What is on your mind? 60 years later the story may be the same!

This is the week of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Mr. Palmer turned professional in 1955 and by 1958 he had risen to the top of the charts.  Ninety-four professional wins including seven major championships as well as a US Amateur victory and five senior majors makes The King one of golf's greatest. Mr. Palmer popularized the game as it became televised with more regularity and the every day man had someone to cheer on.  What does golf owe Mr. Palmer?  Everything!


What has been accomplished in the time Mr. Palmer has been on the golf scene?  The game exploded in popularity and as a result golf witnessed immense growth.  In 1960's 3,800 golf courses were built, most of which were public facilities to accommodate the popularity of the game with the growing middle class.  In the recession of the 1970s growth slowed however there was still sizable growth.  We've never really turned back.  In recent years however the number of golfers as well as rounds played has decreased.  


Costs to play the game and maintain golf courses has increased over these same years and are likely the primary causes for a reduction in the number of rounds and the number of participants.  Maintenance expenses have doubled in fifteen years.  Doubled.  In large part it is due to over designed golf courses built to wow players who can't handle them.  Some are a maintenance nightmare and will never be economically maintained.  So we are stuck with them. 


Interestingly there was quite some insight in 1951.  Check out the link below published by the USGA in 1951.  What seemed understandable in 1951 seems to be quite appropriate for 2011 - well except for the atom bomb reference of course.  A really interesting read!

http://turf.lib.msu.edu/1950s/1951/511112.pdf