Casual golf fans are more likely to play on Gainesville golf courses when Tiger Woods plays well in a tournament, local golf course workers said.
These fans become inspired to go out and play a round, and golf courses like West End Golf Club in Newberry have noticed a difference when Woods isn’t swinging for the green. When Woods isn’t playing, some courses don’t see as much business. Woods has missed the last two major tournaments — one of which was the U.S. Open, which took place over the weekend — after back surgery and is in danger of missing the remaining two this year.
Peter Min, the owner of West End Golf Club, said when Woods plays well in a tournament, the club sees a large increase in sales the following week. Despite the multitude of professional golfers, Woods is the only one who generates a significant difference.
“It’s strange that it’s just him,” Min said. “Everyone likes him or hates him, but everyone tunes in to watch him.”
Teddy Lausier, a pro shop assistant at Meadowbrook Golf Club, said he only sees a small increase in business when Woods plays well. This is largely because most of the club’s members are avid golfers, not casual fans, he said.
However, he said a large amount of golfers come into the lobby to watch the tournament on the club’s television, especially on Sundays, which helps concession sales.
Tyler Dearden, a 17-year-old golfer who plays on the Buchholz High School golf team, said Tiger Woods is his favorite professional golfer. When Woods plays well, he said he gets inspired to go play a round.
Although Woods’ return would liven business, Min said a group of young stars would be more relatable to younger golfers. They would also be good for long-term business.
“Kids are interested in a guy like Rickie Fowler, but he doesn’t finish very high that much,” Min said.
Fowler, a 25-year-old golfer, tied for second place in the U.S. Open on Sunday, which was his career best in a major tournament. But until someone like him emerges as golf’s next star, Gainesville course workers said they are hoping to see Woods back in action as soon as possible.
[A version of this story ran on page 5 on 6/17/2014 under the headline "No Tiger Woods, less Gainesville golfing, say local businesses"]
