All of this, all of it I couldn't agree with more. There are few things better, a cup of coffee, the first tee time, the sound of a pure wedge on the dew filled fairways... i mean it's unbeatable.
the sounds of golf are incomparable. cut through the grass, the click of a pure iron, the thunk of an approach on the green, the rattle of a made putt@@seekinggreen4481
@@seekinggreen4481 And I’m lucky, my home course is Soule Park in Ojai, California and I have the weekdays off so if I get out between 630 and seven it’s like the course is just mine and I get deer running across fairway some coyotes it’s fantastic
I’m 66 years old played my whole life usually 2-3 times a week till 4 months ago…still score in the low to mid 80’s…one day just said why…haven’t played in four months no desire to play anymore…don’t know why…money time forever rounds rude people just to much bullshit anymore…
My buddies old lady has restricted his days he can play. My wife encourages me to play more. Sad really that my buddies, who got me into the game is a tool….
I live in Southern California and I want people to quit!!! Since COVID, it has become super crowded everywhere. Getting tee times is now a hassle and you have to book 1-2 weeks in advance. Courses have increased times between rounds so its even crowded during the round. A ton of players play on the wrong tees, everyone wants to play tips/pros and can't even hit in bounds. There is also a ton of aggressive players looking to fight on course for hitting into or getting hit on or getting denied by cart girl.. New hackers get wasted and have no etiquette, no yelling fore, slam clubs all over course, etc.. I love golf, but wouldn't mind if less people played lol
I stopped playing 5-6 years ago because of these same reasons. I recently started to play again AND IT's WORSE than 6 years ago, especially in the LA area. Too many idiots playing.
Golf course management got greedy after Covid. Allowing fivesomes is now standard while hiring fewer and fewer marshals - and the ones they do hire so very little marshaling if any at all.
Green fees are getting out of hand here in Denver. You can't get a tee time for less than $80 on the weekend, which is pretty much double what is was 5 years ago.
Golf is a sport that was originally designed for the elite. Only the wealthiest of men could participate. A sleeve of balls would have cost 1/2 a years salary for an average worker. Now everybody can play at a reasonable price. Calling today's golf expensive lacks perspective. It only feels expensive right now because of inflation.
I too live in Oklahoma you are correct! Just got back from a business trip in Illinois and played 2 courses that were as good as anything we have in Tulsa for at least 30% cheaper , we are ridiculously high for golf in Oklahoma and idk why ???
@@denisjl100 - Yeah, I guess some there are some bad players that needs $2K golf clubs to shoot a 20 over. However, there are quite a few golfers that can make par with JUST a 9 iron. A good pro can easily score in the 60s with a $400 set of clubs.
@@JohnBowl14690 yeah that's cute but you know as well as you do that no one plays with 400 dollars clubs. my set is made up of hybrids from 2 to 6 my irons are second hand titlests from 2014. the irons cost 250 dollars and the hybrids were 15 year old cobras at 30 to 40 dollars apiece for a total of 210 dollars. the putter is 50 years old and i won it in a tournament. that's 460 dollars total with a free putter. the bag is a 14 club titlest cost 129 dollars. i'm retired and make about 3000 dollars a month so 300 dollar rounds at 4 star golf courses are not in my wheel house. people who want to play golf can't afford to play unless they are in the 50000 dollar range.
Well this is my opinion, I love this game so much that I would sleep at a golf course. Morning is my favourite, the scent in the air, the greens keeper cutting the greens. That first drive or iron shot. everything is so beautiful. I think people are quiting golf for 2 reasons, 1- the cost and the cost of equipment, 2- they just don't play well enough 3-to lazy to practice and don't care about getting better. Man, but me I just love this sport. I'm 61 now and been playing for over 40 yrs. I live in a small town Ile-des-chenes Manitoba Canada Thanks for all the lessons you have given me. :)
I haven’t thought about quitting, I actually quit for 5 years. Reason, slow play. Add to the fact the rudeness of slow players and courses that allow it.
Awesome reminder to us all! Senior golfer, disabled veteran here. Retired, living the dream in the beautiful tropics of the Philippines. Golf has been a godsend for me in so many ways, as it has been for many of my veteran brothers and sisters. I feel that pursuit of this game we play is well worth the effort on so many levels. Yes, the expenses have been on the rise, but there are alternative routes to ease the wallet impact.
Golf is killing itself. The ridiculous prices they charge for equipment drives people away in droves. Drivers cost so much and people want to play with the best equipment but can't afford to. Green fees are astronomical. I remember when I started playing , green fees at the municipal course were 1.25 weekdays, 2.50 weekends. Yes I'm old. Now they are around 40 dollars.
Golf is a sport that was originally designed for the elite. Only the wealthiest of men could participate. A sleeve of balls would have cost 1/2 a years salary for an average worker. Now everybody can play at a reasonable price. Calling today's golf expensive lacks perspective. It only feels expensive right now because of inflation.
And you’re killing me Mike… 🙂 Your post immediately took me back to 1965 when I was 11. I distinctly remember Dad paying those exact prices at Pelham & Split Rock in The Bronx. Mostly played Split Rock because there was never a wait but it could be two hours on Pelham. Went home one day with… it must’ve over “50” mosquito bites. LOL
really?? Isnt a beer proportionately (sp?) the same increased price since what, 1945 or whatever year you are referring to? If you think 40 is expensive for 18, yes you should quit. Im in Chicago, $40 for 18 is a steal
@@leeharvey969 actually since I was born in 1952 and didn't start playing until I was 12 your only 17 years off. You need to understand there have not been many improvements. Basically the same course now as it was back in 1962.
I love Golf. As a converted baseball player I so wish I would have picked this up when I was a kid. This sport is all mechanics, repetition and muscle memory. More baseball players should transition sooner. I will sadly have to stop playing soon as I suffered a spinal cord injury and it’s progressively getting worse. Love this sport and I hope more people play it. This channel is great and I love the videos. For those that read this, play on till you can’t play no more and enjoy
Man buddy sad to hear your having to give up the game. It’s people like you love our game and have the passion and respect for it. Your last comment about play on til you can’t play no more was incredibly selfless! I just played the Old Course at St Andrews two weeks ago and I would have thought about your inspiring words that day. It was incredible. It’s people like you we want to stay in the game. I have no idea who you are, but I’ll be playing for you. Stay strong🙏
Covid really railroaded all of us OG golfers. It’s what drove the price up and caused the 5+ hour rounds that used to be sub 4hr. I’m all about growing the game, but not at the detriment of my wallet and an entire Saturday. Here in Colorado even getting the first or second tee time out requires being on the phone 6hrs and 23min before that date to even have a chance. It’s got me hanging my bag up this week as opposed to late oct or early nov (weather permitting)
COVID 🤔 You mean the “planned” reset of the world economy! The sheep were fooled into believing there was an invisible microbial contagion responsible! 📺🐑
Couldn’t agree with you anymore man well said….Covid brought out all the wack jobs to the course and drove up green fees, and made the game move at a snails pace…..courses are too crowded with way below average golfers, too expensive, and taking way too long
I have several reasons! - Clubs, balls, fees are more and more expensive every year - The time it takes to play is just too long, plus the ride to/from the course, plus slow play just kills me - I would shoot low 80's until I would for no good reason blow up and get really frustrated that I can be so inconsistent for no apparent good reason. - Etiquette on the course is changing all the time... music at volume - really????? - Playing a scramble these days, seems like people straight up cheat and there is no way to check that (-23 is difficult to do, I see it all the time now)
Best way I learned to enjoy the game was finding early morning tee times and using it as a mental break, playing with people who weren’t that good sometimes, and playing practice rounds at cheap courses so when I go to a good course on the weekend I can have more confidence.
A lot of people quit the game because they find it too difficult. The reason why golf is difficult for so many is because it’s not taught correctly. A person with average physical ability can learn how to hit good golf shots and enjoy the game. Unfortunately, most teaching pros teach golf swing mechanics instead of teaching people how to the tool (golf club) works. Once people understand how a golf club is designed to impact a golf ball, it becomes much easier to play the game. Teach a person how to use their hands to put the tool in the position it was designed to be in when making contact with a golf ball. They will figure it out. My seven year old can hit a 7 iron and get the ball in the air because he gets the concept.
I quit golf for a number of reasons. Too expensive. Too time consuming. Not really sufficient exercise for a young man. But the final straw for me came when I played a course that had a couple of tees where the ball had to be driven over 200 yards. One tee was over a lake, the other over a waste area. I could never drive a ball over 200 yards on the carry. I remember standing there on the tee with a lake in front of me and the landing area out of my range over water and telling the other guys in the 4-some that I can't reach the other side. I ended up chipping the ball 50 yards to the women's tee and then carrying the lake with a 3-iron. I never played golf again.
The architect should never put you in that position. Lee Trevino designed golf courses so that a 20 handicapper could bet with a scratch golfer and have a reasonable chance to win. You would never find an island green on one of his courses.
Get stronger. My wife can carry 200 but she was a div1 golfer and so was I. I actually tell people to leave that don’t play well. I’ll tell people to video their swing if they want to know why they suck so much.
@@Mobev1 Well, no. Golf is a game of quick-twitch muscles, not muscularity. Pure strength is some factor, but not the primary factor. If a person practices golf, has a decent swing and reaches his playing plateau, he is then faced with the question; am I satisfied with this level of play? If the answer is yes, then he should continue playing. If the answer is no, then he should go on to something else.
Lessons are huge. Ive been giving them for 15 years. Thanks to UA-cam, people get so confused on there trying to improve their own swing, that eventually they come to teachers like me.
I’m in Nj, the greens fees are definitely not coming down. The pace of play is another issue. Covid killed golf for a lot of people. Courses couldn’t handle the over load of new players and they saw the dollar signs they could charge being that it was one of the few things available to do.
I’m 75 now and been playing for 45 years. Up until I reach 50 years old I was always around an 8 handicap and as low as 6 handicap. As I got older I have been losing distance I mean a lot of distance. We used to play the back tees up until I reached 58 years old. Now I am playing from the senior tees and lucky to even get out of the 90s. It’s not much fun anymore and really depressing not being able to play the way I used to. I also don’t like playing 6 hour rounds. Even now my foursome can get around in 18 hole in 3 1/2 hours if there is no one in front of us. Five hours plus when we’re following some other group and that doesn’t help my game out.
Welcome to the way we women have always played! Courses were never set up for us in the early days - we just accepted it but not so anymore. I'm happy to play in the 90's but can only do so on appropriate yardage courses. Still, regulation is 3 shots to get on and hope to 2 putt for bogey. That's our world. That's my fun! Man up and play our tees!
@@bloatedsodium7301Must be nice. Back at the end of June (summer solstice/longest days), we teed off at 4pm on a Sunday, and had to quit on 17 because the people upfront were so daggum slow. Just for clarity- in east TN, the sun sets after 9 in late June……
6 hours? Where are people playing where there are 6 hour rounds? I don't mind poor players as long as they try to keep their pace up. Even a lousy golfer can move relatively quickly - with a cart.
