Should golf be more relaxed? - The Glenmuir Journal

Golf revels in its many rules, regulations and general etiquette. But are these putting people off the game?

While golf is far from in crisis, it does face an issue that also affects the UK in general – an aging population. As many of today’s golfers grow old and play less, there’s the need to recruit new, younger players. And studies suggest to attract such players golf may have to become a little more relaxed.

Changing demands

Steve Mona, chief executive of the World Golf Foundation, recently said that clubs need to adapt to the demands of younger people. This might mean clubhouses making their rules less strict on things like dress code, mobile phone usage on the course, and alcohol consumption.

While golf participation in the UK remains fairly steady, it’s falling globally. In the US, numbers have dropped from 30 million players in 2008 to 25 million in 2016, according to research firm Golf Datatech.

A study by KPMG found numbers declined by 2.2% in England and 0.8% in Scotland between 2015 and 2016.

What are people doing?

Several groups and clubs are already looking at ways of making golf more relaxed in a bid to attract the younger crowds.

Making events more fun

The rules of golf are never stricter than when watching a tournament. And this can rub off on potential players who might be watching at home. But in Scottsdale, Arizona things are different.

At the Phoenix Open over 200,000 fans turned up on one day making it the most highly attended tournament in the world. People are drawn to the event due to its relaxed rules and party atmosphere, leading the BBC to dub it the ‘Golfing Glastonbury’.

On top of the main competition, visitors can expect a much younger – and often more drunk – crowd, free use of mobile phones, actual cheering and, in the past, golfers throwing gifts into the crowd.

It’s all a contrast to nearby Augusta, where it’s walking only between holes, mobiles are banned, and the dress codes is – definitely – strict.

Speeding up the game

Whether you’re playing or watching, golf can be a slow paced game. Which is how many traditionalists like it.

But for young, time poor potential golfers, spending 4 hours of a weekend watching or playing isn’t an option.

Even the professionals recognise the pace may be putting people off. An R&A survey in 2015 found the two biggest factors preventing people from playing golf are work commitments (34%) and family commitments (29%). Time taken to play (16%) ranked third.

This has also led many courses to offer discounts on 9-holes, allowing people to get their golfing fix in half the time.

More social and flexible

While this all might seem very American, it’s a trend that’s starting to take hold on these shores – though maybe in a more subdued manner.

Social events at golf clubs are being used by 55% of clubs to attract new, younger members.

While flexible memberships – enabling people to join without huge, upfront fees – are being used by 45% of clubs.

This is very different to the old methods of signing up to a club for life, and gives members more flexibility.

‘Get into Golf’ programme

One of the big programmes launched to attract younger members is Get into Golf. This relaxed approach to the game aims to get people on the fairway – no matter how much experience or kit they have.

There’s no dress code, you don’t need any of your own equipment, and people don’t need any previous experience. PGA professionals guide people through the basics at their own pace.

New golf

Elsewhere, outside of the PGA and R&A crowd, some private companies are taking their own approach to golf. Venues like Ghetto Golf and Junkyard Golf mix socialising with a relaxed version of the game.

Cocktails and street foods are served on the crazy golf courses. Footgolf is also growing, combining people’s love of football with the skill of a golf course.