The golf club membership problem in Ocean Pines is every club’s problem in recent years, as the sport nationwide struggles to return to its pre-recession level of popularity.
Of course, the Pines club’s problems began well before the economy bottomed out, as the quality of the play it offered nearly sank out of sight before a massive overhaul returned it to the level it enjoys today.
But enjoyment is the key issue here, in that golf isn’t the attraction it used to be, especially among the younger generations who are vital to the sports’ future.
A Washington Post story last March examined the state of the golf industry and found that despite its claim that things have been looking up, it’s still playing in the rough in terms of appeal to new players.
In short, the game hasn’t changed, the population has. As the Post wrote, “The game – with its drivers, clubs, shoes and tee times – is expensive both to prepare for and to play.” It also takes more time than younger players might want to commit to, especially among the Smartphone-tapping set who can’t seem to find the time to look up from their devices, much less look down at the tee or the green.
According to the Post, the number of Americans who say they played at least once last year has fallen dramatically as compared to previous years and the number of young people involved in the sport has declined 35 percent over the last decade.
The drop in membership at the Pines club certainly isn’t Landscape’s fault, since it just signed on as its manager, but it is that company’s – and the OPA Board of Directors’ – problem.
Along with getting former members to return, however, they both need to figure out a way to get new players into the game. And when they do, they might want to share their solution with the rest of the industry.
Of course, the Pines club’s problems began well before the economy bottomed out, as the quality of the play it offered nearly sank out of sight before a massive overhaul returned it to the level it enjoys today.
But enjoyment is the key issue here, in that golf isn’t the attraction it used to be, especially among the younger generations who are vital to the sports’ future.
A Washington Post story last March examined the state of the golf industry and found that despite its claim that things have been looking up, it’s still playing in the rough in terms of appeal to new players.
In short, the game hasn’t changed, the population has. As the Post wrote, “The game – with its drivers, clubs, shoes and tee times – is expensive both to prepare for and to play.” It also takes more time than younger players might want to commit to, especially among the Smartphone-tapping set who can’t seem to find the time to look up from their devices, much less look down at the tee or the green.
According to the Post, the number of Americans who say they played at least once last year has fallen dramatically as compared to previous years and the number of young people involved in the sport has declined 35 percent over the last decade.
The drop in membership at the Pines club certainly isn’t Landscape’s fault, since it just signed on as its manager, but it is that company’s – and the OPA Board of Directors’ – problem.
Along with getting former members to return, however, they both need to figure out a way to get new players into the game. And when they do, they might want to share their solution with the rest of the industry.