Big money 1,953 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 Been running into a rash of former golf partners that were extremely avid long term golfers.Im perplexed why they are leaving this great game?And it’s quite a bit more than I anticipated.All skill levels from scratch - to - high cappers.What is going on? 1 Quote Keep it in the short stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perseveringgolfer 4,801 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 5 minutes ago, Twofer said: Been running into a rash of former golf partners that were extremely avid long term golfers.Im perplexed why they are leaving this great game?And it’s quite a bit more than I anticipated.All skill levels from scratch - to - high cappers.What is going on? Have you asked them? 1 Quote Driver Awaiting NEW Driver (after 10 yrs) 4 Wood Callaway Big Bertha Steelhead plus 4+ Callaway shaft in 'Firm' flex Hybrid Titleist 910H 19* Diamana ahina 'flower' shaft in 'S' Irons Mizuno MP18SC 4-PW N.S Pro Modus3 Tour 105 in 'S' Wedges Callaway Mack Daddy forged in black 50* and 54* KBS Tour in 'R' Putter 'YES' Tracy 11 C groove 34.5" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickyBobby_PR 9,248 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 36 minutes ago, perseveringgolfer said: Have you asked them? Hmmm Quote Driver: PXG 0811 X+ Proto w/UST Helium 5F4 Wood: TaylorMade M5 5W w/Accra TZ5 +1/2”, TaylorMade Sim 3W w/Aldila rogue white Hybrid: PXG Gen2 22* w/AD hybrid Irons: PXG Gen3 0311T w/Nippon modus 120 Wedges: TaylorMade MG2 50*, Tiger grind 56/60 Putter: Scotty Caemeron Super Rat1 Ball: Titleist Prov1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlaidJacket 7,737 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 Yeah... that's odd. People generally do things for specific reasons. Financial, health, work, family, etc. But few people just give up on things they are passionate or avid about. 2 Quote My Sun Mountain bag currently includes: 771CSI 5i - PW and PFC Micro Tour-c 52°, 56°, 60 wedges EXS 10.5*, 929-HS FW4 16.5* Willimette w/GolfPride Contour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fixyurdivot 16,555 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 Actuarial tables combined with biomechanical deterioration . I know several folks here in my area that said they use to play but have given up the game due to shoulder, back, hip, elbow, you name it, issues. 3 Quote G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w ZX5 Irons 4-AW Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW (removed from double secret probation ) ER5v Putter (Evnroll ER5v Official Review) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revkev 25,172 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 I have a few friends whom I consider avid golfers who have given it up in the last few years. In those cases health was the issue. Frankly my enjoyment for playing the game has waned. It’s very difficult to go from shooting in the low 70’s to struggling to break 80. It’s just as much fun.I love to practice and enjoy playing for fun with friends but I don’t play anywhere near as much golf as I did five years ago. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy 4 Quote Taylor Made Stealth 10.5 Aldila Ascent Red R flex Ping G410 5, 7, 9 wood Alta 65 R flex Wilson D7 forged 5-GW - Mamiya recoil 460 R flex Edison Wedges 54 and 59 KBS Tour Graphite 80's EVNRoll ER 5 Titleist Pro VIx optic yellow with revkev stamped on them Still on that elusive hunt for a 3 wood that I'm able to hit - I don't know why, I crush the 5 wood and it's really a 4 wood anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russtopherb 9,329 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 I'll give it to the OP, he's really concerned about growing the game and making sure no one quits. Besides this thread, there's also: and 7 Quote In my carry bag: D7 Hy-Wood D200 5i-PW CBX 54* & 58* #10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big money 1,953 Posted September 19, 2019 Author Share Posted September 19, 2019 It’s just such a difficult game . And many might give up if they can’t be at the competitive level they were used to. 1 Quote Keep it in the short stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HardcoreLooper 5,533 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 So many possible reasons... Can you find a way to have fun when you're not playing well? @Big money nailed it in his answer above. If you're wrapped up in your score, if you let it be the sole factor in your enjoyment, you're eventually going to quit. Are you short on time because of changes in your life (spouse, kids, job)? Is there any way around that? I basically quit playing when my oldest was born. But when she was old enough, I had a club in her hands. For a few years, my playing was mainly limited to the three pitch-n-putt holes at the TFT