"In America, the leading private golf clubs tend to treat their courses like the guy who buys a great art collection and keeps it in his house to be seen only by family and friends."

In July's Golf Digest, David Fay contemplates the oddity in these economic times of America's great clubs forbidding outside play while the British model is to welcome (paying) guests.

It would not be difficult for American private golf clubs to adopt the British model. Concerns/excuses such as overcrowded course conditions, shaky golf etiquette, required golf skill and tax implications for a private club can all be resolved.

I know many leaders of private clubs who can recall the time when they were on the other side of the "members only" sign, looking in, dreaming of being able to play the best courses. If these folks were to take the first steps in opening their courses to limited unaffiliated visitor play, I've no doubt that most other private golf clubs would follow suit. The herd mentality.