@@cjs7553golf courses that are going for 7 minute tea time gap. Players that don’t know etiquette, new players that are learning, the list goes on. My last round was 5 hours and 45 minutes.
I left the game in 2005. I felt I was going nowhere, the game was an endless struggle to show even the slightest improvement. I got back into it in 2020, thanks to my adult son. I dug out some of my old clubs and played with them for a while, until I started scouring eBay for good used clubs. I got me some great deals on every club in my bag. Now I'm back into playing, and thanks to videos on YT I'm showing improvement. Being a senior I no longer have the length I had in my younger days, but I putt better, my shots a a bit more accurate, and my short game is better. I also play from the forward red tees, what I call the senior tees.
For me the worst thing is the overall time commitment. It starts when you get into the Pro shop and they are the least bit busy. Paint dries faster than they move. Then your off to the range with 75 balls you have to pay an extra $12 for. Good luck finding any grass to hit off. Now its 5 minutes before tee time so you head to the starting hole and guess what? There are 3 groups sitting there. So you tee off late and lucky you ends up playing behind the slowest foursome in the Universe and 5 hours later after having to wait at each shot you are finally done. 45 minute drive home and then the wife says what took you so long? Oh just a normal game of golf
Yep but its the same with all sports. My neighbor pays around $1500/yr for Ski passes and drives hours to get there. Another neighbor has a boat and when he goes fishing its the entire weekend and his 2 freezers are packed with salmon, halibut and cod. He's always out in his driveway working on the vehicle he tows his boat with. Golf is expensive but so are the other sports.
One way I've Spiced it up recently - Club Building! Built an entire "new" setup with used clubs I bought off ebay and at garage sales. Bought materials cheap online. Started with regripping, then fitting, cutting & changing shafts based on my swing, and finally dialing in and balancing my swing weights to my exact preferences. Turned out to be a fun experiment and I'm already eyeing my next iron set build after learning from some new tips and tricks to make an even better set
People are quitting for various reasons.Mostly it’s getting too expensive,people playing and not knowing the rules or etiquette.Where I play can take four hours for a 5300 yard course.Some groups can lose more than four holes and don’t wave you through and wonder why the people behind are getting agitated.The other reason is they want to play at the same time every Saturday and Sunday when there are over 600 members.Only 36% of the tee times are used on a weekly basis.People need to change or the game will die.
I had to basically quit for over 20 years as my kids grew up and their activities took precedence. All were swimmers and it seemed like every weekend we were either at a swim meet or practice. Took the game up after my son graduated from high school and play over 150 times a year now. Love the game.
I had almost identical story. My twins were swimming, so until their university all weekends were spent at swimming pools (I am also sport photographer). When they quit, I have suddenly much more time and I spend it with gold
I am on the board at a non profit 9 hole club in small town Iowa. We have in the last 10 years, gone from a pretty good membership base of 150ish members to below 100. Our course turns 100 years old next year and have been desperately trying to get people back out on the course. A lot of the things I have heard are about the time constraints of children/wife. We used to have 30 plus people out for a stag (mens) night and more than 20 for ladies nights. both are now below 7. (had 6 for mens night this week). With the family time thing and an aging community I fear we will be losing our course in the next 15-20 years. We need a golf resurgence.
enjoyed the video, back in the 70's most golfers walked when I started and there was a starter who put folks together. Also back then if you were by yourself people would ask you if you were alone if you wanted to play with them. This was common. Does not happen anymore, and when playing with friends I will ask solo players if they want to join us. They are shocked and they appreciate it. I live in Florida and the cost during season is high, for an average course can be $80 dollars for a round. Too much for me. I got lucky and joined a member owned course for around $400 a month and I keep my cart there for $30 bucks a month. Now I play every day (retired). I Agree when you upgrade your clubs give your old set to someone starting. If we do not get more folks into the game courses are going to close. Most golf courses barely break even anymore and this is a course without any debt. Lets be ambassadors to the great game and help facilitate more play.
People are leaving the game because so many casuals joined the game during COVID and it is mainly people that don't know the rules, don't respect the courses, and only golf to get hammered. I've seen so many videos of asshats destroying part of a golf course, completely ruin a green, take divots out of greens, etc. It is absolutely ridiculous and there needs to be some kind of online "Banned" list with photos that clubs across the US can access, since most courses refuse to hire a course marshall... 🤷♂️🤷♂️
Another thing is that the sport is so hard we never get to being the manager of our game. We do not know what is going to happen with drives, 2nd/3rd shots, sand shots, pitches, and chips. About the only swing that is predictable is putting, and that is hard too.
Another thing is that the sport is so hard we never get to being the manager of our game. We do not know what is going to happen with drives, 2nd/3rd shots, sand shots, pitches, and chips. About the only swing that is predictable is putting, and that is hard too.
The ending 😂. This was very encouraging. As a new golfer myself, I’m learning. I took the lessons, very expensive!. But, it did help with a foundation swing. But, I’m struggling with my irons and driver, regarding distance and height. But, I still go to the range an practice, even by myself. I don’t want to quiet, I want to get better. Your right it’s hard when I don’t see progress. But, I’m gonna stick with it and keep watching your videos. Thank you !
How is your grip? I started a little over a year ago and finally over this past week I was able to get rid of my strong grip. Now my shorts are getting more loft and distance.
I live in Southern California…..it’s the cost…..courses ten years ago that charged $45-$60 a round is now $125-$150…. As a life long golfer and now retiree….I can only play about once every three months or so…just ridiculous
Hey Matt. Love all your vids. I’m a fellow 51 year old guy. I haven’t quit the sport yet but have severely cut back on my playing time. I’ve only played 1 round this year. I only have so much time to allocate on leisure activities and/or hobbies. For the last year and a half I’ve become obsessed and addicted to pickleball. I can play for 2-3 hours, get a great workout in and get to be super social at the same time. There’s a bit of an up front investment getting paddles and equipment but after that the only real cost involved is balls and membership fees at local Y’s, pickleball clubs which is very minimal in comparison to golf. It’s not that I don’t enjoy golf but the hour plus it takes me to get to a course, 4.5 hour round, possibly lunch and drinks afterwards and driving back home. It’s basically a whole day shot. I can play 2-3 hours of pickleball, feel accomplished, competitive and social and still have a ton of free time left and plenty of money left in my pocket.
@@milesstover3724 he wasn’t comparing it. He was saying he can get it done fast, more excercise and cheap…mostly free and extremely social. I play golf but watched my dad go from tips, to blue, to white to gold to red and now he really can’t play. It was like a constant reminder that he was getting old. You need to eat healthy and fast.
@@milesstover3724not comparing it. Just saying that I have limited time for extracurricular activities if given a completely open Saturday, I’d rather go play pickle ball for three hours and have the rest of the day to myself. I still like golf it’s just not as important as other things.
I managed golf course for my career. I think it was Ron Garl who said golf has three too's in golf. (1) It is too hard. I gave free clinics and had pros offered to help folks on the range. (2) It takes too long. My golf courses were played in four hours. You could rest assured that one way or the other you would be off the golf course 4 hours after your tee time. (3) It is too expensive. We offered severely discounted fees during off peak hours. We got so many donations we could set up beginners with clubs free of charge. Our motto was Growing the Game and Our People.
I found a driving range with heated bays. Spent an entire winter trying the same thing over and over again. I thought I was doing what you and clay ballard and others said to do. Truth is I wasn't. One day I actually trusted the club to do the work, lightened up, and watched the ball soar like it never did before. I love this game! I will never turn pro, I probably will never drive the ball 300 yards. It's chess in fluid real time motion. I am definitely lucky. Here in Milwaukee Wisconsin, we have a great public course system. There's a lot of different courses to choose from. Seems like since covid, tee times are hard to come by here. I don't see signs of that slowing down where I am. Have fun with it! Don't quit people, pivot. See what happens to your score if you try to lay up on every hole. Divide the yardage of a hole mathematically into realistic chunks of distance that will leave you salivating, not frustrated. Or just swing for the fences every time, I'll see you in the trees!
So you spent some time at Gastrau's? The MKE parks courses are amazing and cheap, but they can definitely be slow during peak times. Early mornings are best, but the twilight prices can't be beat. So thankful I picked it up again when I moved back.
Time, Cost, Physical limitations: one easy solution: Courses should charge 1/2 to play 9. I would love to walk 9, but 18 is tiresome, especially with how slow the pace is. Walking is cheaper than cart, offers great exercise so now we are more fit and I have time to cool off after a bad hit. I could play 18 in 2.5 hours but 5 hours is what it takes to play the average course and waking for 5 hours in the heat leaves me exhausted so then I get a cart and join the traffic jam and forgoes one of the best and original advantages of golf: walking.
Practice lots and get in game shape. Play early with the good golfers and move the game along in under 4 hours. Pick up your ball if you have to. Buy game packs, discount cards, online deals to keep costs down if a membership doesn’t make more sense. Full pin greens fees are for suckers…. Finish up before noon, a quick beer and be home for the family before 1. Repeat as many times a week as possible.
I play 7 days a week! Always early in the morning normally finish in 2hrs and 15 minutes as a 2some. 2hrs and 50 minutes as a 3some we play Ready golf.
My parents are in their 70s, been retired and playing almost every day for many decades. I think the things that sustains them the most: 1) they see the walking part of golf as a healthy way for them to walk and sustain their health. They’re probably one of the healthiest and mentally sharp 70-something’s that I know. 2) golf is a social game, and they have made many friends through playing over the years. This latter part is what I’d like the current golf community to be mindful of. Being friendly, courteous, and understanding of beginners as they are learning the game go a long way into creating a much better impression of the game and its players. Too many times these days I see rudeness and aloofness at the course that would be off-putting to beginners.
I also appreciate all your instructions and talents. I am 73 and the local public city courses have just raised their fees again this season for the third time. They will not let you walk for obvious reasons. Expense is my biggest complaint.
I so appreciate your approach to golf and teaching. I stopped playing about 15 years ago. A huge reason was I didn’t get better. Took a couple lessons from guys who really didn’t seem to care AND when you have a line of retired guys who play well behind you on the 1st tee box only to sigh when you messed the 1st shot up…well you get the drift. I’ve picked it up again. It’s winter in Alaska so indoor driving range and simulator here I come. I just don’t want to be embarrassed. Being placed with others at the course scares the crap out of me. Need to get more confident
@@GilFavor101 I'm sure you could you paid for 9 - 18 doesn't mean you have to play them but, each hole is an experience and a chance to swing at the ball more.
Clubs are so expensive in Australia. Vokey wedge $270 Callaway Paradigm Driver $1100, New Titleist irons I just bought 8 T150 FOR $2200, A dozen ProV1 $72.00.. You guys in the US are lucky
I'm in North Carolina, haven't seen any quitting around here. The courses are packed. But it is very expensive due to the huge increase in fertilizer costs which is due to the attack on the petroleum industry.
I just started playing golf last year at 55. Haven't wanted to quit yet, but there are times where I got frustrated getting a good straight hit, but then I'll have a phenomenal chip shot 2 ft from the hole and I'm back in. It's a mental sport. I agree with too busy and slow players ahead of you. I can only play weekends. I wish I had your form and could hit liked that. 😁
Mr. SG this was an interesting video with some good pointers. I play so much golf by myself and another thing I do…don’t keep score. And your tip about not hitting a shot you don’t like, move it - that tip is gold. Where else you playing in MB?
