10 Reasons why People are Quitting GOLF! 

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!

The reason most people quit. Is the courses are trying their best to get every last dollar, every time you show up. Getting too expensive. My local public course is 50% more than 2 years ago. I will not put up with that.

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)

Public courses are too crowded . I welcome people dropping out. Hope it continues.

My problem is slow play and people out there acting like pros, when we’re all just hacks.

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.

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

WE need more to quit. 6hr rounds and ripped off

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

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.

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.

Great video! I started golf two weeks ago and, exactly what you said, a friend of a friend gave me an old set of clubs! Great videos Mr. SG 😊

Great video. Well said. I like your way of being supportive and positive. I have also found that walking a golf course is also great exercise, which everyone needs.

Great video man very encouraging for a newer golfer just hearing it’s okay to not be able to hit a shot that day

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.

Great video! Always appreciate your insight, humor, and coaching. Attitude is everything and yours is an A+. Thank you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Gave up golf many years ago because of the Scottish weather. Now retired in Spain and love every minute of my golf.

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.

Great video Matt. I am on the complete opposite spectrum and playing every weekend. I was a avid golfer from my teens to my early 30's a stopped playing the game all together for 20 years. I was too busy raising my kids and had not time. Once my youngest graduated from high school I gave it a go to see if I still liked it. Well, totally addicted now. For those in this boat please take my advise and do not stop playing the game if you love it. Find a way to play and maybe do an early bird on the back 9 or simply play some 9 hole short courses. I regret not playing this fantastic game for 20 years.

Great suggestions Matt. I love to play and stay in the Pawleys area. My greatest vacations with my kids were there.

Great video Matt... I recognized some of the holes at Willbrook having played there on our annual Myrtle trip...Maybe to keep the cost in line folks can join a local league?... We have a senior league (we're all in our 70's) that we joined a few years ago which we play for about half price and the course gets about 100 of us every week... This is for 18 holes but there are 9 hole leagues, evening leagues, mixed leagues etc.... In our case we've all made new friends, saved some money and have a great time.

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 !

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.

Lessons are huge. Ive been giving them for 15 years. Thanks to RU-vid, people get so confused on there trying to improve their own swing, that eventually they come to teachers like me.

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. 😁

I always played golf to challenge myself. To see how good I could get. I played 9 holes after work. Played 36 with buddies on the weekend. Where I lived it was decent price wise. Now not so much. I still want to play 4-5 times a week. But no buddies and the cost is tough to justify.

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.

Very entertaining Mr. Short Game. The camera work was amazing as well as your ball striking. Thanks

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.

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 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.

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.

Fantastic choice of playing willbrook! Beautiful course with some of the best live oaks you will ever see!! Check the ponds you’ll see a gator or two

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!

I haven't played in over a mont but that's because it's fricke. 106 deg here in Texas

Thanks, Matt - good video!

A back injury has sidelined me for years off and on. Finally getting back into it without much pain.

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.

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 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.

Great video, and great subject. I love the idea of not playing a shot you can't make. You're out there to have fun first and foremost. Thanks

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.

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.

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.

Great Video. Love what you do!

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’m tired of 6 hr rounds and 20 handicappers acting like they are pros..

I started golf and took a basic course called Guaranteed Golf. It taught how to play without frustration. Swing and let the ball get in the way. After a couple years, I got a little better. Even to the point of building my own clubs to save money. Then I hurt my back and stopped for about 7 years. Just got re-fitted and a new set of sticks. Now I am re-learning how to swing. Sooooo much different than before. I’m struggling but committed. Also, I bought direct to consumer clubs like Golfworks. They were MUCH less expensive and great clubs. It is costly, especially with $50 per doz. balls but there are ways to economize. Appreciate you and your vids. LOTS of great practical tips. TY!

My bag, total $1,400 D- T.M. M4 9.5 3W- Anthom RH- T.M. Stealth 5-AW- T.M. M4 52°56°60°- Top Flight P- T.M. Spider GT 9 hole executive course $12 Golf can be cheap, especially if you're a high handicap like me. It's fun, cheap, and a great hobby!

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.

Hey Matt, consider that in the last few years the game of golf saw unprecedented growth because it was one of the few things that could still be done during the Covid years. Thus I think those that are quitting because the game is too hard, it takes too long, it’s boring, etc. were never true golfers and never really had a love for the game. Thus, they are dropping back off the bandwagon. I suck at golf and have been at it for years but damn I love the game. If tee times are getting cheaper due to less demand because these “Covid era bandwagon golfers” are dropping out, I’m okay with that. I could use cheaper tee times. I can also do without the boozing, golf is only party, frat guy style golfers. Let’s keep it a gentleman’s game.

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

Great subject. I have significantly reduced the frequency in which I play. It may be for all the reasons stated by others or some combination of them. When I think of my primary reason to not play the game though, it’s my frustration at not getting better at the game. I watch lots of you tube improvement videos, I’ve taken lessons and really honestly, I’m getting worse. My handicap has been as low as 18 and now it’s up over 20. I’m just loosing sight of the most important part of the game, enjoying it.

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.

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…?

All great reasons. Myself, I’ve thought about it because of hitting a stall in my game. Needing lessons would help but the cost is challenging.

