We’ve written before about why people quit the game of golf – from the obvious time and money to suffering an injury to simply hating the game, there are plenty of reasons.
But now, a study conducted by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) has put some primary research behind it. Atop the list were the aforementioned time and money. But for one particular group of golfers (those NGF identifies as “never-committed”), “frustration” ranks near the top.
According to NGF, “never-committed” golfers are people who play golf, but either don’t consider themselves golfers or typically have more fun doing other recreational activities. These folks also comprise around two-thirds of the 21 million golfers who quit the game within the last two years. So the question then becomes; Why aren’t these people having any fun playing golf?
Well, frustration seems to be one big answer. It’s interesting that research would reveal “frustration” as a key reason for quitting golf. The GolfStinks slogan (“taking the frustration out of golf”) implies that most golfers are frustrated with their game. But now, it seems, we have empirical evidence to support this notion!
And NGF’s analysis makes a good point:
“Improving retention will help golf’s participation problem tremendously. Making golfers feel more comfortable on the course is paramount to retention, as is helping beginners feel good enough about their skills to lessen frustrations and eliminate embarrassment. All of this will contribute to making golf more FUN, and build a larger base of committed players.”
So how do we do this? Do we, as some have proposed, change the rules to make the game easier? Use illegal equipment to hit balls straighter and farther? Maybe we triple the size of the hole!
Or perhaps we don’t change anything with golf – perhaps we just change our attitudes instead? Instead of the bottom line always being about what you write down on your scorecard, maybe we can take a different approach to teaching golf? Sure, teach them the fundamentals of the grip and swing and the basic rules and etiquette. But we need to also keep in mind that the main point is to not create the next tour member (raw talent will always dictate that). But rather, the focus should be on providing someone with an activity they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.
With this in mind, we should focus our teaching efforts on the other aspects of the game – like camaraderie and being out in nature. And let’s not overlook the importance of challenging themselves to play better (rather than just competing against their golf buddies).
We need to show new golfers that this game is so much more than just how good you can play. And if we can be successful in doing that, we can also be successful in creating new, lifetime golfers…with less frustration.
As someone who played decades ago in school, and then took golf-up again a few years ago seriously I have a suspicion that part of the perception-problem that leads to frustration is the average casual-recreational player is going to be about a 32-handicap, and that’s no going to change. They just don’t play often-enough to or frequently-enough. Their frustration stems partly from the American fixation on medal-play and “par”. Rather than enjoying the gentle competition against their playing companions…who probably play no-better than they do…the casual golfers weekly, or more likely monthly, round turns into an epic battle against Mr. Par which they always lose. Yet 125-years ago the benchmark in Scotland was “bogey-golf” and scoring 90…not today’s 72.
The Brits primarily-play match-play or variations on Stableford against each-other, and don’t record or even keep track their strokes…whereas here stroke-count in everything since we measure against “par”, and the GHINs are based on stroke-counts. Perhaps we need to encourage more competitive 9-hole and 18-hole match-play for the casual golfer.
Interesting theory about match play, Ted. And I like that you have pointed out bogey golf was the measuring stick a while back – I still say average golfers should strive for bogey instead of birdie or par (see: http://golfstinks.com/blog/2012/09/want-to-play-better-golf-play-bogie-golf.html)
When I first started out a few years ago, I took the game far too seriously and hence placed too much pressure on myself to succeed. Now I play golf to relax and socialise with friends and I enjoy the game so much more. I place less pressure on myself to shoot a particular score, which in turn means I enjoy the game a lot more.
At the end of the day, we play golf for enjoyment. If we take the game too seriously we end up making playing a chore, which is not what golf is about. Unless of course you wish to be a professional.
Excellent point, John – beginners far too often allow themselves to become frustrated over how difficult this game is. Unfortunately, some (as demonstrated in NGF’s research) never get over that hump (as you were able to do). Thanks for the comment!
Generally, I think frustration also comes from a poor understanding of swing mechanics. By taking lessons, and having a better understanding of the golf swing you can then assess why the shot didn’t come off as you expected. You can then work on these things to improve, which then takes out the guesswork which can often lead to frustration.
If I don’t practice as much as is necessary I have no one to blame but myself, which makes me reconsider why I am frustrated with the game.
The other scorecard-adjustment that I think is a good idea for the recreational-player is the Adams-Tomasi concept of “Personal Par”;
Par-3 is 180-yards and less, not the USGA benchmark of 220-240 yards.
Par-4 is 180-380 yards.
Par-5 is 380-500 yards.
and any hole over 500-yards is a Par-6.
If you can’t reach the green with a 3-wood and stop the ball on the green, it shouldn’t be a Par-3 rated hole for you. Similarly a long Par-4 that you can’t reach in two. Our local course has a 190-yard Par-3 with a 22-yd.-deep green. Hardly anyone in my league can reach the green and then stop on the green. A driver or 3-wood that reaches the green is coming-in so-flat that it caroms over the back of the green…even if you land on the small apron in-front. (It was originally built 30-years ago as a 290-yd. dogleg Par-4 anyway. Too-many golfers were airmailing their 2nd-shots over the green and into 5th-hole tees and the adjacent backyards beyond, so they repositioned the tees as a Par-3.)
Very good formula using yardage as your gauge to what par should be. I also like bogey golf: http://golfstinks.com/blog/2012/09/want-to-play-better-golf-play-bogie-golf.html