Your point is well taken. As the baby boomer population bulge moves towards retirement, there would seem to be a resurgence in golf. On the other hand, we are transitioning into a faster pace, more distracted society. This will cause the golf industry to reinvent itself to shorter games, catering to a more impulsive consumer base. Carrying on a golf game where everyone is checking their iPhone for email updates and text messages becomes a radically different game.

I’m still of the opinion that we have simply built too many golf courses. The industry lost much of its rarity, and by extension, much of its status and privilege.

In the end, it boils down to economic viability and whether the banks will again start lending money.

Tom

Also, Rachael’s 9-hole course concept sounds interesting. Golf courses need to become community centers offering more services, keeping customers on-site longer. For example, faster 9-hole rounds may leave more time for after-work golfers to spend more $$ in the restaurant/bar. Remember what saved many gas stations a few decades ago – they added stores offering more “services” (coffee, snacks, ATMs, etc).

I am working with a group to create Golf Centers w/fitness. 9-hole course, 9-hole chip&putt, heated driving range, short play practice areas, gym, restaurant!