State of the Game
When the USGTF was founded in 1989, there were just over 12,000 golf courses in the United States. Today, that figure is just shy of the 16,000 mark. If you figure that each course employs an average of 1.5 golf professionals, this means that there were close to 6,000 new golf teaching positions that were created by the industry.
In addition to these new positions, many of our members have created their own employment during this time by opening up golf schools, or becoming independent contractors at one or more facilities.
It’s been no secret that the economy has taken a hit the past few years; yet, golf – and other sports – seem to thrive. Why is this? The reason can be found in the fact that people 
like to get their mind off of problems, whether their own or society’s. Turning to a great recreational sport like golf, with all the attributes the game possesses, is one of the best ways for people to pass the time.
The challenge of the game is addicting for many golfers, but so are the camaraderie, beautiful scenery, and exercise. Even in the most urban of environments, the golf course offers an attractive oasis from the concrete jungle. People are social beings, so spending some pleasant hours with friends, or even people they meet on the first tee, fulfils our desire to be with others. Although walking offers the best health benefits, riding in a cart still requires the golfer to trek about a mile every nine holes. And, because of the nature of the game, we all are enticed to improve at every level.
As teaching professionals, this puts all of us in a unique position. Students often come to us for more than just a golf lesson. We have the ability to be more than just a teacher; we can be a counselor, friend, and an uplifting source in others’ lives. The golf teaching profession involves so much more than just imparting the fundamentals of hitting a ball with a stick.
In terms of participation, there are 27 million golfers in the United States, and another 30 million worldwide. The pundits are worried that US golfers no longer completely dominate the world scene at the elite level, but why should they, when they represent less than half of the world’s golfers? It makes sense that a balance of US and international players exists on the various world tours.
This balance is also good for the health of the game worldwide. China plans to build over 500 new courses in the next 10 years. Korean women have made a big impact on the game in recent years. In 2016, Brazil will host the first Olympics golf competition since 1904. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the golf industry.
In terms of instructional opportunities going forward, USGTF golf teaching professionals should find even greater opportunity. A Golfweek article that ran a few years ago highlighted the fact that club professionals no longer had the time to teach the game like they once did, due to their club management duties. As a result, they were delegating the teaching to either their assistants (who, frankly, were pressed for time, too) or hiring someone specifically to teach at the course. This bodes well for USGTF professionals, as they are well-trained in the art and science of teaching golf.
Speaking of club management, the United States Golf Managers Association continues to grow and prosper. These courses are taught by those actively working in the field of golf and club management, so participants gain real-life knowledge. Facilities are increasingly seeking out individuals who have a strong business background and also have a good working knowledge of the golf industry, and the USGMA is well-positioned to give people the knowledge that they need.
The number of golfers during this economic downturn remains relatively stable, which is another good sign for golf. When the economy starts to rebound, the number of golfers is sure to grow at a healthy rate. Course construction is likely to pick up, and even more opportunities will be created.
Another sign that golf is healthy is the fact that the professional tours seem to be as popular as ever. Sponsorship dollars continue to flow in at an increasing rate, and attendance at golf tournaments is at an all time high. Television ratings are at a level that satisfies advertisers, and virtually every round of almost every tour event – including the European, Champions, and LPGA tours – is televised. It seems that golf fans simply can’t get enough of watching the best in the game ply their trade.
As popular as the game is right now, there is one untapped market that could prove bright for the future. As highlighted in a recent USGTF editorial, 75 million baby boomers in the United States are beginning to retire. This generation has been one of the most influential, energetic, and prosperous in American history. They will need ways to spend their time in challenging and engaging activities, and golf is the perfect sport for them. We should see an influx of golfers from this demographic very soon.
From our inception, golf and golf instruction have come a long way, and, fortunately for all of us, the future has never looked better.
