Wonders never cease!!!!!!!! Thank you Greg!
Lorne articulates EXACTLY where the administrative bodies AND those in the golf industry have CONTINUED to get it wrong.
As the saying goes, "Take care of the golf and everything else takes care of itself." While this phrase may be a bit simplistic, in essence, adhering to that mantra is at the core of the game's health.
Their's a lot of rot in that core right now. The greed and failure to nurture and appreciate the timeless elements that make our difficult game pleasurable will continue to erode the game until things change. The mentality that the game owes the golf industry and adminiatrative bodies a profit center is what's ruining the game.
Too many at the top of the golf "business" are interested mainly in protecting the status quo... while growing that business side of course. It's unsustainable, long-term, as this painful, but overdue correction is revealing, but so long as they still enjoy the fruits and perks, it's all good!
In 2010, the USGA, according to Mr. Fay, had record year, profitwise. The PGA Tour also is reporting strong financials. Balance that against what the overall golf landscape looks like. Sobering contrast, isn't it? And there are those in the industry who wonder why the game has "percepton problems" with politicians and the general public. Just because you give millions to charity doesn't mean the house is in good order.
These folks needs to look back on their own organization's or company's history, as many either don't even know it, or have forgotten the lessons, to remember what has been beneficial for golf historically. Before just pushing on in the current mode, they might re-examine taking a more realistic, balanced approach in setting goals.
We have some tremendous folks, in all facets of golf, doing a lot of good, for both the game and society in general. That platform needs to be elevated across the board, with more concerted efforts of a collaborative, thoughful nature, for a return to healthy growth of this great game.
Cheers,
Kris
