The golf industry is not growing and it's not for lack of marketing. It's lack of introducing new players in a way that makes them want to come back.
I'll try to answer my own questions about what can be done.
Golf Courses have a vested interest and most are struggling for greens fees and member enrollment. So rather than cater to the average public golfer or member, they go for the bigger payoffs of corporate outings and special events. The alternative is to attract high volume daily fee players with special incentives on discounted rates plus food, drink, etc. More of a survival than high margin tactic. How many of these courses cater to new, beginning golfers by providing free seminars on the fundamentals of playing tee to green, etiquette, equipment, and set the right expectations for personal growth? How many provide a for-fee seminar with custom clubs for little to no profit just to get a beginner started on the right track? The Club Pro has the responsibility here. The beginning golfer has a great time and guess what? A repeat customer for a long time.
Golf Teachers have a vested interest. There is nothing wrong with starting a program for beginning golfers that teach basic mechanics and basic playing. There are ways to take a group of beginners and introduce them to playing. Take an entire group out for 9 holes and show them the way to keep pace. Teach a Community College or University Extension Course and include custom clubs as part of the fee. Have a special event at your equipment store for beginners and give them a seminar on how to play a course, then take them all out!
The Equipment Industry has a vested interest. They are doing everything they can to make equipment forgiving. But I doubt they are making the numbers they would like to make.
The Media has a vested interest. Unfortunately they do nothing to guide beginners on the right path from a mechanics or playing perspective.
The PGA has a vested interest and has the primary responsibility for creating ease of entry to the game. They have failed according to the numbers.
So it's safe to say that the industry is not growing and there are many that would like to see growth, not stagnation. It begins with correct instruction on and off the course. It would be great to see more on-course fundamentals taught for the raw beginner. A lifetime of enjoyment begins there. How many of us introduce our friends to golf this way? I believe experienced golfers, teaching pros, and club pros need to do more in this area. Those that are should be highly commended and supported.
Grab a beginner and take them out next week! Introduce someone new to the game.
Bagger