Trevor Ng
Golf has been a topic of discussion for various reasons, including cancellations due to weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of golf courses, and the sport's absence in universities. The University of Tulsa, for instance, cancelled its men's golf program in 2016 due to budget constraints but plans to reinstate it in 2026 thanks to philanthropic support. Weather conditions and safety issues have also led to cancellations at the U.S. Open, with the USGA holding the sole discretion to delay, postpone, or cancel championships. The sport has faced economic challenges, shifting recreational preferences, and environmental concerns, resulting in the closure of some golf courses. Additionally, golf has been scrutinized during political campaigns, with former President Trump being dubbed the golfer-in-chief. Despite these challenges, golf remains a popular sport, with some universities reinstating their programs and golfers like Rory McIlroy actively participating in tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf courses facing closure | Economic challenges, shifting recreational preferences, environmental concerns, high maintenance costs, declining participation, especially among younger people |
| Reasons for cancellations | Weather conditions, safety issues |
| Golf in politics | Donald Trump played golf throughout his presidency, Joe Biden has been criticised for playing golf during his presidency |
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What You'll Learn
Golf tournaments being canceled due to weather conditions
While golfers may prefer to play on bright and sunny days, golf tournaments are rarely cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions. This is partly because golf is commonly played in the rain in Scotland, where the sport was invented.
That being said, there are times when weather conditions can cause a golf tournament to be cancelled or postponed. For example, high winds and heavy rain can cause trees to fall, as seen at the 2023 Masters Tournament. In such cases, the decision to stop play is made by tournament organizers, who can decide to stop play immediately or allow players to finish the hole they are playing.
Rain delays are typically called when there is so much water on the course that players cannot get a good grip on their clubs or their feet slip when hitting the ball. Puddles forming on greens or fairways can also make the course unplayable, although most courses nowadays have excellent drainage systems.
In addition to heavy rain, lightning is another weather condition that can cause a golf tournament to be cancelled or postponed. Golfers must remember to avoid taking shelter under trees during a thunderstorm, as lightning strikes can be lethal.
While it may be inconvenient and uncomfortable to play in the rain, some golfers and tournament organizers embrace the challenge and view it as an opportunity to create a memorable experience for participants and guests.
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University golf programs being shut down due to budget cuts
University golf programs, along with other sports, are being shut down across various universities due to budget cuts. For instance, Sonoma State University, one of the 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) system, has decided to end all NCAA sports next year, including its golf program, to balance the school's budget amidst sliding enrollment and anticipated cuts to state funding. Similarly, the University of Akron cut its men's golf team, along with men's cross country and women's tennis, to trim $4.4 million from its athletics budget.
Cleveland State University (CSU) has also announced the discontinuation of its NCAA sports programs in wrestling, women's golf, and softball, effective from the 2024-25 academic year, to address budgetary shortfalls. Pittsburg State University's former varsity golf team will be competing in NCCGA tournaments this spring after their program was recently cut by the school.
The University of Tulsa, the University of North Dakota, and UMass-Lowell, all Division 1 programs, have also cut their golf programs in recent years. Owens Community College cut its men's program, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville cut its women's team, and East Central University cut both its men's and women's golf teams.
These decisions are often emotionally charged and impact the lives of student-athletes, who may be forced to transfer or give up the sport altogether. Some universities are exploring alternative avenues to continue their golf programs, such as transitioning to a more budget-conscious model or seeking alternative funding sources through fundraisers or lawsuits.
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Golf courses closing due to financial difficulties
Golf courses have been closing down due to financial difficulties since the turn of the century. The recession of 2009 brought financial hardship to the game, impacting both course owners/operators and customers. According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 1,200 courses have closed in the past 10 years (7.4% of the supply) and more than 700 (4.7%) in the past 5 years. The number of course closures has outweighed new openings every year since 2006.
There are several reasons for these closures. One reason is that golf courses, especially member-owned clubs, resist change. For example, many clubs resist spending money on practice facilities, kids' activities, and fitness facilities, which are now considered essential by potential members. Another reason is that clubs often compete for the same market segment, leading to a decline in dues, fees, pricing, and quality. This can result in a decline in membership and the eventual closure of the club.
