Golf, anyone? The Democartization of Golf

Abstract

The transformation in the demographics of golf did not happen until the 1950s with the rise of Arnold Palmer. In the first half of the twentieth century, golf was depicted in film and literature as the sport for the upper class. Today, golf is portrayed in a much different light. Recent films depict a wide range of people in the world of golf. The media is just one area that been impacted by golf. Once the sport of the elite, golf in America has become a game that has been embraced by the masses over the last one hundred and twenty years. More minority and female players have found their way to the links. Equipment has evolved, making golf cheaper, quicker, and more enjoyable. All this has helped to democratize golf. Today, in the United States there are over twenty-six million golfers and 15,899 courses. The PGA Tour purse is $240 million and the LPGA is $43 million. Golf is here to stay.