location where she was in classes and I volunteer. Eventually she got old enough to graduate to "real" courses and I was playing "real" golf again. Courses like Canal Shores that have rates for five and six hole loops that can be played in an hour or so at lunch or after work are on the right track. Most significant others will give you an hour to get some exercise. No reason that can't be on a golf course. Keeping clubs in the hands of busy people is the best way to keep avid golfers in the game. If you can play a few holes every week, you're still a golfer, and you'll go play 18 on those few occasions when you get the chance. Are financial realities getting in the way? This is a tough one, but are you willing to take a step down and play a majority of your golf at a lower quality course to stay in the game? Some people would rather quit. I basically stopped playing when I was out of college and had no money, but I also didn't work very hard to find affordable golf where I lived. Are you losing distance? If so, can you put your ego aside and play courses from tees that let you hit the clubs the designer envisioned (shoutout @chisag)? Know what's fun? Putting for birdies. Know what's not fun? Hitting fairway woods into greens designed to receive 7 iron shots. 3 Quote What's in the bag: Driver - F8 - Aldila NV Blue 60 ( S ) 3 Wood (16*) - F8 - Aldila NV Blue 60 ( S ) 3 Hybrid (19*) - RBZ 4i - PW - D7 Forged - Recoil 760 ( S ) GW - LW - F8 - N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour105 ( S ) Putter - Craz-e Bag - 2.5 (Black) Ball - TP5X Pix Instagram - @hardcorelooper Twitter - @meovino Facebook - mike.eovino Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perseveringgolfer 4,801 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 6 hours ago, Big money said: It’s just such a difficult game . And many might give up if they can’t be at the competitive level they were used to. I have a friend, with a lower handicap than mine, text me yesterday saying he played so badly at the weekend he's seriously considering stopping, giving up an expensive membership and just playing a few fun rounds each summer on public courses. We've all been there 2 Quote Driver Awaiting NEW Driver (after 10 yrs) 4 Wood Callaway Big Bertha Steelhead plus 4+ Callaway shaft in 'Firm' flex Hybrid Titleist 910H 19* Diamana ahina 'flower' shaft in 'S' Irons Mizuno MP18SC 4-PW N.S Pro Modus3 Tour 105 in 'S' Wedges Callaway Mack Daddy forged in black 50* and 54* KBS Tour in 'R' Putter 'YES' Tracy 11 C groove 34.5" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregB135 1,216 Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 For most it’s likely one if 3 main reasons - time, money, physical.As others have said, enjoyment of the game and the ‘why do you play?’ factor matter as well.When one of the big three prevents players from enjoying the game or overcomes their motivation to play most are going to stop playing.Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy 4 Quote Driver: PXG 211 Project X Evenflow CB, 50g 5.5 Fariway: PXG 211, 3-Wood Project X Evenflow CB, 60g 5.5 Hybrid: PXG 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5 Irons: T300 4-5, T200 6-PW Nippon 880 Pro R Wedges: CBX2 50*, 54*, 58*, TT Dynamic Gold Wedge Flex Putter: ER2 Murdered Out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteddyGolf 1,883 Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 I was checking in at the Pro Shop and a guy walked up behind me obviously irritated. While he didn’t state his reason for doing so he did ask the Pro to cancel his membership. The Pro’s response was typical of what I tend to see across the industry...........an attitude of arrogance and indifference. People may remember what you say, they could remember what you do, they will always remember how you make them feel. I’ve met some really great folks on the Golf Course and I’ve met twice that number of Arrogant a$&holes. There is so much competition for people’s time and money, in order to remain competitive you must be completely committed to customers experience. Whenever I take a break it’s usually related to the negative attitudes around me and not the sport itself. I’m perfectly ok with playing bad because I have realistic expectations. I play a lot of 9 hole golf so time is also not a factor. I think the number one reason Golfers leave the sport is because of a decline in the enjoyment factor. The Golf Community as a whole needs to spend more time developing a culture committed to the players overall experience. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver & black 6,365 Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 1 hour ago, SteddyGolf said: I was checking in at the Pro Shop and a guy walked up behind me obviously irritated. While he didn’t state his reason for doing so he did ask the Pro to cancel his membership. The Pro’s response was typical of what I tend to see across the industry...........an attitude of arrogance and indifference. People may remember what you say, they could remember what you do, they will always remember how you make them feel. I’ve met some really great folks on the Golf Course and I’ve met twice that number of Arrogant a$&holes. There is so much competition for people’s time and money, in order to remain competitive you must be completely committed to customers experience. Whenever I take a break it’s usually related to the negative attitudes around me and not the sport itself. I’m perfectly ok with playing bad because I have realistic expectations. I play a lot of 9 hole golf so time is also not a factor. I think the number one reason Golfers leave the sport is because of a decline in the enjoyment factor. The Golf Community as a whole needs to spend more time developing a culture committed to the players overall experience. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy I have a beautiful muni course 1.5 miles from my front door. I refuse to play it because of the arrogant, stuffy attitude that generally pervades the whole place. It was built with tax payer money and billed as a golf course for the citizens of Massillon. Yea.... what a joke. We got fleeced.... the only citizens that matter are the elite and affluent... the rest of us aren't wanted, and it shows in the attitude toward us "regular" citizens. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteddyGolf 1,883 Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big money 1,953 Posted September 25, 2019 Author Share Posted September 25, 2019 (edited) I agree with the last few posts.The sport is really trending more elitist.And going back to its 1960ish “ I’m better than you roots”.Its real obvious every where I go.Kinda holding back and not saying a lot but just enjoying the game.It is getting to the point where the members are starting to look down more on others more than I can remember.If it keeps trending this way I might be looking into new hobbies as well.The nerve of these people and the aura they give off is just so toxic for growing the game.Im at the point now in my life where instead of fighting a bad situation.Im going to just walk away with my head held high.So yes!! I can see why many avid golfers walk away.Only so much one can take of elitist a*holes.And the sad thing they see nothing wrong with the way they act or how their cronies act.And I was actually very pleased my son never had any interest as of late for golf.Im not going to promote this game to anyone knowing what I know.Was always a huge backer of this game.No more,at times I’m embarrassed telling my friends I play golf.Honestly,,...If your an a**hole, or rich elitist than you most likely play golf. Edited September 25, 2019 by Big money Quote Keep it in the short stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony@CIC 21,994 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 1 hour ago, Edveed said: I agree with the last few posts.The sport is really trending more elitist.And going back to its 1960ish “ I’m better than you roots”.Its real obvious every where I go.Kinda holding back and not saying a lot but just enjoying the game.It is getting to the point where the members are starting to look down more on others more than I can remember.If it keeps trending this way I might be looking into new hobbies as well.The nerve of these people and the aura they give off is just so toxic for growing the game.Im at the point now in my life where instead of fighting a bad situation.Im going to just walk away with my head held high.So yes!! I can see why many avid golfers walk away.Only so much one can take of elitist a*holes.And the sad thing they see nothing wrong with the way they act or how their cronies act While I value your opinion, I couldn't disagree more. Yes I do play at a (relatively inexpensive) private club, but we also play a lot at Munis and other public courses. I've found other golfers very welcoming and interested in promoting the sport/hobby to others. I play frequently with single digit handicappers and they could care less that I'm a high handicapper. We go out to have fun and of course play the best we can. Maybe the friendliness is just a Midwest thing....hmmm probably not . Are there elitist clubs and snobby people - well of course, but those clubs and people would be the same whether they were golf, tennis, yacht, etc. clubs. 