In the July 21, 2017 of the National Post newspaper, golf columnist Scott Stinson posted a golf article with the headline – “As courses close and millennials turn their backs, golf reckons with uncertain future”.
For a writer who covers golf in Canada, posting old news with negative comments is not welcomed by the industry and a trend that golf media must stop. There are many positive stories about golf in Canada and if this medium or writer needs help with constructive content, please contact us.
Yes, the golf industry overbuilt for many years and with a changing economy has its share of challenges. However, golf is not alone as other sports are facing similar issues and each industry is trying to make corrections.
Negative golf market news has been reported by numerous media for the past number of years, so another negative story is just old news and a waste of time and space.
As the industry makes corrections, new ideas are developed to entice people to play the game. Look at what Cineplex just announced! Maybe going to 12 holes is a good idea and will help some people find time to play the game. New ideas should be celebrated not criticized. Look at the trouble the ski industry was in years ago and how a new idea called snowboarding changed and helped that sport.
Golf is taking some painful measures to restructure and stabilize but when you look at what the industry is doing with the development of new programs, the state of golf is overwhelmingly positive. Look at the record attendance at the British Open and the hockey rink idea implemented at the RBC Canadian Open this past week.
The golf industry has learned important lessons over the past 10 years, the most vital of which is that fans of the game haven’t lost their passion for our sport. Maybe it’s time the golf media start promoting the positive stories and helping the sport of golf instead of regurgitating old golf news.
