Purists and rookies debate golf’s future and its etiquette

For generations, golf has been a game of exclusivity and class – and many believe it should stay that way.

Those who favor “shrinking the game” argue that keeping golf selective preserves its traditions and protects course quality. On the other side, supporters of “growing the game” say opening golf to a wider audience would shed its reputation for being elitist and replace it with something more welcoming – a leisurely sport for anyone who wants to play.

But purists push back, warning that expanding access comes with costs: fewer available tee times, courses that suffer from overuse, and rising fees.

Supporters of growing the game such as; first-year Beck Schoeppner, said, “I’d say I’m probably more on the growth side, because I think the ratio of people who are respectful and good people while golfing is a lot higher than the ratio of people that are disrespectful and uneducated to the game of golf.”

Many other Minnehaha golfers believe that growing the game is the best option for other reasons.

“The golf economy gets bigger. More people are paying for clubs, tee times, balls, everything. It’s a positive influence on the business of golf,” said first-year Charlie Owens. When a course receives more money they will be able to keep up with the wear and tear of more golfers on the course.

The idea of shrinking the game really exploded after Covid-19 ended. Many people were excited to get back outside, and they decided golf was the best way to do it.