News Team Boulder

Issue date: 3/18/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Whitney Christensen

As spring fills the air, most people are looking to get outside. But if you're hoping to hit the golf course early this season you may find yourself a little lonely out on the links. Despite golfers like Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie paving the way, the number of people playing the game of golf has actually dropped a third since 2000, according to the New York Times.

Boulder Golf Pro Bobby Stier believes there are many triggers to this down fall, including the poor economy, the development of more than 3,000 golf courses within ten years, and the popularity of new sports.

"Our junior program has been sliding over the past few years," Steir said. "And there are other sports that juniors are opt to try, whether that is skateboarding, or snowboarding or water skiing."

The decline is threatening golf courses across the nation, as well as the job security of golf pros like Stier. "I am a little stressed job wise," he said. "As golf continues to go up and down it is harder to get a job at the better clubs."

With the decline of golf, many programs are being enacted to increase golf's popularity. The PGA is working on programs to bring inner-city children into the game of golf. Clubs across the nation are also giving away free lessons and games to promote the sport. Stier believes the sport will continue to increase in popularity, but will not be up to "par" for three to four years.

For beginners looking to take a chance on the course, golf lessons around Boulder start at about $50 an hour. For a list of golf courses in your area check out thegolfcourses.net.

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