Laurence A. Hirsh, President of Golf Property Analysts of Conshohocken, PA has published his new book The Culture of Golf – Isn’t it just a Game?
The purpose in developing this book was to help more clubs thrive economically by providing food for thought about how to make the game grow. As a lifelong and socially sensitive golfer, I hope to help the game grow while making it more inclusive and look more like society in general.
In his foreword, Dr Michael Hurdzan writes: Social attitudes are powerful forces, and it seems outside special interest groups are always searching for another target of perceived injustice to “culturally reform,” to perhaps include golf. The best protection to preserve what we love about golf is to be prepared to make changes when justified but defend against unfounded or false accusations with real information. Granted it is a complex topic composed of many subcultures or points of view, but there is virtually no part of the sport that Larry overlooks in both a historical and future context. Even if you don’t fully agree with Larry’s views, at least you will be giving them some thought and seeing a bigger picture of golf, and that alone has merit. Being sensitive to golf related topics that may need improving is a major first step.
Further, in his foreword, Bradley S. Klein writes: “In a trade used to gentility and praise, Larry has made a career by asking uncomfortable questions that get to the bottom of things. Along the way he has learned to communicate clearly to audiences not accustomed to dealing with such issues, including (especially) everyday golfers.
That’s why “The Culture of Golf,” is so welcome. These represent his collective wisdom, acquired through forty years of looking closely at golf courses. Their virtue resides in the fact that he never just looks at revenue numbers or course conditions but places everything in a larger cultural context. Whether it’s consumer spending, economic cycles, the politics of the regulatory climate or the demographics of who is playing and at what price, Larry’s understanding of golf is always placed within a framework that goes well beyond a mere ball and stick game. It embraces golf as a social activity, one that needs to make sense financially if it is to succeed as an engaging practice. Unlike most golfers and unlike many owners, he puts his ego aside and looks at golf objectively, always keeping in mind that owners and managers have the right o accept some kind of reasonable return on their efforts.”
The Culture of Golf – Isn’t it just a Game? is available as a signed copy from the author at https://golfprop.com/the-culture-of-golf/ from Amazon at this link or your normal contact.
For additional information contact: Laurence A. Hirsh – Larry@golfprop.com – 717-648-4653
