I’m at the tail end of Gen X and into the beginning range of a Millennial; so I feel compelled to reply to this thread.
Random Thoughts…
* I don’t buy the argument on rules being too complicated. Gridiron Football is pretty damn complicated to the novice. Let alone explaining how to attack a Cover 2.
* I think it’s mostly about the Benjamin’s. Yes, this has always been a barrier to entry, but I think it’s more so for people my age. I was lucky to have parents who were well enough off to save money for my college so I came out of undergrad without a dime in debt. I know others aren’t so lucky, especially if they go for post-graduate degrees. Less people my age, especially in major cities, own houses, cars, etc. Heck, a lot of them are going back to live with their parents to save money (as someone mentioned earlier with the boomerang effect).
* I lived on a par 3 golf course in my youth, and hacked around it a few times. Yet, golf never appealed to me. My sports were soccer and cross country. When I had a chance to caddy at the country club down the road, as some of the other kids in my neighborhood did, I passed. It wasn’t until I was 21, on a trip to Kiawah Island with some of my friends; driving past its vast array of golf courses; having lunch at the old Ocean Course clubhouse with its spectacular view; that by the end of the week I said, “Alright, I’ll give this golf thing a try”. Looking back on it, I can’t believe I spent that much money on my first true round of golf. Despite my horrific score, I managed to have fun. Not everyone has that background and opportunity.
* I played a decent amount of golf when it was just my girlfriend (now wife) and I. Weekend 18 and 9 hole weekday golf league. The game has been very frustrating at times, and I often wondered why I even bothered, given the time and expense. I guess it was those few moments when I got my game back that kept me from not playing.
* I have plenty of friends/co-workers my age who play golf at varying levels. I've been able to coordinate schedules exactly once this year. If I’m lucky, I’ll get two more like-rounds in this year. Vacations, kids, other activities. It's been tough finding 5-6 hours for an 18 hole round, considering travel and warm-up time.
* It helps having a friend who's a Golf Digest Top 100 Clubfitter.
* My wife and I both work full-time. She every other Saturday. We have two children under the age of three. I have had to make a very conscious effort to get rounds in this year. I’m pretty much resorted to a weekly, weekday 9 hole round at 6:30AM, a monthly weekend 18, and various rounds during PTO/Vacation. That being said, golf is pretty much my only hobby. I do enjoy watching a good match of footie, but my Columbus Crew season ticket holder days are way behind me (especially given I live 2 hours away in Cincinnati).
* The time thing I only kind of buy. Now that I have (young) kids, I wonder how I spent all that free-time. I honestly don’t remember. I’m not sure what people my age and younger (without kids) are doing in their off-time, but I’m sure there are many activities that take just as long as an 18 hole round of golf; especially a 9 hole round. For example, taking in an NFL game, with tailgate and all, takes much longer than a Sunday round of golf; even at a crowded muni on the weekend.
* My oldest daughter is almost three. I bought her a two club, plastic, Little Tikes set to play with. Even though she holds the club incorrectly and swings the wrong way, I’m doing my best to let her play the way she wants. If she asks me for help, I show her how to hold the club. She’s very proud when he hits the ball, good form or not. For now, that works for me. I need them to enjoy the game if I ever want them to play with me down the road.
...I still think there is nothing more fun than smashing a ball with a stick.
This.