Hot topic: The future through dimpled crystal ball

Gulbis practising with TaylorMade

A wide variety of reasons account for these dramatic changes including more forgiving drivers, a better understanding of made-to-measure systems and improved coaching, fitness and diet.

For club golfers the benefits have also been enormous – with technology passed on, more custom-fitting and pro lessons and the game’s image improving to such an extent that golfers are basking in the reflected perception of the game being played at the highest level by athletes.

As a result golf has become cool from a fashion and participation aspect with a large potential market emerging for women and girls, emulating the likes of the glamorous Natalie Gulbis.

Recent figures reveal that there are almost four million registered golfers playing once a month in Europe, 1.4 million of them in the UK and Ireland.

But this represents only 2.3 of the population compared with almost seven per-cent in Sweden, where there are an average of 1400 golfers for each of the 422 courses, despite a season that last less than seven months. In England alone, we have 1800 courses each used by an average of only 400 registered golfers.

However, golf still has a perception of being elitist with barriers including time pressures, not family friendly, cost and age. These hurdles must be torn down and women and juniors encouraged if we are to reap the benefit of the new technology in the future.

Golf clubs must be influenced in creating a healthier balance between male and female golfers – it’s currently 84 compared to 16 as opposed to 70: 30 in Europe – while those 75 per-cent of clubs who are actively seeking members should be encouraged to drop entrance fee charges.

TaylorMade provided a fascinating insight into its own product development but helped provide a wider picture of the game’s possible future.

And the message came through clearly that we must all do more to encourage a new generation of golfers – and give the women in our lives a chance to show us what they can do.

Tell us what you think on the forum.

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Discuss this story

Paul W (10)

...... or has at least been told about it at some 'Taylor Made' soiree anyhow ! ;-) nice article Bob and it does give insight into the way the game is going
Posted: 21/03/2005 19:11

LGL (5)

"And the message came through clearly that we must all do more to encourage a new generation of golfers – and give the women in our lives a chance to show us what they can do."

I could have told them that Bob!
Posted: 21/03/2005 22:32

Marcus (Hitting the Ball)

I'm confused..... AGAIN!

"....and seen the future..... And it’s one of improved clubhead technology, balls generating less spin for more distance...."

I've been playing distance balls since I started playing golf 2 1/2 years ago, are Maxfli/Taylormade/Adidas doing something new? I thought that spin balls were generally better as they give more control and thus better scoring, why would anyone develop a ball to give less spin?

agggh, my head hurts.... can't think about it!
Posted: 21/03/2005 22:52

Bigger Al (12)

You want less spin when you drive a ball to get the distance, and yet spin with your irons to get the ball to stop quickly. Distance balls will give you less spin with both irons and woods.
Posted: 22/03/2005 07:43

Marcus (Hitting the Ball)

and thats where I've gotten confused Al, I presume Maxfli/Taylormade are just catching up with everyone else, I mean, its not exactly a new development is it?
Posted: 22/03/2005 20:36

Derek Clements

Bob is absolutely spot-on. I am 50 years old but am hitting the ball at least 20 yards further than I did as a 25-year-old, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is all down to club and golf ball technology
Posted: 23/03/2005 10:03

golf_bhoy (12.7)

For "future" read "repackaging" or "relabelling what we currently have". TM's last big innovation was the interchangeable wieghts on the R7, right? But it's not an innovation, it's just more convenient than experimenting with a roll of lead tape. Way more expensive, when you think all you've paid for is convenience ...

Posted: 23/03/2005 12:25

Nik Brunner (16)

Yeah, and of course a piece of lead tape on the back of your driver is as attractive as an r7.......




NOT
Posted: 23/03/2005 13:39

golf_bhoy (12.7)

So you buy golf clubs for their looks, Nik? Have a look at Miura irons then, absolute stunners.

Posted: 23/03/2005 16:03

Nik Brunner (16)

NO, I buy golf clubs because they work without having to stick bits of lead tape to them
Posted: 24/03/2005 16:15

Nik Brunner (16)

but then again, value comes into it so I suppose you are right in one aspect!
Posted: 24/03/2005 16:15

golf_bhoy (12.7)

Ah, value. In that case just look at the pictures on Miura's website, don't look at the prices.

Posted: 25/03/2005 00:28