I just read in a local golf magazine that rounds played in Northwest are actually UP (comparing April 2008 to April 2009) about 3 or 4%.
Pretty amazing fact with the economy being where it is.
Compare the weather from the previous year. You've been here long enough to know that a one month period in the Northwest is meaningless.
Long term we are over supplied. The expense doesn't compare well with a hike, a fishing trip or a walk around Pike Street market.
Tacoma is becoming a battleground of competing deals. Oakbrook and Caterwood now accepting limited outside play. Fircrest has lost dozens of members and has a huge debt. Home Course is offering afternoon deals. Chambers is eerily quiet as to their economic performance. I hate to highlight the local scene but it is the one I know best.
The problem is the industry has gotten the balance between perceived value and perceived return completely out of whack. I love my club but the cost per round is on the edge of foolish. To the credit of the Board at Oakbrook the outside play is designed to reduce dues on regular members. They are making every effort to increase the value side ofr the equation.