Response from: patricia (Check me out!)

Those numbers are quite sad because anyone who is at all passionate about golf wouldn't accept to play only 8 times a year, thus what they're saying is that the core golfer probably isn't even too passionate about the sport. I think it's important for more golfers to become evangelists for the sport make it a point to get others into the game. The message should be communicated that one can begin with second-hand less expensive equipment. That one can and should play nine holes and par three and that you don't have to be that good at all to get out on a course you just have to know and respect the etiquette regarding pace of play.

Response from: Chris (Check me out!)

You're right on the money, Patricia! Some very good ideas. You know, I think many people hear that golf is a hard game to learn and therefore don't bother. They've also heard it's expensive. So what the industry might also do is promote dirt-cheap lessons with accredited pros and run such programs at municipal courses across the country. Therefore, the cost of trying out the game is minimal. Couple that with 10 rounds of golf at a facility for half the price of regular greens fees.

Response from: Mark (Check me out!)

What really needs to be done to up the rounds and to draw more youngsters in to the game is build more courses that are in the 4000-5000 yard range. Built specifically for kids and or with their parents to go and have a good time together. Making a round of golf a family outing would surely draw more people as well as put the game out there for all members of the family not just Dad. This in turn with adjusted fee's would give more kids access to the game.
As for second hand clubs ? The maunufacturers have done such a good job of selling gear to us the mind set has been created that only new will do. Maybe one of the big box boys will take trades when new clubs are purchased and fit them for kids. AND don't give me any of that "they're too heavy" garbage. Up until a few years ago every kid who learned to play, learned on a set of Dad's or Mom's cut downs.
Sometime the golf industry is going to have to realise that soaking the avg. Joe for $80.00 - $150.00 to play a round of golf is going to lead to their own ruin.
I seem to remember ClubLink had a fee for Parent and child rounds. Kid played for free. At least that was a start. Personally, if I found a great demand for junior lessons I would lower my fee. It just isn't there yet. I spent summer's in my youth at a course in the Peterborough area named Tamarac Golf Club. My memebership for the year was $20.00 my Dad's was $35.00. That was 1972. My buddy and I spent many a day from sun up 'till sun down playing around at that track. We would be dropped off by one of our parents around 7 am and picked up again when it was dark. We played a couple rounds of golf made up games to play against each other on and around the putting green and ate the best burgers around for lunch. It was great. I wish more youngsters could have that experience. But I guess the $20.00 membership is long gone.

Response from: Chris (Check me out!)

Geez, Mark, I never knew you were that old! $20 memberships!! Wow!!!
But I agree with you; fees for kids need to be low enough to promote interest - from Mom and Dad. They can do it in Sweden...