I quit golf 20 years ago because it was so expensive and I had to quit working at golf courses because it didn't pay well enough and there were no benefits but restarted again last year but only because I got a job at a golf course again, however I'm 63 years old now. A friend of mine owns 4 golf courses so when I reconnected with him, he needed help. Perfect! Otherwise... I'd still be out of golf. And we have raised our rates twice in the last two years. $70 round of golf with a cart on weekends for one. Expensive for our area...
I almost quit due to the extreme difficulty despite loving a challenge, the amount of frustration I was feeling and not being able to hit a decent shot to save my life. Then I hit my first ever birdie out of a rather deep bunker and only being able to see the top half of the pin. It was at that point and that point alone, that hooked me for life, and I no longer get frustrated at the bad shots. They happen and its all good!
I think about quitting once in a while because I suck at it. Practice more you say..............well in live full time in Florida.............have you ever tried golf practice when its 95 degrees and the humidity is the same number? Now I play usually once a week at 7:30am and get done before its way too hot to play. I'm 79 and it gets me out of the house to have some fun with the other geezers and have a lunch. If I have a good round or if I have a bad round.....who cares!!
I think it's an age based thing to me. In my 20s, less money more time, and probably too competative with myself. In my 30s (current) golf got way more expensive so still money, and now time is rare with young family. Best thing I've done for myself is resetting expecations. Embrace the suck and slowly get better when I can, budget in some range + rounds a month, and don't let other golfers influence my experience. Golf is a challenge, but it's only with myself these days and it's made it way more enjoyable.
I quit 12 years ago because my back was aching. Now in my 60's I'm back and my back is feeling great. The new equipment is fantastic and my swing is better than ever. To groove my swing I started using the Mizuno 221's. Now I'm switching to the Titleist T150's which are amazing. Thanks for another great video!
I'm an older golfer (67). I needed to start getting more flexible and a little stronger. My wife needed it too. We started doing Pilates 2-3 times a week about 18 months ago. No more sore backs and my flexibility is so much better. I say it's a game changer and so happy it came into my lifestyle.
Great video on a topic that others do not want to touch, appreciate your willingness and honesty (and solutions!). I'm not about to give up the game, but I concur with others who have commented on the frustration of slow play - all it takes is one group to bottleneck the pace of play for everyone following them. A course marshall (if there is one) typically won't confront the guilty group. Hence I play afternoons when it is quieter, many times solo, and still love it all even at 78 years old.
I have been playing 57 years...since I was 5. Many courses are just no longer walkable. Round length has increased at every course, skill levels of players has dropped and etiquette is non existent. Players refuse to replace or repair any divots, play loud music and toss beer bottles anywhere. Cells phones ring constantly and players spend to much time gathering useless info from an electronic device only to blade the ball over the green.
I’m 59 and started the game at 12 was my first lesson with my Dad and the memories together were quite unforgettable. Would Love to have another chance to play again. As far as the cost, yep it is getting a bit expensive but again starting out there are decent box clubs that will fit the bill and you can most definitely add to them. Myself I prefer to build my own and found a company out of Ohio that builds there brand for you at a fraction of the cost of name brands.
Thanks for the Vid Matt. I am 51 yrs old and have two bad knees, left shoulder surgery and a C5 Verdabre that crushed and deteriorating and I got into golf 3 season ago; the reason I call golf season is because in my area I have snow for 6 months out of the year. I live in a rural area where we have no golf instructors and the closes instructors is over 100 miles away. So my golf lessons come from youtube and your channel, seriously. As mentioned by someone already, its the bandwagoniers that are complaining. Just like anything in life, a person has to put in the time and practice. I have always told my kids, in order to get good at something you have to practice, practice, practice and when your tired of practicing you practice some more. Golf is expensive, but as you have mentioned there are other alternatives and "off" brands (Takomo Irons less than $500 for entire set and their suppose to be good). The golf simulator your tried a year or so back, Swinglogic, which I bought and truly enjoy for less than $250 bucks, works great. Either way, there are inexpensive ways to buy equipment and clubs and balls and if any person thinks that to play a round of golf in a few hours is crazy, I ALWAYS count on 4 hours or more or they can be an early morning riser, like myself and get to the course when they open and Im usually done playing 18 in about 3 hours, that with warm up. All I'm saying is if there is a Will then there is a Way!
Golf sadly is due for a recession, the cost to play, the cost of equipment, and the long time of play are most certainly contributing to the decline of golf.
I quit once. I didn’t have time for it, especially with the extremely slow play in Los Angeles. But I started up again and now I’m playing the best golf of my life.
I live in Ohio so I quit every winter. Sometimes that's 2 months, sometimes 4. But if there's no snow and a course is open, we play. Heated carts help.😂
I love playing a round of golf all by myself, very relaxing. However, I absolutely hate being paired up with strangers, which in my experience is most often what happens if I book a solo tee time, or even a twosome. Absolutely my least favourite thing about golf. It’s particularly uncomfortable if you (or your partner) lack confidence or just aren’t very good. I wish there was an option (a box to check) when booking to choose whether or not you want to be paired up. I get that the course is just trying to maximize guest counts, but for the price it costs to play a round, the option should be left to the golfer. Can you imagine booking a dinner reservation for two only to get to the restaurant only to find out you’ve been paired up with a random couple to share a booth? Lol that would be ridiculous, right…?
Not in golf. In fact I like being paired with someone else. Besides playing golf sometimes you have a front row seat to some amazing golf strikes and birdie opportunities leading to camaraderie. Anyone can pick up the game go to the golf course pair up with someone and find golf companions very easily. I've given away my phone number more times than I can remember running into like minded golfers.
@@breeze787 Nothing wrong with that. I don’t doubt that there are many, like yourself that enjoy it. My position is just that it should be openly optional. Not everyone has the same level of social openness and should be able to golf comfortably, regardless. And shouldn’t have to be subject to dirty looks from starters and clubhouse attendants. Whether I’m in the mood for a quiet, solo round or I want to bring my wife out for a nice afternoon, just the two of us. Or maybe I’m catching up with an old friend. Or maybe I am in the mood to meet some new people. Either way, I’d like the choice to be mine. Also I find it’s especially rough on beginners. It’s one thing to stink in front of someone your comfortable, but to have to struggle around complete strangers can be really embarrassing.
naw just embrace it. 95% of golfers are crappy anyways, no one really cares if you suck as long as you keep up pace. ive def gotten assholes a few times but overwhelming majority have been cool peoples. i met my current biz partners at the local muni. ive played with golf course workers that now hook me up with free or discounted golf.
@@CAxALLDAY I hear ya. I don’t think that it always sucks to be paired up. But when it does suck, it sucks. Example, just last week I met up with a friend for a twilight round. Luckily it was just the two of us. Played a scramble and made it through the 11th hole before we had to call it a night. It was great. But had we been paired off, we would have been lucky to get through 6, and that would have sucked. I’ve also played many rounds with randoms that was plenty fun, that’s not my point. All I’m saying is that it should be optional. I don’t thinks that’s unreasonable
Would you be willing to pay double for the unfilled tee time? Because that’s what it would take. There’s no way the golf course is going to lose out on the revenue.
I thought about quitting the game once, in the 90’s, because … Flying back from Puerto Rico, my golf clubs were stolen. I filed an insurance claim, but was only reimbursed about 40% of what I paid for them (I had a receipt). That wasn’t enough to get a starter set of clubs. As a result, I didn’t play for a few years. I got back into the game and now play three times a week. Also, a cousin of mine played college golf (a good player), but quit the game cold turkey. He said, at his (competitive) level, golf was too stressful; so now he just goes fishing. Interestingly, he had a set of Hogan irons (that he had played since high school) also STOLEN out of the back of his car. That was the straw … he never replaced them. Good stuff 👍🏻 Thanks 🙏🏻
I've played on and off since my 20s, and started to get back into it last year with a friend who said they wanted to try it. I'm also a lefty, so finding deals on clubs takes a lot of patience. That hasn't kept me from playing though. Each time I've stopped its been because my main golfing group stopped playing or it was my time to focus on family/career. Now that I'm a dad, I can take my kid out to practice. We have a set of junior clubs, but I think the part she enjoys the most is the post-practice snack at the clubhouse. I'm glad there's a positive association to the game we're building together. I agree with pretty much everything you said, if you do some searching, you can definitely play the game on the cheap, including lessons. It is an inspiring game, and it can be a humbling one, but if you take care of your body you can enjoy it well into your older years.
Pre Covid golfer here. Tbh, I hope people quit. I know it hurts your business, but there is only so much music, extra smelly weed, “for the boys” propaganda, slow playing, bad playing, inconsiderate golfers I can tolerate. Listen, UA-cam exists. There are 10000+ videos on your swing, but jo one watches video on etiquette. It drives me out of the game, but I’m hard headed.
I just recently about quit golfing. I have a recurring tennis elbow injury and this last time kept me away from the game about a month but I went back to it when feeling better. This injury keeps coming back and each time it’s getting worse and I play awful when it’s aggravated. I’m 51 I guess it’s just part of life.
Yes. Knee, back & shoulder pain. I played 6 rds this year before my knee went out. Then just as it healed, my shoulder went out for some other reason. I've had shoulder issues before. I'm 70 now, and you could say it's high mileage. So while I love the game, I don't love the pain. As far as golf gear goes, there are cheaper options, like most people don't need upgraded golf shafts, and most people can get a general fitting and then buy some used clubs off ebay in those specs.
This is the best news I’ve seen in weeks. Shrink the game! There are too many hackers out there inflating greens fees and ruining rounds. Please, hackers, go back to bowling or try pickle ball. You’ll never be good because you put more effort into your cart music than your game.
Can't stand the 25 handicappers and their rap music. Go back to the hood. Also, we walked until we were almost 60. But now, with 5 hour rounds, I want to sit to wait.
my friends quit this game because there's no room for beginners to enjoy the game at the course. new players tend to play slower and might cause traffic.
Every course around where I live is usually packed. If you get behind a foursome, you’re doomed. The courses don’t care or they would enforce quicker play. The worse is people bringing their kids out who have no clue how to play golf. I love the game, but people anymore are clueless.
@@rudyruiz9521 - you don’t learn on the course cupcake. You learn by taking lessons or the driving range. I don’t pay 50 bucks to wait while someone learns.
