Golf is a sport of patience and composure; a slow-paced game, and this does not appeal to many young people. While there is not much one can do to make the game as fast paced sport like basketball, it can be made more of an adventure.
When I was younger I loved going to summer golf camp at my country club. All of the other kids loved it too, and a big reason why is because of the creativity and adventure it gave us. We loved playing the course and doing fun little mini competitions during our rounds. I remember during breaks or when it was raining, we used to play a putting game in which we putt down the hallway and the person to get closest to the end of the hall without touching a wall would win. I believe young adults would be more attracted to golf if they saw the creativity it allowed. At my home course, I once remember seeing players hitting backwards on the 16th fairway. When I asked them what they were doing, they said they were playing a Par 6 from the 18th tee to the tenth green.
That’s the kind of creativity I think golf needs to attract young adults. People think golf is a sport for old men, but if they say how it provides one the opportunity for great creativity and inventiveness, they would not think this. Just look at the Extreme 19th in South Africa. I think that 400-yard par 3 is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
By: Noah Kartha
Twitter: @karthabird
Instagram: karthabird
