The state of Golf down worldwide

[golfer]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

For me, it's all about the time investment. I cannot do the 5hr rounds on a regular basis. The pace of play is a huge problem for me. It's nothing new, but as I get older, I can't tolerate it like I could in the past. My typical round is to tee off at first light (zero exaggeration there, I've lost many a stray ball on the first tee because we couldn't see well enough) and get home by 10am. I've turned down many invites to play between 9am and noon. I can't give up a full day for a round of golf.

Living in Florida, the amount of courses within a short drive of my home has driven prices down. The courses that haven't reduced rates, have not survived. So, the cost is not an issue. There are many courses around here subscribing to the less water and chemicals maintenance plan as Kev described. I'm not a huge fan, but have grown used to hitting off rougher fairways and rougher rough as long as the greens aren't skimped upon and putts roll true. I understand that these courses are in full survival mode.

I have basically stopped playing for the last 6 months or so. Cost and pace of play are big factors. For me, $35 to $45 minimum for a round of golf here in Jacksonville is too expensive. I realize that this may seem reasonable to many, but I know for a fact in Kevin's area, golf is plentiful and much cheaper, especially during the weekdays.

As far as pace of play goes, I know a 2 or 3some can tool around 18 holes in 3 to 3.5 hours on a delay-free course. But you certainly are hard pressed to find that on the weekend, anywhere. We have lost a bunch of local courses over the last 5 to 10 years, which is probably a factor in the pace of play issue as well.

It seems to me from where I sit, that golf courses attempt to make up for lost revenue from less play by getting more $ from the people to do come out (this is perception, not necessarily reality). Which isn't a great way of doing business as far as I'm concerned.

It also doesn't help watching a certain kid (who will not be named) out drive you by 50 yards (MINIMUM) on every tee-shot, but that's a problem for me to deal with, and has little to do with the overall topic

[jms62]

I guess I am fortunate as I live 10 minutes from a course and the group I am with has had first tee time Sat and Sunday for 15 years. During the spring and summer we are out at 6:30 and off by 9:30 or 10. Cost is reasonable around 2700 for year which gets you unlimited play but you need to use(pay for) cart on weekends. Those getting out on this course 10 am usually face a 6 hour round. I wouldnt play if I were facing that especially when Toga opens.

[Benny]

Originally Posted by jms62

I guess I am fortunate as I live 10 minutes from a course and the group I am with has had first tee time Sat and Sunday for 15 years. During the spring and summer we are out at 6:30 and off by 9:30 or 10. Cost is reasonable around 2700 for year which gets you unlimited play but you need to use(pay for) cart on weekends. Those getting out on this course 10 am usually face a 6 hour round. I wouldnt play if I were facing that especially when Toga opens.

Yes, you are fortunate. Those 5-6 hour weekend rounds are no fun,havenot done it for years,but others have little choice.

Then there is the topic of rangers and keeping up the pace of play. how many courses now have aggressive rules to keep things moving ?

Some people should not be out on a course that iss too hard for them, but should be on 9 holers, or on pitch and putt courses, this is a big reason for slow play and 6 hour rounds. Guys hear about courses and want to play but donot have the ability to play and don't care, and the courses don't say or do anything to keep up play.,

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by Benny

Some people should not be out on a course that iss too hard for them, but should be on 9 holers, or on pitch and putt courses, this is a big reason for slow play and 6 hour rounds. Guys hear about courses and want to play but donot have the ability to play and don't care, and the courses don't say or do anything to keep up play.,

Completely agree with you, and hitting into a group to get them going is a lost art.

[Heels1989]

Originally Posted by dellinger63

Completely agree with you, and hitting into a group to get them going is a lost art.

http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/...fr=iphone&tt=b

[GPK]

I miss playing. I love playing. I realize my situation is different, but there was 8 year stretch or so, that I played 5 days a week, easily. There was never a problem finding a game, especially cash games. Like most, priorities are different now. I have said it before, if I never play another round of golf in my life, I will still have played a ton of golf.

You tampa reunion boys need to take heed. I already told Heels I'm gonna be hitting balls everyday at work between now and then. I will be primed and ready to wear you f*ckers out. especially the bowling shirt wearing, Chitown transplant still swinging the 1973 MacGregor Eye-O-Matic persimmon driver.

[knickslions2]

Originally Posted by GPK

I miss playing. I love playing. I realize my situation is different, but there was 8 year stretch or so, that I played 5 days a week, easily. There was never a problem finding a game, especially cash games. Like most, priorities are different now. I have said it before, if I never play another round of golf in my life, I will still have played a ton of golf.

You tampa reunion boys need to take heed. I already told Heels I'm gonna be hitting balls everyday at work between now and then. I will be primed and ready to wear you f*ckers out. especially the bowling shirt wearing, Chitown transplant still swinging the 1973 MacGregor Eye-O-Matic persimmon driver.

Looking forward to seeing your skills in tampa!!