I grew up near a short course, and a friend of mine talked me into giving it a try (i was about 11 years old at the time, this was back in 1982). Early morning, summertime, a couple of us younger kids played with 3-4 retired seniors. Quite honestly, it was the most fun i've ever had golfing -- learning the game, getting better, and no cares in the world. Of course by the time i was 16 the parents made me get a job and that slowed the golfing down somewhat. But that's how golf was always done, for decades and even centuries before - someone you knew talked you into giving it a try, and you went out and looked like an idiot early on, but with friends that knew more than you to help guide you in the etiquette and rules of the game. Nowadays, (likely helped along due to covid the past couple of years), you might run into entire foursomes playing, and none of them know much of anything because they all started at the same time, as green as new-cut lumber. And TV golf promotes this, because they want to "grow the game". The golf courses need the money, so they promote it too. And when the idiots get drunk and out of hand, no one at the club will tell them to never come back because they're afraid of losing that dollar. I recently went on a trip to North Myrtle Beach and had the honor of playing a fine golf course. Except when i got there, i came to find out that the tee times were booked so tight, that they had rangers all over the place telling you to hurry up (and they were doing this even when there was no way you could go anywhere, which was incredibly frustrating). And when we got in, they rushed us right off the carts and out of the way so they could rush in the next group to load up and go. I'm a fast player, and even I didn't appreciate all this rushing about. But of course they did this so they could maximize play, and maximize the dollar. Golf is so big nowadays that the new players RARELY get to see the good side of golf - the early stages of learning the game, the ability to take time to appreciate it, etc. It gets everyone on edge. And golf isn't meant to be played on edge, unless it's a special tournament occasion. I think perhaps there's too many players now, for the golf courses that are available. Either we need fewer golfers, or more courses that are cheap, OR raise the prices so much that only serious golfers play. I don't want that, but the effort to maximize the dollar is definitely hurting the golfing experience. FWIW, i would recommend any new player to hit balls at a range enough so he's not uncomfortable standing in front of folks, and go to the cheapest local course he can find, even if it's crap. And if you can, play with someone that has played and can tell you the little nuances of the game. If you can't do that, then play when there's no one around -- very late or very early or in the heat of the middle of the day. You need time to hit a ball, and to appreciate its flight and the miracle of actually hitting it perfectly, to enjoy golf at its fullest. And the more you can do that, the better you'll regularly hit the ball, and by default you'll become a faster player. But it takes time in the early stages (at least the first 2-3 years). You can't do that if you're under pressure to hurry all the time. Golf is a wonderful game, and i want everyone to see what's so wonderful about it the same way i do. But that's almost impossible with the hectic environment that's on courses right now.
Turn it back into an actual sport..... LEAVE the cart behind, expend energy like a real sport. Let's see your score on the back nine after walking 3 miles. Cart golf is not golf.
Golf is a walking game. How do I know that. I started caddying at 11 years old, the assistant pro would take beginner caddies out early in the morning and each one of us would take turns carrying the bag, replacing divots, tending pins and so on. You didn't get your first loop until you understood the basics. It worked out pretty well for me. Caddied for Doctors, Lawyers, Business Owners and Professional Athletes. The era in golf before the Tour Professionals had their own caddies they were assigned the locals in the city where they were playing. I was lucky during High School to caddy in four LPGA and four PGA events for great players. The golf cart would have denied me that experience. So when I say golf is a walking game what I really mean is it's the true essence of the game. If I'm ever told walking is not allowed that's when I will quit. Harvey Penick said it best, The Saddest Sight In Golf Is A Youngster In A Golf Cart!
So many places require carts, can process more people through that way, more people more $. And now many courses are designed where you need a cart; the distances between green and next tee box are enormous. Sad really. I'd love carts to just go away, everybody walks.
For me it is a ton of obstacles. Working too much, arthritis, the 200 degree weather, medication side effects, cannot afford lessons etc. But, I'm not giving up.
Since I play primarily on weekends, a time when I’ve already got projects at home or social activities, playing 9 holes is a good fit. The only time I play 18 and pony up for a buggy is when I’m playing my brothers in law or oldest son who live out of state. As equipment goes, I seldom buy new and do my own club building, which is easy if you pay attention to what you’re doing. I’m 70 years old, never quit the game but have had lulls from time to time due to being too busy.
i have a couple ranges near me, it’s free to putt and chip, so if i don’t want to spend any money, i just work on my short game, which is where i need the most work. also, find courses that have tee times further apart, otherwise just enjoy the fact that we live in a country where we can enjoy this type of activity.
I just came back to the game after being gone for 20yrs. Bought my first set of custom irons in 20yrs. Kids were a bigger priority, now they are grown up and golf all the time and wanted me to get back into the game. Once held a 4 HCP. not so much anymore the swing speed is way slower once you hit 60. Now building a indoor simulator with the son in-law.
Join a local golf course with a season pass. Every day you don’t play, you’re losing money. It forces you to play more. Expensive golf equipment can help, but you don’t need it. There are plenty of deals on irons, etc. It’s more about the Indian than the arrows. Courses use to have more rangers to keep the play moving but this has decreased. Sometimes I play by myself to work on my game and if the course is busy you’re going to be waiting so I may play 2 or 3 balls for practice.
Cost and time are my biggest issues right now. I took up a volunteer job at the course to help out with cost. Now i can practice and play there at little to no cost. Now, it's just down to if i can find time. I can't handle a 3 hour 9 hole round when i know i could play 18 in that time.
I worked in the golf industry on the Monterey Peninsula from the ages of 20-30. When I changed careers, I just couldn’t get myself to pay for golf on what I considered goat tracks after years of free golf in Monterey. I’m back now but that mental barrier was real!
Thanks and good video Matt with some real good ideas/suggestions. Played alone today and course was slow so I played a one man scramble. Shot -3 in nine holes on a bit of a breezy day. However I was able to play in 1:30 minutes and basically played 18 holes with the exception of a few putts and drives without holding anyone up.
At 71, this year I became an ex-golfer I had been playing golf for most of my adult life (my lowest handicap was 10.8 and from the age of 60 have been gradually but relentlessly going back up). When I turned 70 I found that I just wasn't enjoying playing anymore and often found myself coming up with excuses not to play, too cold, too hot, too wet, too windy and nobody to play with. Instead of it being enjoyable relaxation it had become a stress that I just didn't need in my life. So I quit and sold ALL my golfing equipment! Do I miss it, yes a little bit and it kind of makes me sad that I will never play again. But I walk every day in my local Parks and have sensible conversations with folk that I meet, so I get my exercise but go home to my long-suffering former golf widow happy and unstressed out.
Great drone video; quitters define social disorder, and many struggles families juggle; making golf time efficient can be done, as in 45” shags, 9 hole evenings, home golf room! Disability is tough work for many seniors & hard to fix. Worry that juniors never embrace because too stuck with nose in cell phones! Best sociology of golf ever, right here! Rhetoricals need be requested of all golfers so be aware!
In our town we have tee time possibilities 8 days in advance starting at 0600 hrs. Have 3 full regular courses plus 3 par 3 courses in town. Although I am logged on at 0600 hrs when the tee times become available many times I missed getting an available time. By 0602 all early tee times prior to let say 1130 are taken. We have plenty of golfers around here in SoCal - nobody is leaving the game around here.
I am an avid golfer and absolutely love the game, however, I have from time to time seriously considered giving up on the game. The number one reason I have considered quitting is the constant getting better getting better game goes in the drain, getting better getting better game goes in the drain. I’ve been playing for over 50 years. Lately due to significant health issues I have also considered giving up the game, but in the end I always come back.
At 78 and still active. Thought about dropping golf because I’m playing so poorly. Low to mid 90s from the senior tees. Driving around 175yds. Used to do that with 5 iron. Been playing for about 45 yrs. I save $$ by using Golf Now and Golf Pass which gets me on private courses off season here in Florida. Just get so frustrated when I make poor shots which seem to come my frequently lately. Absolutely no confidence with my irons. Going to get fitted for irons. take 1 couple lessons and practice my short game. If that does not improve my game my grand kids will inherit a bunch of golf clubs early. Fortunate I have a few golf buddies and you can not put a price on camaraderie and social interaction.
I got my first set at a Salvation Army Thrift Store; Knight Virahe. After a few years and I improved some I found Callaway's pre-owned site and purchased my current Diablo Forged irons. Slowly I have used that same site to upgrade my clubs without breaking the bank.
I so appreciate my dew sweeper solo rounds. Love the sounds of nature, the walk and the less than 3 hour round. It is my therapy!
All of this, all of it I couldn't agree with more. There are few things better, a cup of coffee, the first tee time, the sound of a pure wedge on the dew filled fairways... i mean it's unbeatable.
the sounds of golf are incomparable. cut through the grass, the click of a pure iron, the thunk of an approach on the green, the rattle of a made putt@@seekinggreen4481
@@seekinggreen4481 And I’m lucky, my home course is Soule Park in Ojai, California and I have the weekdays off so if I get out between 630 and seven it’s like the course is just mine and I get deer running across fairway some coyotes it’s fantastic
And I'm the guy behind you that loves to see trail of those putts in the dew :) Thank you!
@@jamesreynolds4220 funny story, made a few putts thanks to those dew lines!!! 🤣
I’m 66 years old played my whole life usually 2-3 times a week till 4 months ago…still score in the low to mid 80’s…one day just said why…haven’t played in four months no desire to play anymore…don’t know why…money time forever rounds rude people just to much bullshit anymore…
I love everything about golf but I lost my golf buddy unexpectedly when he passed away. This video made me realize how much I need to play thank you
My buddies old lady has restricted his days he can play. My wife encourages me to play more. Sad really that my buddies, who got me into the game is a tool….
I live in Southern California and I want people to quit!!! Since COVID, it has become super crowded everywhere. Getting tee times is now a hassle and you have to book 1-2 weeks in advance. Courses have increased times between rounds so its even crowded during the round. A ton of players play on the wrong tees, everyone wants to play tips/pros and can't even hit in bounds. There is also a ton of aggressive players looking to fight on course for hitting into or getting hit on or getting denied by cart girl.. New hackers get wasted and have no etiquette, no yelling fore, slam clubs all over course, etc..
I love golf, but wouldn't mind if less people played lol
Me too, after 30 years csnt tske it anymore. Fuck golf courses forever. 2 weeks booking is a joke.
I stopped playing 5-6 years ago because of these same reasons. I recently started to play again AND IT's WORSE than 6 years ago, especially in the LA area. Too many idiots playing.
Golf course management got greedy after Covid. Allowing fivesomes is now standard while hiring fewer and fewer marshals - and the ones they do hire so very little marshaling if any at all.
isn't CA a democrat immigrtant state? yep. Democraats destrroy everything.
Yes, Cali is full of idiots
Green fees are getting out of hand here in Denver. You can't get a tee time for less than $80 on the weekend, which is pretty much double what is was 5 years ago.
more immigration will help. Vote Bidunce.
Here in Switzerland is 120 -140 CHF. THAT is crazy
Reading the comments reminds me why I quit 15 years ago. Thank you for confirming why not playing golf has been a positive, in so many ways.
Golf is expensive, the green fees in Oklahoma are not going down. Golf lessons are high, driving range prices are increasing. Golf is killing itself.
Golf is a sport that was originally designed for the elite. Only the wealthiest of men could participate. A sleeve of balls would have cost 1/2 a years salary for an average worker. Now everybody can play at a reasonable price. Calling today's golf expensive lacks perspective. It only feels expensive right now because of inflation.
I too live in Oklahoma you are correct! Just got back from a business trip in Illinois and played 2 courses that were as good as anything we have in Tulsa for at least 30% cheaper , we are ridiculously high for golf in Oklahoma and idk why ???
what about the 2,000 dollars plus for clubs?
