[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by mickey100

All sources available show that golf was on a decline worldwide, then golf play was up during the pandemic, because there were few options on things one could do safely around others. However, NPR quotes a study entitled Implications of the Rise and Decline of Golf. According to the study, Golf reached its peak around 2005 but then began to show a consistent annual decline in the number of players - a function of the high cost of playing, and the game's incompatibility with contemporary lifestyles. Then came the pandemic and golf rebounded for obvious reasons. At this point, there is nothing to suggest golf will not revert back to its previous declining numbers. Interestingly, Golf Digest had an article describing the mix of today's golfers - about 1/3 "golf" exclusively on driving ranges or putt--putt courses, 1/3 play on actual golf courses, and 1/3 do both. These are different types of players than what has historically permeated country club or 18 hole golf courses. And back to the topic at hand, no one would be surprised if this type of player didn't take kindly to being told to leave a putt-putt course or driving range due to the lack of a collared shirt.

OK, let's try this again:

From Statistica: " In 2022, the number of people participating in golf in the United States reached 25.6 million, representing a slight increase on the previous year. It also represented the highest on-course participation in more than a decade."