Golf's Future: Should Tradition Give Way to Modern Inclusivity?

By Indra Gunawan August 07, 2024 23:35

Photo by the Muslim Golf Association

Golf, the bastion of tradition in the world of sports, is at a crossroads. With the game continuing to evolve, a debate is taking hold about how golf can continue as it has for much of its history while becoming more open and welcoming to people from all walks of life. This piece will dive into the history of golf, why its heritage is worth protecting, and how to make it more accessible moving forward.

Historical Context of Golf

Golf is a sport with roots that can be traced back to the 15th century in Scotland, where it was played on the links of St. Andrews. By its nature, the sport has long represented exclusivity, generally only benefitted a rich man or woman. The clubs created were exclusive based on a set of membership rules, many of which still exist today; they are mostly tradition-based practices likely to exclude potential players. The sport, too, had long been associated with elitism, fancy dress codes, and strict etiquette that frightened off novices.

But golf is evolving. Interest in it waned, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, people were taking to hiking trails as a new means of outdoor social distancing. The change has since resulted in a surge of younger and previously neglected populations joining the fold, undermining any belief that golf should be cast in stone as per tradition.

Benefits of Tradition

Heritage and Identity

Those who favor keeping to golf's traditions claim that its history is part and parcel of what makes the game unique. The etiquette of courses factor into the patina or history, creating a one-of-a-kind day for many golfers. These include things such as walking the course, keeping up with the pace of play, and building camaraderie through shared experiences.

Quality of Experience

Traditionalists also argue that the inherent structure of golf makes playing more enjoyable. There is a sense of honor amongst players and etiquette that can easily be misconstrued in more casual settings. It has been said that the structured environment around golf breeds a keener understanding of what it will take to improve and gain insight into some of life's simple truths.

Resistance to Change

Indeed, some would suggest that rapid changes could water down golf's soul. The fear is that traditionalism and inclusivity will go the way of the sport. That illustrates that golf must be a game of its roots, eternally based upon those core principles.

The Case for Modernizing Golf

Expanding Participation

Meanwhile, those pushing for golf to modernize argue that participation has to grow. The National Golf Foundation reports that rounds of golf have soared 20%, with rises in play among younger adults and people from different racial backgrounds. Even more surprising is that the number of Americans using golf simulators has increased by 73% since 2019; over half of those players aren't traditional on-course golfers.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Golf must support and develop everyone in the same way; modernizing to destigmatize is key. While golf has long been a sport dominated by middle-aged white males, there are efforts to change that and get women, people of color, and young players out on the water. Golfers setting up programs like Women's Golf Day and the United Black Golfers Association is doing wonders for changing people's mindsets.

Economic Viability

Inclusivity can monetarily benefit golf courses and clubs worldwide by benefiting the economic bottom line. The higher the participation rates, the better it is for possible membership and revenue through green fees and merchandise selling. Adapting to modern trends and providing flexible membership options, managing busy corporate days by utilizing daytime empty tees or using simulators can increase the scope of your audience and make a profitable golf course in the future.

Lessons from Other Sports

Golf is one of many sports that has grappled with this transition towards inclusivity. Tennis, for instance, has taken great strides in furthering gender equality and inclusivity through efforts to grow participation by underrepresented demographics. Events such as the "Women's Day" at the US Open and the founding of its corresponding Women's Tennis Association (WTA) have been critical in helping women athletes also draw eyeballs.

The National Basketball Association (NBA), in a similar endeavor, has engaged youth from widely differing economic and cultural backgrounds through its grassroots initiatives. This new direction of the NBA not only expanded its fan base but has also allowed players and fans to feel a sense of home.

The topic of golf's crisis and constant back and forth regarding its tradition against inclusivity is multifaceted. While retaining the historic elements of golf is vital, if we are faced with a choice between preserving history and shaping inclusivity for the future. This opens the door for a more modern era in golf, and through change that still respects tradition, can establish an easier entry point for the next generation of men eager to try out their drive on courses just as primal. For golf to have a future, it has no choice but to evolve, expand, and open its doors to embrace all who want in.