@@denisjl100 - Yeah, I guess some there are some bad players that needs $2K golf clubs to shoot a 20 over. However, there are quite a few golfers that can make par with JUST a 9 iron. A good pro can easily score in the 60s with a $400 set of clubs.
@@JohnBowl14690 yeah that's cute but you know as well as you do that no one plays with 400 dollars clubs. my set is made up of hybrids from 2 to 6 my irons are second hand titlests from 2014. the irons cost 250 dollars and the hybrids were 15 year old cobras at 30 to 40 dollars apiece for a total of 210 dollars. the putter is 50 years old and i won it in a tournament. that's 460 dollars total with a free putter. the bag is a 14 club titlest cost 129 dollars. i'm retired and make about 3000 dollars a month so 300 dollar rounds at 4 star golf courses are not in my wheel house. people who want to play golf can't afford to play unless they are in the 50000 dollar range.
Well this is my opinion, I love this game so much that I would sleep at a golf course. Morning is my favourite, the scent in the air, the greens keeper cutting the greens. That first drive or iron shot. everything is so beautiful. I think people are quiting golf for 2 reasons, 1- the cost and the cost of equipment, 2- they just don't play well enough 3-to lazy to practice and don't care about getting better. Man, but me I just love this sport. I'm 61 now and been playing for over 40 yrs. I live in a small town Ile-des-chenes Manitoba Canada Thanks for all the lessons you have given me. :)
I haven’t thought about quitting, I actually quit for 5 years. Reason, slow play. Add to the fact the rudeness of slow players and courses that allow it.
Awesome reminder to us all! Senior golfer, disabled veteran here. Retired, living the dream in the beautiful tropics of the Philippines. Golf has been a godsend for me in so many ways, as it has been for many of my veteran brothers and sisters. I feel that pursuit of this game we play is well worth the effort on so many levels. Yes, the expenses have been on the rise, but there are alternative routes to ease the wallet impact.
Lucky you. Thanks for your service! Enjoy the Philippines!
Fellow veteran here, was stationed at Olongapo. Ever play the course at Camp John Hay near Baguio?
Golf is killing itself. The ridiculous prices they charge for equipment drives people away in droves. Drivers cost so much and people want to play with the best equipment but can't afford to. Green fees are astronomical. I remember when I started playing , green fees at the municipal course were 1.25 weekdays, 2.50 weekends. Yes I'm old. Now they are around 40 dollars.
Golf is a sport that was originally designed for the elite. Only the wealthiest of men could participate. A sleeve of balls would have cost 1/2 a years salary for an average worker. Now everybody can play at a reasonable price. Calling today's golf expensive lacks perspective. It only feels expensive right now because of inflation.
And you’re killing me Mike… 🙂 Your post immediately took me back to 1965 when I was 11. I distinctly remember Dad paying those exact prices at Pelham & Split Rock in The Bronx. Mostly played Split Rock because there was never a wait but it could be two hours on Pelham. Went home one day with… it must’ve over “50” mosquito bites. LOL
really?? Isnt a beer proportionately (sp?) the same increased price since what, 1945 or whatever year you are referring to? If you think 40 is expensive for 18, yes you should quit. Im in Chicago, $40 for 18 is a steal
@@leeharvey969 actually since I was born in 1952 and didn't start playing until I was 12 your only 17 years off. You need to understand there have not been many improvements. Basically the same course now as it was back in 1962.
I love Golf. As a converted baseball player I so wish I would have picked this up when I was a kid. This sport is all mechanics, repetition and muscle memory. More baseball players should transition sooner. I will sadly have to stop playing soon as I suffered a spinal cord injury and it’s progressively getting worse. Love this sport and I hope more people play it. This channel is great and I love the videos. For those that read this, play on till you can’t play no more and enjoy
Man buddy sad to hear your having to give up the game. It’s people like you love our game and have the passion and respect for it. Your last comment about play on til you can’t play no more was incredibly selfless! I just played the Old Course at St Andrews two weeks ago and I would have thought about your inspiring words that day. It was incredible. It’s people like you we want to stay in the game. I have no idea who you are, but I’ll be playing for you. Stay strong🙏
Covid really railroaded all of us OG golfers. It’s what drove the price up and caused the 5+ hour rounds that used to be sub 4hr. I’m all about growing the game, but not at the detriment of my wallet and an entire Saturday. Here in Colorado even getting the first or second tee time out requires being on the phone 6hrs and 23min before that date to even have a chance. It’s got me hanging my bag up this week as opposed to late oct or early nov (weather permitting)
COVID 🤔 You mean the “planned” reset of the world economy! The sheep were fooled into believing there was an invisible microbial contagion responsible! 📺🐑
Here on Long Island, it's become very difficult to get a tee time. People have started using bots to get times.
@@msalzberg4962wow that's crazy
Couldn’t agree with you anymore man well said….Covid brought out all the wack jobs to the course and drove up green fees, and made the game move at a snails pace…..courses are too crowded with way below average golfers, too expensive, and taking way too long
Agree. Covid ruined golf. Courses are packed. Prices are way up. Pace of play is painfully slow
I have several reasons!
- Clubs, balls, fees are more and more expensive every year
- The time it takes to play is just too long, plus the ride to/from the course, plus slow play just kills me
- I would shoot low 80's until I would for no good reason blow up and get really frustrated that I can be so inconsistent for no apparent good reason.
- Etiquette on the course is changing all the time... music at volume - really?????
- Playing a scramble these days, seems like people straight up cheat and there is no way to check that (-23 is difficult to do, I see it all the time now)
You are absolutely right
-23? That wouldn’t come close to winning some of the ones I’ve played in.
Best way I learned to enjoy the game was finding early morning tee times and using it as a mental break, playing with people who weren’t that good sometimes, and playing practice rounds at cheap courses so when I go to a good course on the weekend I can have more confidence.
A lot of people quit the game because they find it too difficult. The reason why golf is difficult for so many is because it’s not taught correctly. A person with average physical ability can learn how to hit good golf shots and enjoy the game. Unfortunately, most teaching pros teach golf swing mechanics instead of teaching people how to the tool (golf club) works. Once people understand how a golf club is designed to impact a golf ball, it becomes much easier to play the game. Teach a person how to use their hands to put the tool in the position it was designed to be in when making contact with a golf ball. They will figure it out. My seven year old can hit a 7 iron and get the ball in the air because he gets the concept.
I quit golf for a number of reasons. Too expensive. Too time consuming. Not really sufficient exercise for a young man. But the final straw for me came when I played a course that had a couple of tees where the ball had to be driven over 200 yards. One tee was over a lake, the other over a waste area. I could never drive a ball over 200 yards on the carry. I remember standing there on the tee with a lake in front of me and the landing area out of my range over water and telling the other guys in the 4-some that I can't reach the other side. I ended up chipping the ball 50 yards to the women's tee and then carrying the lake with a 3-iron. I never played golf again.
It’s now “women’s tee”. It’s the front tee or red tee
The architect should never put you in that position. Lee Trevino designed golf courses so that a 20 handicapper could bet with a scratch golfer and have a reasonable chance to win. You would never find an island green on one of his courses.
Feel for you man. I’m in same boat. Or lake in this case.
Get stronger. My wife can carry 200 but she was a div1 golfer and so was I. I actually tell people to leave that don’t play well. I’ll tell people to video their swing if they want to know why they suck so much.
@@Mobev1 Well, no. Golf is a game of quick-twitch muscles, not muscularity. Pure strength is some factor, but not the primary factor. If a person practices golf, has a decent swing and reaches his playing plateau, he is then faced with the question; am I satisfied with this level of play? If the answer is yes, then he should continue playing. If the answer is no, then he should go on to something else.
Lessons are huge. Ive been giving them for 15 years. Thanks to UA-cam, people get so confused on there trying to improve their own swing, that eventually they come to teachers like me.
I’m in Nj, the greens fees are definitely not coming down. The pace of play is another issue. Covid killed golf for a lot of people. Courses couldn’t handle the over load of new players and they saw the dollar signs they could charge being that it was one of the few things available to do.
Same in MD. Crazy green fees and no tee times.
I’m 75 now and been playing for 45 years. Up until I reach 50 years old I was always around an 8 handicap and as low as 6 handicap. As I got older I have been losing distance I mean a lot of distance. We used to play the back tees up until I reached 58 years old. Now I am playing from the senior tees and lucky to even get out of the 90s. It’s not much fun anymore and really depressing not being able to play the way I used to. I also don’t like playing 6 hour rounds. Even now my foursome can get around in 18 hole in 3 1/2 hours if there is no one in front of us. Five hours plus when we’re following some other group and that doesn’t help my game out.
Welcome to the way we women have always played! Courses were never set up for us in the early days - we just accepted it but not so anymore. I'm happy to play in the 90's but can only do so on appropriate yardage courses. Still, regulation is 3 shots to get on and hope to 2 putt for bogey. That's our world. That's my fun! Man up and play our tees!
WE need more to quit. 6hr rounds and ripped off
This is the 2nd comment about 6 hour rounds. I don’t get it. I’ve played behind really slow groups and we still finish in 4 hours.
@@bloatedsodium7301Then it’s wasn’t a slow round for you.
@@bloatedsodium7301Must be nice. Back at the end of June (summer solstice/longest days), we teed off at 4pm on a Sunday, and had to quit on 17 because the people upfront were so daggum slow. Just for clarity- in east TN, the sun sets after 9 in late June……
6 hours?
Where are people playing where there are 6 hour rounds?
I don't mind poor players as long as they try to keep their pace up.
Even a lousy golfer can move relatively quickly - with a cart.
@@cjs7553golf courses that are going for 7 minute tea time gap. Players that don’t know etiquette, new players that are learning, the list goes on. My last round was 5 hours and 45 minutes.
I left the game in 2005. I felt I was going nowhere, the game was an endless struggle to show even the slightest improvement. I got back into it in 2020, thanks to my adult son. I dug out some of my old clubs and played with them for a while, until I started scouring eBay for good used clubs. I got me some great deals on every club in my bag. Now I'm back into playing, and thanks to videos on YT I'm showing improvement. Being a senior I no longer have the length I had in my younger days, but I putt better, my shots a a bit more accurate, and my short game is better. I also play from the forward red tees, what I call the senior tees.
Me too,
Eventually we all get to the red tees.
@@bert1450 What do you mean?
Nicklaus says to play it forward and have more fun! He’s right about that! 🏌🏾♂️⛳️👏. Golf clap!
Good on you! Real men play the appropriate tees!
For me the worst thing is the overall time commitment. It starts when you get into the Pro shop and they are the least bit busy. Paint dries faster than they move. Then your off to the range with 75 balls you have to pay an extra $12 for. Good luck finding any grass to hit off. Now its 5 minutes before tee time so you head to the starting hole and guess what? There are 3 groups sitting there. So you tee off late and lucky you ends up playing behind the slowest foursome in the Universe and 5 hours later after having to wait at each shot you are finally done. 45 minute drive home and then the wife says what took you so long? Oh just a normal game of golf
Yep but its the same with all sports. My neighbor pays around $1500/yr for Ski passes and drives hours to get there. Another neighbor has a boat and when he goes fishing its the entire weekend and his 2 freezers are packed with salmon, halibut and cod. He's always out in his driveway working on the vehicle he tows his boat with. Golf is expensive but so are the other sports.
