There has to be a model that can save the courses, even if the original owners go under.

Sherwood and Fairwood would still be open if not for the Island, Greystone, and Copper Mill. Old school courses just die sometimes.

Baton Rouge is actually great for beginners...LSU, Webb, City, Dumas, etc. It just kinda sucks for better players.

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Posted by Atom Knab

Baton Rouge

Member since Nov 2013

361 posts

Posted on 2/18/14 at 11:02 am to Thorny

quote:
This about sums up my last 3 or 4 rounds at santa maria. Show up with a 4-some and the guy at the tee asks if we mind 1-2 more join.....

I think this is a product of it being the only public course in BR worth playing.

quote:
I am very familiar with the triangle analogy. The problem I have is that the rush to have every golf course be a "championship course" with a "signature hole", is driving the learner out of the game. The reduction of courses is clearly driving overcrowding as well. When established courses like Sherwood and Fairwood go under without any option to opening up to the public, the duffer gets left behind. And without duffers, the game is stuck in a shrinking model. There has to be a model that can save the courses, even if the original owners go under.

Perhaps it's a function of the sport itself, it being so tied to personal bragging about status.

I've spent the last ten minutes trying to explain my thoughts without getting a TL:DR. Suffice it to say, if there was a model in which a golf course could be saved and remain profitable, people would do it. I worked at a golf course in college and the goal set by management was to break even. Golf courses aren't a profitable venture, which unfortunately means that the golfing public has to suffer.

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