The Cold, Hard Facts november 2, 2012

Roughly 56 million Americans played golf on a video game in 2011. According to the National Golf Foundation, this is more than double the number of people who play actual golf. (That would be 25.7 million people.) By the NGF’s calculation, the vast majority of the video gamers -- 46 million people -- don’t currently play golf, although some 22 percent of them -- 10 million people -- are either “very” or “somewhat” interested in giving the real thing a try. Who are the golf gamers? The NGF says that 51 percent of them are under 30 and 44 percent of them are female. The group’s conclusion: “Golf gaming represents a promising gateway to growing participation among younger and female Americans.”

Citing figures provided by the European Golf Association, the Norwich Evening News reports that membership rolls across England fell to 761,335 this year, down from 872,665 in 2007. This is a decline of 111,330, or 12 percent. Despite the decline, the number of golfers in England has actually grown slightly in recent years. A report from Sports Marketing Surveys, Inc. says that the number of adults (defined as people 15 and older) who played at least one round of golf has increased from 3.89 million in 2007 to 3.94 million in 2011. “Golf clubs generally are facing a tough environment, with member numbers decreasing as individuals experience increased pressure on their income and more calls on their time,” said the general manager of an English club. “There is also an increasing trend among some clubs to offer cheap deals for greens fees, tempting many occasional golfers to give up membership altogether.”

It’s going to cost more to play golf in Brandon, South Dakota next year, as the city will increase rates at its municipal course by 5 percent. The new rates will boost the price of an adult’s season pass to $727.80. This is the second consecutive year that the city has raised rates. In 2012, they went up by 15 percent.

Miss Indonesia carded scores of 79, 76, and 81 at this year’s Enjoy Jakarta Ladies Indonesia Open. Ines Putri, a 23-year-old from Bali, admitted to being a little rusty due to commitments stemming from her success on the beauty-pageant circuit. “I haven't played much golf in five months, so I am happy with my score,” she told reporters after her first round. Putri finished 31 shots behind the tournament’s winner, Kongkrapan Patcharachuta.