You and your wife should be aware of this already.
You failed to mention the 3-5 beers at the bar after your round😅
This right here is the exact reason most people quit golf…
SO Quit and stop bitching!
One way I've Spiced it up recently - Club Building! Built an entire "new" setup with used clubs I bought off ebay and at garage sales. Bought materials cheap online.
Started with regripping, then fitting, cutting & changing shafts based on my swing, and finally dialing in and balancing my swing weights to my exact preferences.
Turned out to be a fun experiment and I'm already eyeing my next iron set build after learning from some new tips and tricks to make an even better set
People are quitting for various reasons.Mostly it’s getting too expensive,people playing and not knowing the rules or etiquette.Where I play can take four hours for a 5300 yard course.Some groups can lose more than four holes and don’t wave you through and wonder why the people behind are getting agitated.The other reason is they want to play at the same time every Saturday and Sunday when there are over 600 members.Only 36% of the tee times are used on a weekly basis.People need to change or the game will die.
My son is GM of three golf courses, all are up in memberships and open play. Been growing since Covid.
I had to basically quit for over 20 years as my kids grew up and their activities took precedence. All were swimmers and it seemed like every weekend we were either at a swim meet or practice. Took the game up after my son graduated from high school and play over 150 times a year now. Love the game.
Ya don't live I North East obviously.
Hoping to get in 76
Same. Soccer all the time and no 5 hr chunks of time.
I had almost identical story. My twins were swimming, so until their university all weekends were spent at swimming pools (I am also sport photographer). When they quit, I have suddenly much more time and I spend it with gold
When it's 105 to 115 degrees here in the southwest, it's a good reason to quit. The grass on our local munis is completely yellow.
I do the chipping thing on the tee box all the time on slow rounds. It makes a huge difference, builds confidence for your next chip shot.
I chip on the tee box too. Downhill, uphill, tight lie, and fluffy.
@@jeffreymiller1052 their ain't no chipping around the tee box on a desert course lol
I am on the board at a non profit 9 hole club in small town Iowa. We have in the last 10 years, gone from a pretty good membership base of 150ish members to below 100. Our course turns 100 years old next year and have been desperately trying to get people back out on the course. A lot of the things I have heard are about the time constraints of children/wife. We used to have 30 plus people out for a stag (mens) night and more than 20 for ladies nights. both are now below 7. (had 6 for mens night this week). With the family time thing and an aging community I fear we will be losing our course in the next 15-20 years. We need a golf resurgence.
enjoyed the video, back in the 70's most golfers walked when I started and there was a starter who put folks together. Also back then if you were by yourself people would ask you if you were alone if you wanted to play with them. This was common. Does not happen anymore, and when playing with friends I will ask solo players if they want to join us. They are shocked and they appreciate it. I live in Florida and the cost during season is high, for an average course can be $80 dollars for a round. Too much for me. I got lucky and joined a member owned course for around $400 a month and I keep my cart there for $30 bucks a month. Now I play every day (retired). I Agree when you upgrade your clubs give your old set to someone starting. If we do not get more folks into the game courses are going to close. Most golf courses barely break even anymore and this is a course without any debt. Lets be ambassadors to the great game and help facilitate more play.
The game needs more golfers like you.
People are leaving the game because so many casuals joined the game during COVID and it is mainly people that don't know the rules, don't respect the courses, and only golf to get hammered.
I've seen so many videos of asshats destroying part of a golf course, completely ruin a green, take divots out of greens, etc. It is absolutely ridiculous and there needs to be some kind of online "Banned" list with photos that clubs across the US can access, since most courses refuse to hire a course marshall... 🤷♂️🤷♂️
Public courses are too crowded . I welcome people dropping out. Hope it continues.
Could not agree more. Only other option is to join a country club, that is what I did and the golf is worth it if you can afford it.
I agree... way too crowded everywhere...
Another thing is that the sport is so hard we never get to being the manager of our game. We do not know what is going to happen with drives, 2nd/3rd shots, sand shots, pitches, and chips. About the only swing that is predictable is putting, and that is hard too.
Another thing is that the sport is so hard we never get to being the manager of our game. We do not know what is going to happen with drives, 2nd/3rd shots, sand shots, pitches, and chips. About the only swing that is predictable is putting, and that is hard too.
What a joke
The ending 😂. This was very encouraging. As a new golfer myself, I’m learning. I took the lessons, very expensive!. But, it did help with a foundation swing. But, I’m struggling with my irons and driver, regarding distance and height. But, I still go to the range an practice, even by myself. I don’t want to quiet, I want to get better. Your right it’s hard when I don’t see progress. But, I’m gonna stick with it and keep watching your videos.
Thank you !
How is your grip? I started a little over a year ago and finally over this past week I was able to get rid of my strong grip. Now my shorts are getting more loft and distance.
@@Dayvon11 my grip is to strong, so I need help in the area.
@@derekr18 find someone who is much better than you and ask them how they grip the club. My boss showed me his grip and then I just copied it
I live in Southern California…..it’s the cost…..courses ten years ago that charged $45-$60 a round is now $125-$150…. As a life long golfer and now retiree….I can only play about once every three months or so…just ridiculous
Move out of CA. Too expensive to retire there
Thanks!
Hey Matt. Love all your vids. I’m a fellow 51 year old guy. I haven’t quit the sport yet but have severely cut back on my playing time. I’ve only played 1 round this year. I only have so much time to allocate on leisure activities and/or hobbies. For the last year and a half I’ve become obsessed and addicted to pickleball. I can play for 2-3 hours, get a great workout in and get to be super social at the same time. There’s a bit of an up front investment getting paddles and equipment but after that the only real cost involved is balls and membership fees at local Y’s, pickleball clubs which is very minimal in comparison to golf. It’s not that I don’t enjoy golf but the hour plus it takes me to get to a course, 4.5 hour round, possibly lunch and drinks afterwards and driving back home. It’s basically a whole day shot. I can play 2-3 hours of pickleball, feel accomplished, competitive and social and still have a ton of free time left and plenty of money left in my pocket.
I’m 51 and play pickleball in Richmond VA…100s of courts in door and out. I still love golf.
Carefull not to injure yourself. Torn calf mustles are not fun.
comparing pickleball to golf is pretty apples-to-oranges honestly
@@milesstover3724 he wasn’t comparing it. He was saying he can get it done fast, more excercise and cheap…mostly free and extremely social. I play golf but watched my dad go from tips, to blue, to white to gold to red and now he really can’t play. It was like a constant reminder that he was getting old. You need to eat healthy and fast.
@@milesstover3724not comparing it. Just saying that I have limited time for extracurricular activities if given a completely open Saturday, I’d rather go play pickle ball for three hours and have the rest of the day to myself. I still like golf it’s just not as important as other things.
I managed golf course for my career. I think it was Ron Garl who said golf has three too's in golf. (1) It is too hard. I gave free clinics and had pros offered to help folks on the range. (2) It takes too long. My golf courses were played in four hours. You could rest assured that one way or the other you would be off the golf course 4 hours after your tee time. (3) It is too expensive. We offered severely discounted fees during off peak hours. We got so many donations we could set up beginners with clubs free of charge. Our motto was Growing the Game and Our People.
I found a driving range with heated bays. Spent an entire winter trying the same thing over and over again. I thought I was doing what you and clay ballard and others said to do. Truth is I wasn't. One day I actually trusted the club to do the work, lightened up, and watched the ball soar like it never did before. I love this game! I will never turn pro, I probably will never drive the ball 300 yards. It's chess in fluid real time motion. I am definitely lucky. Here in Milwaukee Wisconsin, we have a great public course system. There's a lot of different courses to choose from. Seems like since covid, tee times are hard to come by here. I don't see signs of that slowing down where I am. Have fun with it! Don't quit people, pivot. See what happens to your score if you try to lay up on every hole. Divide the yardage of a hole mathematically into realistic chunks of distance that will leave you salivating, not frustrated. Or just swing for the fences every time, I'll see you in the trees!
So you spent some time at Gastrau's? The MKE parks courses are amazing and cheap, but they can definitely be slow during peak times. Early mornings are best, but the twilight prices can't be beat. So thankful I picked it up again when I moved back.
Time, Cost, Physical limitations: one easy solution: Courses should charge 1/2 to play 9. I would love to walk 9, but 18 is tiresome, especially with how slow the pace is. Walking is cheaper than cart, offers great exercise so now we are more fit and I have time to cool off after a bad hit. I could play 18 in 2.5 hours but 5 hours is what it takes to play the average course and waking for 5 hours in the heat leaves me exhausted so then I get a cart and join the traffic jam and forgoes one of the best and original advantages of golf: walking.
Practice lots and get in game shape.
Play early with the good golfers and move the game along in under 4 hours. Pick up your ball if you have to.
Buy game packs, discount cards, online deals to keep costs down if a membership doesn’t make more sense. Full pin greens fees are for suckers….
Finish up before noon, a quick beer and be home for the family before 1.
Repeat as many times a week as possible.
😂😂😂😂😂
Are you serious? It doesn't matter what time we tee off. Even at 6:30 a.m., we end up behind slow hackers.
I play 7 days a week! Always early in the morning normally finish in 2hrs and 15 minutes as a 2some. 2hrs and 50 minutes as a 3some we play Ready golf.
My parents are in their 70s, been retired and playing almost every day for many decades. I think the things that sustains them the most: 1) they see the walking part of golf as a healthy way for them to walk and sustain their health. They’re probably one of the healthiest and mentally sharp 70-something’s that I know. 2) golf is a social game, and they have made many friends through playing over the years. This latter part is what I’d like the current golf community to be mindful of. Being friendly, courteous, and understanding of beginners as they are learning the game go a long way into creating a much better impression of the game and its players. Too many times these days I see rudeness and aloofness at the course that would be off-putting to beginners.
walking is the main reason i golf. its a long walk that i don't mind doing.
I also appreciate all your instructions and talents. I am 73 and the local public city courses have just raised their fees again this season for the third time. They will not let you walk for obvious reasons. Expense is my biggest complaint.
Expense and time committment
I so appreciate your approach to golf and teaching. I stopped playing about 15 years ago. A huge reason was I didn’t get better. Took a couple lessons from guys who really didn’t seem to care AND when you have a line of retired guys who play well behind you on the 1st tee box only to sigh when you messed the 1st shot up…well you get the drift. I’ve picked it up again. It’s winter in Alaska so indoor driving range and simulator here I come. I just don’t want to be embarrassed. Being placed with others at the course scares the crap out of me. Need to get more confident
Just keep in mind, they probably couldn't have done your job! Funny how all of our important accomplishments are erased with one shanked shot!
My problem is slow play and people out there acting like pros, when we’re all just hacks.
"Fake it 'til you make it... to the pros?" XD Can you not just skip a hole to pass them? Serious question; I've never played a round of golf.
