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I have been thinking about the effect that the World Trade Center disaster has had on New York City Golfers. How have our attitudes and habits been affected by living, working, and playing golf so close to Ground Zero? Fewer people seem to be taking up the game and are buying less golf equipment. Some might argue that the market has peaked. All those who want to play are playing and they already own enough golf equipment to last them two lifetimes. People still love golf, but look at life differently since the tragedy. Families are spending more time together. Many would feel too guilty spending 5 or 6 hours away from loved ones. Before September 11, 2001, golf was thriving on all levels. The Tiger Woods factor was the engine driving a popular revolution. Buoyed by a booming economy and armed with oversized and ultra-forgiving golf clubs, thousands of new golfers set out to conquer the game. From the inner cities to the canyons of Wall Street, golf was cool again. The sport symbolized everything good in America of the 90's: Prosperity, Inclusiveness, & Invulnerability. All that changed on a sunny Tuesday morning. Since then golf like everything else reflects the uncertain times we live in. More husbands and wives are playing together. Father's practice with their sons. Families want to learn golf together. Even the Tiger Woods juggernaut has been slowed by this collective shift in attitude. At this years U.S. Open golf tournament held near New York City, the people turned out in record numbers to see Tiger, but not to cheer him. They threw their support behind the underdog; Phil Mickelson. His desire to play golf for it's own sake struck a chord with New Yorkers. Tiger played Bethpage with a game that was too "pre-9/11" in it's coolness and bone-crushing efficiency. Phil "The Thrill" captivated the crowd with his workman like efforts. We jumped on the roller coaster early and stayed with him to the bitter end. Like Mr. Deeds come to Bethpage, the crowd applauded Mickelson whether he was on his game or was coming unhinged. Tiger Woods may have conquered "The Black", but it was the man who came in second who won the hearts of New York City. |
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