Your anecdotal evidence says a lot more about the kind of people you surround yourself with than anything else. 60% of people in the US are still living paycheck to paycheck; many don’t have the time or the money for even the cheaper entry fees, especially when you consider having to buy/rent clubs.
Plus… why would an organization like the NGF downplay the number of golfers when their goal is literally to research and promote golfing?
Your anecdotal evidence says a lot more about the kind of people you surround yourself with than anything else. 60% of people in the US are still living paycheck to paycheck; many don’t have the time or the money for even the cheaper entry fees, especially when you consider having to buy/rent clubs.
Plus… why would an organization like the NGF downplay the number of golfers when their goal is literally to research and promote golfing?