@@GilFavor101 I'm sure you could you paid for 9 - 18 doesn't mean you have to play them but, each hole is an experience and a chance to swing at the ball more.
You’re probably a hack yourself. Or were at one time. Respect everyone that plays. We are all trying to have fun and get better.
@@billyboy1075 I know, took a long time to learn "everyone is just trying..."; but thank you, good comment and point.
@@billyboy1075 People need to take swing lessons. Only a small percentage have natural talent.
Clubs are so expensive in Australia. Vokey wedge $270 Callaway Paradigm Driver $1100, New Titleist irons I just bought 8 T150 FOR $2200, A dozen ProV1 $72.00.. You guys in the US are lucky
I'm in North Carolina, haven't seen any quitting around here. The courses are packed. But it is very expensive due to the huge increase in fertilizer costs which is due to the attack on the petroleum industry.
I just started playing golf last year at 55. Haven't wanted to quit yet, but there are times where I got frustrated getting a good straight hit, but then I'll have a phenomenal chip shot 2 ft from the hole and I'm back in. It's a mental sport. I agree with too busy and slow players ahead of you. I can only play weekends. I wish I had your form and could hit liked that. 😁
Mr. SG this was an interesting video with some good pointers. I play so much golf by myself and another thing I do…don’t keep score. And your tip about not hitting a shot you don’t like, move it - that tip is gold. Where else you playing in MB?
I quit golf 20 years ago because it was so expensive and I had to quit working at golf courses because it didn't pay well enough and there were no benefits but restarted again last year but only because I got a job at a golf course again, however I'm 63 years old now. A friend of mine owns 4 golf courses so when I reconnected with him, he needed help. Perfect! Otherwise... I'd still be out of golf. And we have raised our rates twice in the last two years. $70 round of golf with a cart on weekends for one. Expensive for our area...
I almost quit due to the extreme difficulty despite loving a challenge, the amount of frustration I was feeling and not being able to hit a decent shot to save my life. Then I hit my first ever birdie out of a rather deep bunker and only being able to see the top half of the pin. It was at that point and that point alone, that hooked me for life, and I no longer get frustrated at the bad shots. They happen and its all good!
I think about quitting once in a while because I suck at it. Practice more you say..............well in live full time in Florida.............have you ever tried golf practice when its 95 degrees and the humidity is the same number? Now I play usually once a week at 7:30am and get done before its way too hot to play. I'm 79 and it gets me out of the house to have some fun with the other geezers and have a lunch. If I have a good round or if I have a bad round.....who cares!!
There are a couple of reasons: 1) It's expensive to play every week, 2) The new trend of loud music on the golf course, 3) Drunk a-holes.
I think it's an age based thing to me. In my 20s, less money more time, and probably too competative with myself. In my 30s (current) golf got way more expensive so still money, and now time is rare with young family. Best thing I've done for myself is resetting expecations. Embrace the suck and slowly get better when I can, budget in some range + rounds a month, and don't let other golfers influence my experience. Golf is a challenge, but it's only with myself these days and it's made it way more enjoyable.
Excellent comment bro
I quit 12 years ago because my back was aching. Now in my 60's I'm back and my back is feeling great. The new equipment is fantastic and my swing is better than ever. To groove my swing I started using the Mizuno 221's. Now I'm switching to the Titleist T150's which are amazing. Thanks for another great video!
I'm an older golfer (67). I needed to start getting more flexible and a little stronger. My wife needed it too. We started doing Pilates 2-3 times a week about 18 months ago. No more sore backs and my flexibility is so much better. I say it's a game changer and so happy it came into my lifestyle.
Great video on a topic that others do not want to touch, appreciate your willingness and honesty (and solutions!). I'm not about to give up the game, but I concur with others who have commented on the frustration of slow play - all it takes is one group to bottleneck the pace of play for everyone following them. A course marshall (if there is one) typically won't confront the guilty group. Hence I play afternoons when it is quieter, many times solo, and still love it all even at 78 years old.
I have been playing 57 years...since I was 5. Many courses are just no longer walkable. Round length has increased at every course, skill levels of players has dropped and etiquette is non existent. Players refuse to replace or repair any divots, play loud music and toss beer bottles anywhere. Cells phones ring constantly and players spend to much time gathering useless info from an electronic device only to blade the ball over the green.
I’m 59 and started the game at 12 was my first lesson with my Dad and the memories together were quite unforgettable. Would Love to have another chance to play again. As far as the cost, yep it is getting a bit expensive but again starting out there are decent box clubs that will fit the bill and you can most definitely add to them. Myself I prefer to build my own and found a company out of Ohio that builds there brand for you at a fraction of the cost of name brands.
6:00am by myself . . . walk nine holes. All is right with the world for that hour and a half.
Thanks for the Vid Matt. I am 51 yrs old and have two bad knees, left shoulder surgery and a C5 Verdabre that crushed and deteriorating and I got into golf 3 season ago; the reason I call golf season is because in my area I have snow for 6 months out of the year. I live in a rural area where we have no golf instructors and the closes instructors is over 100 miles away. So my golf lessons come from youtube and your channel, seriously. As mentioned by someone already, its the bandwagoniers that are complaining. Just like anything in life, a person has to put in the time and practice. I have always told my kids, in order to get good at something you have to practice, practice, practice and when your tired of practicing you practice some more. Golf is expensive, but as you have mentioned there are other alternatives and "off" brands (Takomo Irons less than $500 for entire set and their suppose to be good). The golf simulator your tried a year or so back, Swinglogic, which I bought and truly enjoy for less than $250 bucks, works great. Either way, there are inexpensive ways to buy equipment and clubs and balls and if any person thinks that to play a round of golf in a few hours is crazy, I ALWAYS count on 4 hours or more or they can be an early morning riser, like myself and get to the course when they open and Im usually done playing 18 in about 3 hours, that with warm up. All I'm saying is if there is a Will then there is a Way!
I haven't played in over a mont but that's because it's fricke. 106 deg here in Texas
It’s not 106 at 7am. Get out there early and you’ll be done by 11. I’m from El Paso, Tx, I know.
@@bloatedsodium7301 😀 at work by 6am
Hopefully the temperature will go down from the beginning of October….too dang hot to play in the summer.
Is it atleast a dry heat? Hot is fine. It's humidity that's the killer.
Golf is getting expensive, cost to play is getting higher along with the cost of equipment.
Golf sadly is due for a recession, the cost to play, the cost of equipment, and the long time of play are most certainly contributing to the decline of golf.
I quit once. I didn’t have time for it, especially with the extremely slow play in Los Angeles. But I started up again and now I’m playing the best golf of my life.
I live in Ohio so I quit every winter. Sometimes that's 2 months, sometimes 4. But if there's no snow and a course is open, we play. Heated carts help.😂
I love playing a round of golf all by myself, very relaxing. However, I absolutely hate being paired up with strangers, which in my experience is most often what happens if I book a solo tee time, or even a twosome. Absolutely my least favourite thing about golf. It’s particularly uncomfortable if you (or your partner) lack confidence or just aren’t very good. I wish there was an option (a box to check) when booking to choose whether or not you want to be paired up. I get that the course is just trying to maximize guest counts, but for the price it costs to play a round, the option should be left to the golfer. Can you imagine booking a dinner reservation for two only to get to the restaurant only to find out you’ve been paired up with a random couple to share a booth? Lol that would be ridiculous, right…?
Not in golf. In fact I like being paired with someone else. Besides playing golf sometimes you have a front row seat to some amazing golf strikes and birdie opportunities leading to camaraderie. Anyone can pick up the game go to the golf course pair up with someone and find golf companions very easily. I've given away my phone number more times than I can remember running into like minded golfers.
@@breeze787 Nothing wrong with that. I don’t doubt that there are many, like yourself that enjoy it. My position is just that it should be openly optional. Not everyone has the same level of social openness and should be able to golf comfortably, regardless. And shouldn’t have to be subject to dirty looks from starters and clubhouse attendants. Whether I’m in the mood for a quiet, solo round or I want to bring my wife out for a nice afternoon, just the two of us. Or maybe I’m catching up with an old friend. Or maybe I am in the mood to meet some new people. Either way, I’d like the choice to be mine. Also I find it’s especially rough on beginners. It’s one thing to stink in front of someone your comfortable, but to have to struggle around complete strangers can be really embarrassing.
naw just embrace it. 95% of golfers are crappy anyways, no one really cares if you suck as long as you keep up pace. ive def gotten assholes a few times but overwhelming majority have been cool peoples. i met my current biz partners at the local muni. ive played with golf course workers that now hook me up with free or discounted golf.
@@CAxALLDAY I hear ya. I don’t think that it always sucks to be paired up. But when it does suck, it sucks. Example, just last week I met up with a friend for a twilight round. Luckily it was just the two of us. Played a scramble and made it through the 11th hole before we had to call it a night. It was great. But had we been paired off, we would have been lucky to get through 6, and that would have sucked. I’ve also played many rounds with randoms that was plenty fun, that’s not my point. All I’m saying is that it should be optional. I don’t thinks that’s unreasonable
Would you be willing to pay double for the unfilled tee time? Because that’s what it would take. There’s no way the golf course is going to lose out on the revenue.
I thought about quitting the game once, in the 90’s, because …
Flying back from Puerto Rico, my golf clubs were stolen. I filed an insurance claim, but was only reimbursed about 40% of what I paid for them (I had a receipt). That wasn’t enough to get a starter set of clubs. As a result, I didn’t play for a few years.
I got back into the game and now play three times a week.
Also, a cousin of mine played college golf (a good player), but quit the game cold turkey. He said, at his (competitive) level, golf was too stressful; so now he just goes fishing. Interestingly, he had a set of Hogan irons (that he had played since high school) also STOLEN out of the back of his car. That was the straw … he never replaced them.
Good stuff 👍🏻
Thanks 🙏🏻
I want to quit because I lost my swing watching too many YT videos😂
I've played on and off since my 20s, and started to get back into it last year with a friend who said they wanted to try it. I'm also a lefty, so finding deals on clubs takes a lot of patience. That hasn't kept me from playing though. Each time I've stopped its been because my main golfing group stopped playing or it was my time to focus on family/career. Now that I'm a dad, I can take my kid out to practice. We have a set of junior clubs, but I think the part she enjoys the most is the post-practice snack at the clubhouse. I'm glad there's a positive association to the game we're building together. I agree with pretty much everything you said, if you do some searching, you can definitely play the game on the cheap, including lessons. It is an inspiring game, and it can be a humbling one, but if you take care of your body you can enjoy it well into your older years.
Pre Covid golfer here. Tbh, I hope people quit. I know it hurts your business, but there is only so much music, extra smelly weed, “for the boys” propaganda, slow playing, bad playing, inconsiderate golfers I can tolerate. Listen, UA-cam exists. There are 10000+ videos on your swing, but jo one watches video on etiquette. It drives me out of the game, but I’m hard headed.
#ShrinkTheGame
I just recently about quit golfing. I have a recurring tennis elbow injury and this last time kept me away from the game about a month but I went back to it when feeling better. This injury keeps coming back and each time it’s getting worse and I play awful when it’s aggravated. I’m 51 I guess it’s just part of life.
