Finchem: Number Of Golfers Is Growing

Tim Finchem joined NBC's Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller for the traditional WGC-contractually-obligated-visit-by-the-Commissioner and perhaps sensing no one really expects him to say much of interest, threw out a stunning assertion.

Johnny Miller noted that as an "owner of three courses, it's tough," he said, continuing, "the golf business has been tough, yet the tour is very resilient."

Finchem replied that "the business model works from a sponsor standpoint, a lot of value," and that golf is a "global sport" and with "golf going in the Olympics, the future is very bright."

But it was Johnny's point that he seemed to take exception to.

We're getting more golfers, the participation side of the sport gets too much of a hit I think. People are playing less individually, but we're getting more golfers.

You know he's right, the course closures, the bankruptcies, the research suggesting people don't have the time or money to play because it takes too long and is too expensive? That's taking too much of a hit. But wait if we're getting more golfers but they're playing less...something's not adding up.

 And of course golf is growing like crazy in South America, in Asia, in Eastern Europe, so globally it's really good."

While his defenders will say the Commish was merely talking about the international game (Eastern Europe?), it was pretty apparent he included the U.S. and U.K. along with places like South America and the rapidly expanding Eastern Europe.