[judgesmails]

As a regular golfer, I am happy there fewer players. The last thing I want to see when I am playing are a bunch of beginners slowing down play. I can't think of a single reason why I would want more people to take up the game. Higher demand would translate to higher greens fees and slower rounds.

I do know a few course owners very well though and they have a tough time putting their finger on why rounds are down. They like to blame the weather, the economy, slow play, etc. I think it may be that Americans are generally getting more lazy and look for more passive activities now than 5-10 years ago. And kids are increasingly interested in X-games type sports like skateboarding, motocross, etc. There has been a slight cultural shift in interests among Americans away from golf.