Editor’s Perspective
What the EXPERTS Say. Mark Vaughn, CGCS Virginia Turfgrass Journal Editor
And
Really?
now, for something completely different. You Monty Python fans will remember the catchphrase that I just lifted from those brilliant English boys. For those of you too young to remember, a quick Google search will bring you up to date. Yes, indeed, something COMPLETELY different. In this issue of the Journal, I have decided to give you the angry redhead take on the state of our industry, with segues into things that don’t have anything to do with it. I warned you — different. You may want to stop right here and skip on over to the useful info in this publication. No hard feelings. Still here? Let’s begin. The EXPERTS told us that eggs were artery-clogging, cholesterol-laden time bombs waiting to go off in us like creatures from some science-fiction movie. And now? The EXPERTS said the NASDAQ was going to hit 10,000 just a few short years ago. Care to guess where it is today (after a few decent comeback years, by the way)? After the Arab Spring and Middle East turmoil, the EXPERTS predicted as late as last year that gas would be $5 to $7 gallon. SUVS and trucks are dead, Detroit! Coffee is going to kill you (EXPERTS say). Coffee is good for you (EXPERTS say). The EXPERTS told us 20 years ago that a golf course needed to open EVERY DAY for a decade for supply to meet demand. God bless those little folks at the National Golf Foundation. They have a special place right next to the Ph.D.s who yell “GET IN THE HOLE!!!” after every stinkin’ golf shot. The EXPERTS say that golf takes too long. Funny, my mountain/road bike buddies will go on trips that last for hours. The people I know who fish don’t run down to the lake for an hour. Kayaking a river is a day-long adventure. Yet, all these sports are growing. Even soccer moms/dads spend entire weekends sitting on the side of a soccer field. So, is it really a time thing?
The EXPERTS declare that golf is too expensive. Ever shop the equipment required in the afore-mentioned sports? “Courses should lower green fees and monthly dues. That’s what people are looking for.” REALLY? Do you know many people who have quit golf because it was too expensive or, more importantly, who are still playing because prices have been reduced to ridiculous levels? The EXPERTS say that since seniors play the majority of weekday golf, discounts are the way to go. Keeping in mind that these are now MY PEOPLE, I say a loud and clear, “B.S.” I realize that all seniors (including me) are not covered by ALL these conditions, but let’s think about this. You’re at the stage of life when your home is paid/almost paid for. Kids are grown, bank account is okay, and 401k is slowly growing. Got a little jingle in your pocket. Yessir, by golly, out of all the people in society, YOU should be getting all the discounts. The EXPERTS say that golf is not fun. If your definition of fun is EASY, then they are finally correct. You can’t reach a basic level of competence as quickly as you can shooting, kicking or throwing a ball. And it’s certainly not like tickling a keyboard or video controller. Again, I see leisure activities growing that are pretty extreme and not EASY by any means. The EXPERTS say that golf is discretionary and, therefore, not necessary. True, but then neither is eating out, movies, hotel stays, vacations, amusement parks, new vehicles or most of life, for that matter. I haven’t noticed any of these industries suffering tremendously. On the contrary, they’ve been steadily increasing their prices over the last three to five years. I’m probably way off base and not even qualified to comment because I’m by no means an EXPERT. There are a number of reasons I believe golf is in a slump, some of which are out of our control and some of which can and are being changed. And gimmicks sometimes work. Heck, we’ve even tried a few of them.
10 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal September/October 2014 www.vaturf.org