April 10, 1916: Today is Golfer’s Day!

A Brief History

On April 10, 1916, the Professional Golfers’ Association of America was formed in New York City. This watershed date in golf history is marked today as “Golfer’s Day.” Despite severe criticism by citizen Donald J. Trump of President Barack Obama, also known as “The Golfer in Chief,” for having golfed 306 rounds during his 8 years as President, President Trump has already raised eyebrows by going golfing 14 times in the 2 and half months he has been President. Apparently President Trump is not acquainted with Citizen Trump.

Digging Deeper

Although golfing is a recreational activity enjoyed by 25 to 29 million Americans each year plus untold millions in the rest of the world, for some reason Presidents seem to draw flak for going golfing, at least starting with President Eisenhower. In fact, many politicians golf, often as a relaxed form of meeting with other politicians or other important people (donors?).

Unique among US Presidents, President Trump owns a whopping 18 “world class” golf courses, so it is not surprising he would be inclined to be an avid golfer. What is surprising is that he would be so critical of President Obama over golfing.

Golf has a bit of a snobby reputation among American sports fans, with a perception that it is a game for well off people that happen to be Old, White and Male. In fact, the median income of an American golfer is $95,000 and over 77% of American golfers are indeed male. About 87% of golf fans are White, as are around 80% of golfers. The largest age demographic for American golfers is the 50-59 age bracket, with 24% of all golfers, and 79% of American golfers have over $100,000. College grads (or at least attendees) make up 67% of Yankee golfers. These statistics show the common perception is at least somewhat accurate, although there are many blue collar floggers out there as well. Perhaps the average cost of $40 or so for a round keeps the rabble away from the course. (Of course, in Scotland, Japan, or premium US courses you can pay $200 and up for a round.) Be prepared to shell out $495 to play a round at Pebble Beach in California.

Miniature golf is nowhere near as common a sight as it was a few decades ago, but is a good alternative for duffers like moi that do not want to invest in clubs, shoes, and funny clothes. Then for the semi-adventurous, there are driving ranges where you can tee off and not keep score or have to putt.

For all you golfers out there, here’s wishing you good weather, fair winds, and cold drinks in the clubhouse! Question for students (and subscribers): If you have any funny or bizarre golf stories, please share them with us in the comments section below this article.

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