"Your logic may apply to a segment of the population, but only a small one. Most of those "one-sport" athletes never even get a college scholarship and could easily take golf back up by age 18 if they wanted to. Plenty of avid golfers take up the game later in life after playing another sport as a kid. My Dad played baseball and took up golf at 25.
I don't think this comes down to one reason, even though I gave one specific one for myself. Most of my generation seems to be hammered with debt and golf just isn't a practical hobby except for those with means. To be any good at golf requires some pretty serious effort with lessons, practicing, playing, etc. The financial commitment just isn't possible for a lot of this generation, even if they like the idea of the game. It also isn't a game that can be learned by playing/practicing once every month or even every two weeks. That level of commitment separates those who are golfers from those who play golf. And those in the "play golf" category are leaving in droves.
That is the problem! Why are sporty kids forced to pick one sport when they most likely won't be a college athlete, and if you do become a college athlete, you aren't going pro? By 18, kids don't have the time or the financial support to then pick up the game.
I think there's a lot to this. The barriers to picking up the game as a young adult or later on are significant. Kids aren't really being kept away from the game because of dress codes or rules or even that it's hard. But I do think those things create a barrier for the 20-something set who might have played a few times as a kid, maybe gets invited out by friends or co-workers, and just finds it too much hassle. Not only is it hard to learn to play the game, as someone else mentioned, it's hard to learn all of there basic etiquette and how to of golf."
Here are my thoughts on the above.
I think this is a great start to an article but importanly missing some information for perspective.
One is a graph (later supplied by someone) showing the numer of participants now vs then - to get a real sense of incline/decline.
Two is the numbers of golfers related to the total number of courses opened. As others have eluded to, just because courses were being built, did not mean that they were necessary.
Three is a chart showing the average age of golfer compared to what age that they began learning/playing the game.
Four is some sort of comparison of golf in urban vs rural areas. I have never seen such a comparison, but now that I live in a city of millions my perception of the game has changed.
Some bits of information about me. Age 33. Currently played 9 rounds this year (Most was about 60-70 while in college to low of 10-15 when busiest. Play golf at public courses 99% of rounds with occasional private round. Started playing at age 15. Hit balls in a country backyard/pasture for first few months before eventually making it to the driving range/course months later and several dozens of golf balls lost. Grew up in country town of about 32000, now in downtown Chicago with population of 2.7 mil depending if you include the whole Chicagoland area.
My thoughts.
One, how is the game tought differently in urban vs rural areas. I grew up hitting balls on/off range in clothes that were appropriate (gym shorts/tennis shoes) and never was reprimanded for doing so. I see very similar things on driving ranges here in the city/suburbs as well. Clothes may be more traditional on course, but certainly not a necessity for play.
Two, learning the on course etiquette cannot be overstated. It may seem so easy to some, but others I have played with did not grow up with the same rules. If you do not have a great mentor teaching you (pro or family member) I think that you are destined to make some mistakes and lose out on the true experience of being on the course.
Three, I grew up learning the game watching my grandparents play charity tournaments. I did not start playing with them right away. Instead learned the basic rules and how to act before I was taken on course. If you do not do this early in life (choose what ever age you think is best) I think you make it more difficult to start. I am not saying that you cannot learn game at 30, just that it become steeper curve to success the later in life you begin.
Four, access to play is a matter of perspective. Growing up getting to a couse was difficult. No car and little means to get there on a regular basis. College was a dream. Make your own schedule and play when you want. For me the most quantity of play as well as some of my best scores ever. Started college barely breaking 100 and best score at graduation +1/72. Currently more difficult again. I live in the inner city. I rarely ever see others with clubs here, with driving ranges hot or miss with people. Ranges in suburbs way busier than those in city. Very few of my downtown friends own cars and get to the suburbs to play frequently if at all.
I love the game yes, but my perspective has changed dramatically over the years. Good or bad I am not sure, just a different view at a game that I grew up loving and continue to currently. If your thoughts on the game have not changed in the past 10 years, then I think you should take a serious look at your own game and the game in general.