What we think about . . .

profsmitty · February 12, 2009

Part 2

Let's measure how we think the current economic situation is effecting our favorite pastime.

Again, this is an entirely unscientific poll. The results are what you make of them. Have fun and thanks for your participation and comments.

profsmitty · February 13, 2009

Just a reminder to add any comments you think are pertinent to the general theme of this poll. If there are general opinion questions about golf and golfer's additudes, please let me know. I'll try and include them in a subsequent poll.

gjones77 · February 13, 2009

I had mentioned this in another thread, we are not going to see the present economy's effects on the golf industry till at least early to mid summer since early spring is their big sales season when everyone is buying new gear for the coming season, so I think asking this is a little premature.

Do I personally think it's going to effect them, yes, but are we going to know by how much right now, no.

profsmitty · February 13, 2009

I had mentioned this in another thread, we are not going to see the present economy's effects on the golf industry till at least early to mid summer since early spring is their big sales season when everyone is buying new gear for the coming season, so I think asking this is a little premature.

Do I personally think it's going to effect them, yes, but are we going to know by how much right now, no.

Thanks for your thoughts. I would only suggest that typically, there is a six month lag between perception and event in economics. Generally, a recession begins about 6 months before it is finally recognized and ends about six months before the public realizes its over. That is frequently reflected in the stock market. Stock prices generally will go up anywhere from 3-6 months before a recession is declared over by the press, politicians, and/or the statisticians in the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. Seems paradoxical but it is frequently the case. Let's hope that the market rallies this summer.

MrJones · February 13, 2009

I can say with certainty that it has already affected my club. They lost a good percentage of members and then raised the membership fee for those of us that remain.

I also know a gentleman personally that was hired to contruct a new metal barn for their lawn equipment. He finished the job and now they're telling him they can't pay. He's currently looking at having to take them to court to get his money.

This is my country club? It makes me wonder what they have in store for us next. We'd heard rumors of them charging 5.00$ per 18 holes for members who walk.

profsmitty · February 13, 2009

I can say with certainty that it has already affected my club. They lost a good percentage of members and then raised the membership fee for those of us that remain.

I also know a gentleman personally that was hired to contruct a new metal barn for their lawn equipment. He finished the job and now they're telling him they can't pay. He's currently looking at having to take them to court to get his money.

This is my country club? It makes me wonder what they have in store for us next. We'd heard rumors of them charging 5.00$ per 18 holes for members who walk.

Very interesting post. Thank you. There is a very interesting pattern that is emerging from the poll thus far. I wonder if anyone else sees what I think I see?

mrb · February 13, 2009

I think the delay theory may apply to club manufacturers and equipment companies....maybe longer for other associated industries, but I think for courses/clubs directly, they're gonna feel it right away.

I say this because here in the Northeast, clubs are just waking up from the winter freeze and setting 09 rates for daily players and memberships. Those clubs that start too high will lose players, and early/mid season price drops may not bring those players back. That means they might have to start pricing a lot lower then they initially thought/wanted to.

Just my thoughts.

gjones77 · February 14, 2009

I think the delay theory may apply to club manufacturers and equipment companies....maybe longer for other associated industries, but I think for courses/clubs directly, they're gonna feel it right away.

I say this because here in the Northeast, clubs are just waking up from the winter freeze and setting 09 rates for daily players and memberships. Those clubs that start too high will lose players, and early/mid season price drops may not bring those players back. That means they might have to start pricing a lot lower then they initially thought/wanted to.

Just my thoughts.

I hope this is the case, I know last season allot of the course up here were pretty over priced, I saw some munis charging $60 - $70 for a round, then again I'm in Massachusetts, so we can't use my state since it over inflates prices on everything :P

profsmitty · February 18, 2009

Thanks for all of the responses to this poll. Part 3 of the series of polls about golf and golfers is now up. Please participate.

I won't attempt a scientific analysis of the results of this poll. It is for you to interpret. However, it is interesting that in general, we as a group, are concerned about the effects of the current economic situation on the business of golf but less so on our own personal participation.

Have a good day.