6 Quote Left Hand orientation G410 SFT driver Cobra King F-9 5 wood 410 Hybrids 22*, 26* Cobra Speed Zone 6-GP/Recoil ESX 460 F3 Shafts SM7 54* Wedge Glide 3.0 60* Wedge O Works putter NX9-HD - 4 Wheel - too many shoes to list and so many to buy And BAG Boy Golf Balls: Snell MTB-X 2020 Official Tester Beginning Driver Speed - 78 2019 Official Tester 410 Driver 2018 Official Tester C300 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TR1PTIK 3,492 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 19 minutes ago, tony@CIC said: While I value your opinion, I couldn't disagree more. Yes I do play at a (relatively inexpensive) private club, but we also play a lot at Munis and other public courses. I've found other golfers very welcoming and interested in promoting the sport/hobby to others. I play frequently with single digit handicappers and they could care less that I'm a high handicapper. We go out to have fun and of course play the best we can. Maybe the friendliness is just a Midwest thing....hmmm probably not . Are their elitist clubs and snobby people - well of course, but those clubs and people would be the same whether they were golf, tennis, yacht, etc. clubs. I agree with you Tony. I play with a wide variety of players and don't often experience this kind of snobbery. When I do, it's often guys that are that way off the course and that don't really enjoy the game to the same extent I do. Simply put, they aren't there because they are actually passionate about the game. If they were, they'd probably be a little bit happier to be playing it. 5 Quote Driver: Mizuno ST190 9.5* Aldila RIP Alpha 60 S Fairway Wood: Mizuno ST190 15* Fujikura Atmos Blue 6S Hyrbrid: Mizuno CLK 17* Fujikura Speeder EVO HB Irons: Bridgestone J40 CB (3-PW) Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Wedges: Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 54* & 58* Nippon Modus 3 105 Putter: Cleveland Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 4 34" Ball: Snell MTB-X Bag: 2017 Titleist Players 5 Stand Bag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big money 1,953 Posted September 25, 2019 Author Share Posted September 25, 2019 I’m noticing many a golf forum is dying a slow death due to Instagram and other media outlets. But My golf spy forum is still alive and well. The banter on here is like no other. I love the honesty and opinions by so many. Again, people leave golf who were avid because of how damn hard the game is. Golf manufactures are pushing the boundaries trying to make this game more user friendly. But no matter how hard They try . It’s still such a darn hard game. People just get sick of hacking it all over day in and day out. The median score is still 95 I believe for 18. And that is a hacking round no matter how you look at it 4 Quote Keep it in the short stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony@CIC 21,994 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 39 minutes ago, TR1PTIK said: I agree with you Tony. I play with a wide variety of players and don't often experience this kind of snobbery. When I do, it's often guys that are that way off the course and that don't really enjoy the game to the same extent I do. Simply put, they aren't there because they are actually passionate about the game. If they were, they'd probably be a little bit happier to be playing it. Yup - those people are probably miserable at everything they do. 1 Quote Left Hand orientation G410 SFT driver Cobra King F-9 5 wood 410 Hybrids 22*, 26* Cobra Speed Zone 6-GP/Recoil ESX 460 F3 Shafts SM7 54* Wedge Glide 3.0 60* Wedge O Works putter NX9-HD - 4 Wheel - too many shoes to list and so many to buy And BAG Boy Golf Balls: Snell MTB-X 2020 Official Tester Beginning Driver Speed - 78 2019 Official Tester 410 Driver 2018 Official Tester C300 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deejaid 3,945 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 Could it be that for many people golf is no longer a game but has become an overwhelming focus that eventually they burn out on?When it was just a game, people bought a set of clubs, went and practiced or played a round and that was it. They enjoyed the round of golf or their “golfing time” and that was it until they got to the course to do it again.Now, in addition to practicing and playing, “golfing time” has taken more and more of their time. There are golf forums to discuss golf 24 hours a day. Online shopping to search for a new club that will help them improve because the practice isn’t working. Custom fittings, launch monitors, shot tracking, 24 hour golf tv channels, YouTube golf videos, etc. Maybe the people leaving have just said enough is enough. What started as a fun game became an overwhelming presence in their lives and was no longer fun. How many here or on other forums enjoy buying a new piece of equipment more than actually playing? After awhile the fun of purchasing new gear is less and less fulfilling until finally they realize they just spent $1000’s and are no better or happier in the game.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 Quote WITB: Stan Thompson “Reactionizer” persimmon woods 1-4 Spalding Tour Edition 3-PW Spalding Top-Flite E.V.A. Sand Club Rife Legend Z Putter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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