Haven't thought about quitting. Took a while to get started though. Biggest reason for that was the apparent cost of entry. I didn't let it stop me, just started with hand-me-downs and looked for stuff second hand. I would worry about being paired up at first, but most of the time, the people I get paired up with are cool. I just try to make sure I don't talk too much. Would love to be able to do some rounds solo 9 walking. Lag putting is great. Practice reading greens without the pressure of needing to make the putt. Sometimes they go in, but understanding greens and pace is going to save 2-3 shots per 9, I'd guess.

I used the same technique to get my wife to allow me to buy a GC Quad. I started early around 2014 just talking about what the GC Quad can do and what golfers are paying for launch monitors. I brought the price up early and talked about it all the time. I also talked about what they were charging for lessons and then Costco had the GC Quad with a full simulator setup it was then in my wife's eyes the GC Quad was credible. Now that I've had it for a couple of years I'm thinking why don't I just play golf with the simulator? No travel time, no green fees no drinking with buddies or long sleepy drives back home. I wouldn't be quitting golf I would be playing at home with drinks and snacks a plenty!

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.

Holy cow matt! One for me is cost, My 16 week league is $575.00 now used to be $350.00 (9 holes, but get to play extra) Also there is lower cost options, i play this 9 hole course for $17.00 it is really well kept up. I live in Chaska Minnesota, where green fees will run a non resident $100 and now $70 for resident (with cart) At the local municipal. Chaska Town Course, but is busy all the time. Golf clubs can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want, but the more expensive stuff is better😊 One last thing, over the years i have ran into some vary rude people on the course and in clubhouse. Not me personally but seen people complain about slow play when ther is a novice golfer out ther.

great insight thanks, funny ending

Good. Too many hacks took up the sport during Covid. Be gone. Give us our game and our tee sheet back.

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.

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

I quit for 20 years, I had finally broken 80, then my game fell apart.. I was too immature at the time to think I should get some lessons. Needless to say, I got extremely frustrated with my scores. Planned to just take a little break, then life hit. I took the game up again 2 years ago, and have been enjoying it more now than ever. Swallowing my pride and getting lessons helped. Now shooting low to mid 80s and getting closer to my goal of once again breaking 80. I think watching you and a few others since the advent of you tube reminded me of how fun the game can be. Thanks!

Great tips. Love those Channel

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

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.

The chipping practice on the tee box is a great tip. The course played extremely slow yesterday and I was playing by myself. I had a ten minute wait on every tee box during the back nine where I just sat in the cart and got cold. I’ll definitely take your advice the next time this happens. 👍

Some great content. Good subject.

Love the drone footage. Really good video Mr SG.

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.

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.

I have thought of quiting at times because of to many people playing. Making it hard to get on the course. That and slow people that don't know how to play that want let me through

Love your attitude towards the game, would love to just play a round with you as a new golfer

Love these great tips! You ever nail that drone!?! 😂

I love your vids you present things and make them fun.I dont get much better one because I dont practice and thats because I have so many hobbies and I dont golf to get great scores I golf to hang out with my friends.

in canada, the new titleist irons cost 286 dollars each!!! i started playing when i was 7 and stopped when i was about 12, and got into music and girls. haha. i got back into it a couple of years ago after my dad died and i love the walking, nature and self inflicted pain! keep up the great work. greets from canada!

Thanks for the video. Due to not hitting in the fairways consistently and when taking lessons, each instructor teaches differently that it becomes confusing. I get most of my golf supplies from a discount store so cost is not an issue. Courses around me are not expensive so that is not the issue. Again, not having fun enough through my inconsistency. Thanks

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.

great video, so true!!!

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.

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!

Im seeing its the ULTIMATE time to get back into golf - cause so many courses are wide open. I like to play that 5pm-dark 9 set as many days a week as I can. Sometimes only carry 2-3 clubs and walk it. With SO much youtube instruction now you can get advice from people in europe or vice versa so easily. Also - new high-tech driving ranges with virtual golf and 2am bar are a great option.

i love your videos man, been wondering what kind of video camera do you use to record your videos. they look soo crisp and great.

I am in my mid-70’s and my game is slowing down. If I hit 150 off the Cree I am doing great. I do not play the tee’s anymore. I go to where the end of the fairway is cut in, or 20-30 yards before the 200 yard marker. I tee off from there with a 3 or 5 wood. I have hit a 27 degree hybrid. Then I have all kinds of shots into the green. You have to make your putts. I have shot 2-3 under par on my course doing this. It is so much fun. I am doing what I love to do. Some courses now have family tee’s. I hit hybrids from these family tees and shot around par every day. I do not need new expensive clubs. I have clubs I can hit and score with. I can play 18 holes in 3 hours when the course is slow. Now my rounds are in the 60’s and 70’s and I have fun.

I quite like playing on my own from time to time gives you time to think and practice stuff . As for the wife I tell her I’m off to play golf and I’ll see you later 😊

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

Chipping game is brilliant. I thought I was the only one. I chip from tee box to tee box aiming for the markers. I’d bring 3 balls and do it. . But I like the little game you explained. Only one ball needed. And I like it has a completion point. I’ll try n get the people in my group to do this w me. As it’s about to get really slow out there down here in Florida in the next month or two.

Gotta lil nauseous with the drone 😂 but sweet! No quitting here bud, just getting started i LOVE golf! I can par 16 holes but one hole(maybe 2😅) on each 9 screws me everytime 😢 i even get birds, but can’t seem to shoot par. Just started back up after covid i knew i could smash a ball. What’s your happy place bro when your nerves getcha going? Or what do you do to stay calm on the coarse?

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 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.

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!