Scoring: If it’s not broke don’t “fix” it. – Golf is broke and it needs a “fix.”

It was only a few years ago that the average golfer thought the number of golfers would continue to expand, forever. We saw dozens of new golf course built each year and once women took up the game seriously the pool of new golfers seemed unlimited.

Today we are reading articles in the press about golf not growing. In fact the number of golfers is at best holding flat or in decline. A recent article in the New York Times lists numerous reasons why golf is not as popular – too much time to play, too many golf courses, some etiquette rules. The article says “it’s time to get creative.” (February 21, 2008 “More Americans Giving Up Golf”)

Pellucid Corp. (pellucidcorp.com) released its sixth annual state of the industry report indicating 2007 was a good year because the industry “stabilized” (no growth but no continuing decline as indicated in the previous six years). This authoritative source sites these reasons why golf is on the decline: time, cost, competing leisure activities….

The underlying challenge is to generate some “new” enthusiasm for the game to attract new golfers. We have enough coverage on television to present the level of skill at the highest professional level. The average golfer can relate and even try to emulate the “pro” through lessons, practice or new equipment. Golf is one of the few sports where individuals can play the sport at all age and skill levels. It does not require being on a team or matching against an opponent – it’s just you against the golf course – no one else’s mistake can change your score (like tennis where a missed shot by an opponent gives you a score).

One way to “fix” the decline would be to allow some variation in scoring to encourage new golfers and to encourage current golfers to not stop playing. A revision of the scoring system could create interest by recognizing some good shots not just counting the same value for all levels of shots difficulty. The half stroke idea is a start. To introduce the thought that there may be a possibility to change scoring, the half stroke for the last “one inch” opens the door for other concepts.