Tracing its origins back to 15th-century Scotland, golf is one of the oldest competitive games still widely played today. In the beginning, it was the pastime of the aristocracy, and it is said that Mary, Queen of the Scots (better known as “Bloody Mary”), was quite the player and even coined the term “caddy.”
Its popularity spread in the late part of the 19th century, primarily in America among the growing upper and middle classes. Over the next century, golf experienced tremendous growth. Public courses introduced more people to the sport, and as players like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods became national icons, the game became more familiar to all.
Despite this rich history and the game’s recent successes, many numbers show golf’s growth is on the decline. Though America is by far the largest golf market, in 2013, 18 percent fewer people played golf than in 2006, according to an article in The Economist.
Part of that drop in numbers is owed to the fact that golf has failed to appeal to young people and minorities, two segments of the population that are vital to the continued popularity of the sport. In many ways, the dominating presence of Tiger Woods helped bring the game to these markets, but it seems that bubble has burst.
Speaking of bubbles, one reason that many American courses are seeing less activity is that there are simply too many courses in the country — over 14,000 — and not enough players. In simple economic terms, the supply exceeds the demand.
Many other variables could be contributing to decline in golf’s popularity, but perhaps the most persuasive explanation has to do with social and lifestyle changes. So what does our world hold for the future of golf?
We live in a fast-paced and hyper-connected world in which the amount of patience required to play the game has become increasingly rare to find. When a 5-minute Youtube video can’t hold the attention of many people, how can the prospect of a full round of golf, which takes between 4 and 5 hours, appeal to people in our time-strapped society?
In many ways, golf stands in opposition to the instant gratification that video games, movies and the Internet provide. What makes golf so appealing — its slow, meditative nature, the perseverance and discipline it requires — may now be responsible for its drop in popularity.
There are two sides to this argument, of course. While these qualities of golf may prevent it from becoming a national pastime, the humility and discipline it requires may be more important than ever. In this light, golf offers an alternative to the stressful, fast-paced world. Set against the background of our digital age, golf may be positioned as the ultimate “getaway” from a hectic work-a-day world.
If you’re feeling the need to hit the greens, be sure to visit TGW.com for all of your golfing needs. Here you’ll find everything from apparel to clubs and balls to help you play your best game yet.
