by Bill
While we can all feel free to whine about it, it's important to support these clubs in doing whatever they do with their private property. God forbid there should ever be a law forcing these clubs to let people in that they don't want.

by Lester Hinson
IF Augusta let the public play there, you KNOW tee times would be well over $500. So how does that help golf in America? I'm not saying they should charge less, or even let the public play there at all (that's your argument, not mine). But how would a small group of really rich guys plunking down $500 for 4 hours of fun grow the game. Heck, they can do that now at Pebble or Shadow Creek in Vegas.

by Brandon Tucker
Lester,
In the case of Augusta, it's not so much about "growing the game" as it is giving so many loyal followers of the Masters that "once in a lifetime" round on a course they've adored since childhood. Millions of retirees would pay $500 for a walk around Augusta in a heartbeat, just like my grandpa of pretty modest means did with Pebble Beach.
But if every city's best golf courses (usually private), allowed some public play, it would certainly boost interest in each locale.

by Joseph
Easily as exclusive as Pine Valley and Augusta, this course is less than 5 miles from my door. I'd love to be able to play Harding Park, Olympic, and SFGC all at once. Of course who wouldn't?

by G.Wereley
I have to agree with you Brandon. In the present economic climate, it only makes sense to look for more funds, public tee times do that.
As you said, aging members are leaving and the membership is shrinking with age, literally and figuratively.
One thing that bothers me...USGA using private clubs for their showcase tournies?
I mean, come on, isn't the USGA a public organization? Aren't they always appealing to the public to grow the sport? So why present their best show on a course that only the well heeled can afford to play on regularly.
And they wonder why the general public views it as a rich "mans" sport. Heaven forbid that any of the ladies could play in most private "men only" clubs. I would love to play on some of those old private courses along with my wife and granddaughters(and grandsons).