There are a number of reasons why golf courses aren’t doing so hot across the country, including an aging population, an oversupply in courses and expensive upkeep. So are people just playing less golf? It’s unclear.
According to the National Golf Foundation , last year 2.6 million people played on a golf course for the first time, which is at an all time high. Regardless, the alleged struggle of courses could have larger implications.
Many cities have used municipal golf courses as a source of funds for other city things like parks. And people often think buying a home along a course could add value to their property, but some properties are losing value as courses either struggle to stay open or close all together.
Guests:
Candace Taylor , reporter covering residential real estate for The Wall Street Journal; her article “ Golf-Home Owner Find Themselves in a Hole ” was published earlier this year; she tweets at
Erik Matuszewski , editorial director for the National Golf Foundation , an organization that provides business research and consulting services to the U.S. golf industry; he tweets
Diane Baxter , associate broker and executive luxury director at Bennion Deville Homes , a real estate agency based in Indian Wells, California whose listings include homes on golf course communities
Brian Reed, golf manager and head golf professional for Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District in Simi Valley, which oversees the Simi Hills Golf Course and Sinaloa Golf Course