In some cases, the land that golf courses occupy is more valuable for other purposes, such as housing development. This has been the case for several recent closure announcements, including the Farmstead Golf Links in Calabash, N.C., and the Forest Oaks Golf Course at Lucerne Lakes in Palm Beach, Fla. California's drought has also pushed many golf courses to extinction, as water costs are high and participation is low.
The closure of golf courses can impact the community in several ways. The community that forms around golf courses and clubs can lose its focal point, and relationships can evaporate. In addition, when real estate development occurs, public services can be impacted, and the neighborhood can lose a recreational opportunity.
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Golf courses being repurposed for residential housing
Golf courses are increasingly being considered for repurposing into residential housing. This is due to a variety of factors, including a decline in golf's popularity, an abundance of golf courses, and a need for more housing in growing cities.
In recent years, the sport of golf has seen a decrease in players, with shrinking membership numbers and profits for course owners. This has resulted in many golf courses being unable to sustain their businesses and facing closure. At the same time, there is a growing demand for housing in many cities, leading to land shortages.
The large expanses of grass and trees that make up golf courses present attractive opportunities for developers looking to build new homes. However, repurposing golf courses into housing developments is not without its challenges. One of the main obstacles is community resistance. Many residents oppose the idea of converting golf courses into housing, as they value the open space and recreational benefits that the courses provide.
Additionally, there may be legal challenges and zoning restrictions that developers must navigate. The type of golf course also plays a role in whether it can be redeveloped, with planned community courses facing additional complexities due to homeowners' associations and land use covenants.
Despite these challenges, there are several examples of golf courses being successfully repurposed into residential housing developments. For instance, the Links at Queen Creek course in Arizona closed after 26 years of operation due to rising costs and declining interest from golfers. The 106-acre parcel of land was purchased by a developer who transformed it into Ironwood Springs Ranch, a project that includes 172 homes. Similarly, in San Diego, a development called Riverwalk San Diego has been proposed, which includes repurposing golf courses into a mix of housing, office space, and recreational areas.
While repurposing golf courses into residential housing can help alleviate the housing shortage in some areas, it is not without its complexities and should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific needs and characteristics of each community.
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Golf's popularity among younger people is declining
Golf's popularity among younger people is on the rise, with the sport experiencing a renaissance since the pandemic. This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing diversity of golfers and the sport's appeal as a source of mental well-being and self-care.
Diversity in Golf
The number of women and girls playing golf has seen a significant increase, with a 23% rise since 2018. Additionally, the sport has become more ethnically diverse, with a 43% jump in Asian, Black, and Hispanic golfers, reflecting the changing demographics of the US population. This shift has led to a more inclusive and accessible sport, attracting younger participants from various backgrounds.
Mental Wellbeing and Self-Care
Golf has increasingly become associated with mental well-being, connection, and refuge, especially for Gen Z and younger Millennials. A majority (51%) of Gen Z golfers ranked mental health and self-care as their primary motivation for playing golf. The sport offers younger adults a revitalizing outlet, providing a balance between their busy lives and a space for personal well-being.
Cost Considerations
The rising cost of daily fee golf has influenced younger golfers' preferences, with many opting for memberships and passes as cost-effective solutions. A significant number of Gen Z and Millennial golfers (74% of 18-34-year-olds) plan to purchase memberships or season passes, indicating a shift in how they access the sport due to financial considerations.
Solo Golf
Solo golf has gained traction among younger golfers, with a majority across all age groups expressing interest in playing alone. This trend is particularly prominent among Gen Z and Millennials, with 29% of Gen Z golfers always or primarily seeking solo tee times. The appeal of solo golf lies in its perceived benefits for self-care and personal time, allowing golfers to focus on their game and well-being.
While golf has traditionally been associated with older generations, the sport is now attracting a younger demographic. This shift can be attributed to various factors, including the sport's evolving diversity, its appeal to mental well-being, cost considerations, and the popularity of solo golf among younger players. As a result, golf is experiencing a resurgence, with a positive impact on its perception and engagement among younger cohorts.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but the University of Tulsa did shut down its men's golf program after the 2015-16 season. It is now reinstating the program after a nine-year absence.
No, but play was canceled for the day just before 8:30 pm on Friday, June 14, 2025, due to dangerous weather.
Yes, Pine Ridge Golf and Country Club has been closed since 2022. A developer wants to create residential housing on the site, but local homeowners are against the proposal.
The Canadian Open was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear whether other golf events were canceled during this time.
