Cycling really the new golf? (yes I know...)

[Skubarra]

Yes I know this topic has been covered ad nauseum and cycling has been the "new" golf for ages...

 

but

 

I thought this article was interesting

 

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/golf/30422698

 

Seems in Britain the sport of golf is actually declining with cycling gaining a lot of participants & golf is trying to re-invent itself to stay relevant. Would be interesting to know how the stats look in RSA?

[GoLefty!!]

I don't have stats but it is much easier to get a round in after work these days than it was 4-5 years ago..

[Beefy]

Golf companies buying cycling companies should be a pretty big clue...

 

Pretty massive difference in pro prize money though.

[Jocklaw]

As a keen golfer and cyclist, I can vouch that rounds are down and the average age of members is getting higher and higher, in PE anyway. 

[Butterbean]

Mountain biking is the new golf. Read anyone's Facebook feed on the weekend and you'll see te majority if about riding. Old and young, people are getting into riding. Of the 4 people I regularly play golf with, 2 have started riding now as well - and try play less golf to go with it.

 

So yes. I think so.

[jasssper]

Nice local perspective in this one...

 

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-business-of-sport/cycling-is-the-new-golf

[MTBc]

I see that Huddle Park has jumped on the bandwagon. Golf + MTB + Fishing, all in 1 spot.

 

Maybe golf courses should can golf carts and rent out MTB's instead, with 2km rides between holes and a golf bag on your back

[Skott5]

Cycling is the new Golf, and Golf is the new lawn bowls ... 

[City Cycling Athletic Club]

i read an article in the local newspaper the other day that King David GC is closing down and its membership will amalgamate with the Royal Cape GC. the article also mentioned a few other golf clubs that were rescued by its membership diggin into their pockets to raise funds, i can't remember their names but i was surprised. lawn bowls is also dying.

[Skott5]

. lawn bowls is also dying.

Do they still play Old Man's Marbles ?

[udxcob]

Mountain biking and cycling in general is just way too much fun hey

[SwissVan]

Hmm different experience here in switz, golf even though its very expensive has become very popular and the affordable courses are packed in season. There are golf schools that you have to attend if you dont have a handicap / club membership and they are packed all summer churning out new hackers suckers golfers....

 

Last time I was in SA all the courses i saw looked deserted compared to switz

[droo]

Read anyone's Facebook feed on the weekend and you'll see te majority if about riding. 

 

Your FB feed will have a pretty serious bias if you're a MTBer with MTBing friends...

[Slowbee]

several golf courses in cape town are closing as a result of the loss of members - MAINLY to cycling.

[Skubarra]

Great thread but then why does it feel like all the drivers are trying to kill us!

 

Angry die-hard golfers maybe? 

[Johny Bravo]

People playing golf are on the decline for various reasons. I played golf for 7 years, started playing for the high school team. Green fees and membership fees reached a point where the average guy cannot afford it. whenever I had time to play golf, there was always some tournament, or charity day or something, so then you go to the range and hit some balls. Golf clubs are also very strict, and its rule after rule, and a bunch of ou ballies giving you grief. 

 

Other sports, cycling included, allow you to play/ride, whenever you have time. which suits people much better these days. Golf is also extremely *** to play by yourself, where cycling/surfing/kite boarding etc, are all fun even without mates.