The following email was broadcast throughout the golf industry by a very wise industry veteran.   We thought you would enjoy reading his insights."

Unfortunately the problem is deeper than that and the solution may be impossible to cure.   

In the Southwest, during the winter months, golf rates on most golf courses soar.  The rates in the Southwest deserts range from $75 to well over $150.  How are you to get the average player (particularly if we are trying to encourage them to infuse their children into the game) to pay those kind of rates.  So, they can only play in the worst weather 110 degree plus weather or winter in other cities.  Oh, it's not the problem of the golf courses or management.  

As few as 10-15 years ago the average golf course could be constructed for $1-2 million.  Today, the costs have soared to $8, 10, 15 million.   The carry costs of construction, maintenance and marketing have created a situation where affordable golf is difficult to find.  Add to it that the average round of golf takes 5 hours to play and you compound the problem.   

It makes the business we all love a very tough place to make a living.  The "Golf Business" has turned into the "Golf, Dining, Wedding, Private Party and More Business" just to survive.  With the money being made by the PGA, USGA, etc. they should do all they can to promote the average guy and his family to play the game and find a way to subsidize the business if necessary to keep the game alive and growing. 

But that's just my opinion. 

Charles Stricklan
Managing Member/President
Lions Gate Partners, LLC
5619 East Cactus Rd. 
Scottsdale, AZ  85254