Is Golf a Symbol of Excess?

In a recent issue of GolfWorld Ron Sirak wrote about the problem of golf's image being associated with excessive wealth.  Mr. Sirak suggests that "these attacks on the game" distort its true nature and what it has to offer the individual player. 

Golf has been associated with money, the elite, the Hamptons, resorts, luxury and lots of (excess) time for as long as people have been writing, filming or talking about the game.  I suspect these very associations may act just as positively on some people who take up golf as negatively on others who think golf is a bourgeoi bore.

Is golf one of many scapegoats being targeted during this brutal recession?  Sure, but no worse than overpriced college degrees that don't get you a job right now.  But wait a year or two and that degree may look like a good investment. 

Does golf need a lobbyist on Capitol Hill to defend its contribution to local economies?  A massive (mis-guided) effort to get the game included in the next Olympics?  A major p.r. campaign to promote golf as a fitness activity or a way to enjoy the outdoors? 

I don't have answers for those questions.  I only know that good weather trumps the economy and skill trumps money when it comes to golf. 

The clubs and courses around here seem to be doing a good job making the game affordable and fun. Nearly every golf equipment company came out with a deal in April making it easier and cheaper to upgrade your clubs. 

But, there were only 14 golf days in April because of the weather. It seems pretty silly to worry about golf's image if the weather won't let you play.