Reasons to quit Pace of Play, price, pace of play and pace of play.
Yes. Knee, back & shoulder pain. I played 6 rds this year before my knee went out. Then just as it healed, my shoulder went out for some other reason. I've had shoulder issues before. I'm 70 now, and you could say it's high mileage. So while I love the game, I don't love the pain. As far as golf gear goes, there are cheaper options, like most people don't need upgraded golf shafts, and most people can get a general fitting and then buy some used clubs off ebay in those specs.
This is the best news I’ve seen in weeks. Shrink the game! There are too many hackers out there inflating greens fees and ruining rounds. Please, hackers, go back to bowling or try pickle ball. You’ll never be good because you put more effort into your cart music than your game.
Can't stand the 25 handicappers and their rap music. Go back to the hood. Also, we walked until we were almost 60. But now, with 5 hour rounds, I want to sit to wait.
my friends quit this game because there's no room for beginners to enjoy the game at the course. new players tend to play slower and might cause traffic.
Courses need "up" tees for beginners. Usually one set of tees for we women with no thought that we age too!
Every course around where I live is usually packed. If you get behind a foursome, you’re doomed. The courses don’t care or they would enforce quicker play. The worse is people bringing their kids out who have no clue how to play golf. I love the game, but people anymore are clueless.
People learning bothering you by going slower is ridiculous. I get it, slow play sucks. But people need to learn.
@@rudyruiz9521 - you don’t learn on the course cupcake. You learn by taking lessons or the driving range. I don’t pay 50 bucks to wait while someone learns.
I grew up near a short course, and a friend of mine talked me into giving it a try (i was about 11 years old at the time, this was back in 1982). Early morning, summertime, a couple of us younger kids played with 3-4 retired seniors. Quite honestly, it was the most fun i've ever had golfing -- learning the game, getting better, and no cares in the world. Of course by the time i was 16 the parents made me get a job and that slowed the golfing down somewhat. But that's how golf was always done, for decades and even centuries before - someone you knew talked you into giving it a try, and you went out and looked like an idiot early on, but with friends that knew more than you to help guide you in the etiquette and rules of the game.
Nowadays, (likely helped along due to covid the past couple of years), you might run into entire foursomes playing, and none of them know much of anything because they all started at the same time, as green as new-cut lumber. And TV golf promotes this, because they want to "grow the game". The golf courses need the money, so they promote it too. And when the idiots get drunk and out of hand, no one at the club will tell them to never come back because they're afraid of losing that dollar.
I recently went on a trip to North Myrtle Beach and had the honor of playing a fine golf course. Except when i got there, i came to find out that the tee times were booked so tight, that they had rangers all over the place telling you to hurry up (and they were doing this even when there was no way you could go anywhere, which was incredibly frustrating). And when we got in, they rushed us right off the carts and out of the way so they could rush in the next group to load up and go. I'm a fast player, and even I didn't appreciate all this rushing about. But of course they did this so they could maximize play, and maximize the dollar. Golf is so big nowadays that the new players RARELY get to see the good side of golf - the early stages of learning the game, the ability to take time to appreciate it, etc. It gets everyone on edge. And golf isn't meant to be played on edge, unless it's a special tournament occasion. I think perhaps there's too many players now, for the golf courses that are available. Either we need fewer golfers, or more courses that are cheap, OR raise the prices so much that only serious golfers play. I don't want that, but the effort to maximize the dollar is definitely hurting the golfing experience.
FWIW, i would recommend any new player to hit balls at a range enough so he's not uncomfortable standing in front of folks, and go to the cheapest local course he can find, even if it's crap. And if you can, play with someone that has played and can tell you the little nuances of the game. If you can't do that, then play when there's no one around -- very late or very early or in the heat of the middle of the day. You need time to hit a ball, and to appreciate its flight and the miracle of actually hitting it perfectly, to enjoy golf at its fullest. And the more you can do that, the better you'll regularly hit the ball, and by default you'll become a faster player. But it takes time in the early stages (at least the first 2-3 years). You can't do that if you're under pressure to hurry all the time. Golf is a wonderful game, and i want everyone to see what's so wonderful about it the same way i do. But that's almost impossible with the hectic environment that's on courses right now.
Well said. Feeling rushed is one of the most poisonous determinants from the game
Can I ask who the jerk was who came up with the idea of playing music in their golf cart?????
And issue negative reinforcement to this person
Agreed! That and using phones on the course.
A back injury has sidelined me for years off and on. Finally getting back into it without much pain.
Good.
Too many hacks took up the sport during Covid.
Be gone. Give us our game and our tee sheet back.
Absolutely agree, the Covid time added lots of golfers to our courses. Wishing for the good old days.
@@francogolf i have to book 7+ days in advance if i want a morning Tee time.
Suprise off day tomorrow? Good luck.
Prices have exploded in Maryland. Can't keep up with cost of golf equipment, and last of all time commitment
Turn it back into an actual sport..... LEAVE the cart behind, expend energy like a real sport. Let's see your score on the back nine after walking 3 miles. Cart golf is not golf.
Golf is a walking game. How do I know that. I started caddying at 11 years old, the assistant pro would take beginner caddies out early in the morning and each one of us would take turns carrying the bag, replacing divots, tending pins and so on. You didn't get your first loop until you understood the basics. It worked out pretty well for me. Caddied for Doctors, Lawyers, Business Owners and Professional Athletes. The era in golf before the Tour Professionals had their own caddies they were assigned the locals in the city where they were playing. I was lucky during High School to caddy in four LPGA and four PGA events for great players. The golf cart would have denied me that experience. So when I say golf is a walking game what I really mean is it's the true essence of the game. If I'm ever told walking is not allowed that's when I will quit. Harvey Penick said it best, The Saddest Sight In Golf Is A Youngster In A Golf Cart!
So many places require carts, can process more people through that way, more people more $. And now many courses are designed where you need a cart; the distances between green and next tee box are enormous. Sad really. I'd love carts to just go away, everybody walks.
I stopped playing a long time ago due to time, cost, and I could never dedicate enough time to get any good. I loved the drone footage.
For me it is a ton of obstacles. Working too much, arthritis, the 200 degree weather, medication side effects, cannot afford lessons etc. But, I'm not giving up.
Since I play primarily on weekends, a time when I’ve already got projects at home or social activities, playing 9 holes is a good fit. The only time I play 18 and pony up for a buggy is when I’m playing my brothers in law or oldest son who live out of state. As equipment goes, I seldom buy new and do my own club building, which is easy if you pay attention to what you’re doing. I’m 70 years old, never quit the game but have had lulls from time to time due to being too busy.
i have a couple ranges near me, it’s free to putt and chip, so if i don’t want to spend any money, i just work on my short game, which is where i need the most work. also, find courses that have tee times further apart, otherwise just enjoy the fact that we live in a country where we can enjoy this type of activity.
I just came back to the game after being gone for 20yrs. Bought my first set of custom irons in 20yrs. Kids were a bigger priority, now they are grown up and golf all the time and wanted me to get back into the game. Once held a 4 HCP. not so much anymore the swing speed is way slower once you hit 60. Now building a indoor simulator with the son in-law.
Join a local golf course with a season pass. Every day you don’t play, you’re losing money. It forces you to play more. Expensive golf equipment can help, but you don’t need it. There are plenty of deals on irons, etc. It’s more about the Indian than the arrows. Courses use to have more rangers to keep the play moving but this has decreased. Sometimes I play by myself to work on my game and if the course is busy you’re going to be waiting so I may play 2 or 3 balls for practice.
Cost and time are my biggest issues right now. I took up a volunteer job at the course to help out with cost. Now i can practice and play there at little to no cost. Now, it's just down to if i can find time. I can't handle a 3 hour 9 hole round when i know i could play 18 in that time.
Hello from Oregon, it took me a year to hit the ball straight. I stayed with it and love it ! Thank you for the video.
I worked in the golf industry on the Monterey Peninsula from the ages of 20-30. When I changed careers, I just couldn’t get myself to pay for golf on what I considered goat tracks after years of free golf in Monterey. I’m back now but that mental barrier was real!
Thanks and good video Matt with some real good ideas/suggestions. Played alone today and course was slow so I played a one man scramble. Shot -3 in nine holes on a bit of a breezy day. However I was able to play in 1:30 minutes and basically played 18 holes with the exception of a few putts and drives without holding anyone up.
At 71, this year I became an ex-golfer
I had been playing golf for most of my adult life (my lowest handicap was 10.8 and from the age of 60 have been gradually but relentlessly going back up). When I turned 70 I found that I just wasn't enjoying playing anymore and often found myself coming up with excuses not to play, too cold, too hot, too wet, too windy and nobody to play with. Instead of it being enjoyable relaxation it had become a stress that I just didn't need in my life.
So I quit and sold ALL my golfing equipment!
Do I miss it, yes a little bit and it kind of makes me sad that I will never play again.
But I walk every day in my local Parks and have sensible conversations with folk that I meet, so I get my exercise but go home to my long-suffering former golf widow happy and unstressed out.
Great drone video; quitters define social disorder, and many struggles families juggle; making golf time efficient can be done, as in 45” shags, 9 hole evenings, home golf room! Disability is tough work for many seniors & hard to fix. Worry that juniors never embrace because too stuck with nose in cell phones! Best sociology of golf ever, right here! Rhetoricals need be requested of all golfers so be aware!
In our town we have tee time possibilities 8 days in advance starting at 0600 hrs. Have 3 full regular courses plus 3 par 3 courses in town. Although I am logged on at 0600 hrs when the tee times become available many times I missed getting an available time. By 0602 all early tee times prior to let say 1130 are taken. We have plenty of golfers around here in SoCal - nobody is leaving the game around here.
I am an avid golfer and absolutely love the game, however, I have from time to time seriously considered giving up on the game. The number one reason I have considered quitting is the constant getting better getting better game goes in the drain, getting better getting better game goes in the drain. I’ve been playing for over 50 years. Lately due to significant health issues I have also considered giving up the game, but in the end I always come back.
At 78 and still active. Thought about dropping golf because I’m playing so poorly. Low to mid 90s from the senior tees. Driving around 175yds. Used to do that with 5 iron. Been playing for about 45 yrs. I save $$ by using Golf Now and Golf Pass which gets me on private courses off season here in Florida. Just get so frustrated when I make poor shots which seem to come my frequently lately. Absolutely no confidence with my irons. Going to get fitted for irons. take 1 couple lessons and practice my short game. If that does not improve my game my grand kids will inherit a bunch of golf clubs early. Fortunate I have a few golf buddies and you can not put a price on camaraderie and social interaction.
I got my first set at a Salvation Army Thrift Store; Knight Virahe. After a few years and I improved some I found Callaway's pre-owned site and purchased my current Diablo Forged irons. Slowly I have used that same site to upgrade my clubs without breaking the bank.
Great video! Always appreciate your insight, humor, and coaching. Attitude is everything and yours is an A+. Thank you.
Ppl quitting golf is not a bad thing.. selfishly I hope this happens. God keep me healthy to keep playing this beautiful game.