Kyle,
re Your bowling example. A lane in bowling is the same no matter where you are. Thus, it's a moot point.
As to my original comment about stunting both GCA and the game of golf:
GCA - As was stated, you would lose the best minds in the business to other pursuits. Doak, C&C, Hanse and everyone else would be lost. That is a shame because they are the ones behind this "2nd Golden Age." Once the 5 year run is up, there will be a significant delay in bringing the GCA ranks back up to par. Think of it like the 1994 strike in baseball. Not only did you lose the end of the '94 season, but it took the game many years to recover. Five years in your question would turn into 10-15 years or more until we are back up to speed.
Game of golf - Golf courses will close during the 5 year period. Thus, the number of courses in the country will decrease. I can guarantee you that if the number of courses decreases, the number of rounds played and the number of golfers will decrease as well. There shouldn't be much argument in that, should there? Whenever a course closes, you are losing golfers and potential golfers. I won't and can't argue about the current economics behind building and owning a golf course. However, those who are building courses are not doing so blindly and without regard to supply and demand. Many of the courses being built today are done so to meet the demand from ever-growing suburban America.
Also, keep in mind the effects of competition between courses. Operational standards are raised, course conditions are more closely monitored, and prices are driven down. There are all win-wins for golfers.