Living Golf
SHOW #74
Exposing Golf’s Real “Losers” During the Credit Crunch
Host: Justin Armsden
The financial crisis has hit all types of businesses and the affects on golf have been clearly evident – professional events have been wiped off the calendar, club memberships have plummeted and many golf resorts under construction have been abandoned. But whilst stories constantly circulate about the latest bankruptcy or company in trouble, what about the people who’ve invested their livelihoods into the game of golf?
On this month’s program, we investigate the fallout of the financial crisis by going behind-the-scenes in southern Spain to see how British expats have seen their dreams shattered.
We’re also sitting down with one of the biggest legends of the game, Arnold Palmer. Born during the Great Depression, Palmer issues a rallying call to the golfing community that it will come out stronger on the other side.
SPANISH PROPERTY FIESTA IS OVER
Over the years, southern Spain has been transformed by hundreds of golf developments, promising luxurious settings and beautiful courses for enthusiasts to enjoy all year round. These golf communities have been central to Spain’s tourist economy, but are now becoming a curse.
The economic downturn has had disastrous consequences for these supposed golfing paradises, shattering the dreams of investors and creating havoc for the construction industry and local residents.
Our Spanish correspondent Al Goodman visits this region to meet a couple of British families, who invested in golf developments where there’s still not a fairway in sight, or, in one case, where a stone has barely been moved.
Goodman also investigates how the credit crunch is affecting the workers that are now among the three million unemployed in the country and how these failed golf developments have impacted the local Spanish community.
ARNOLD PALMER
He turns 80 years old later this year, yet still remains at the forefront of the game, owning his own golf course design business as well as hosting his own event on the PGA Tour. Our Chris Meadows sits down with Palmer at the Golf Business Forum in Wales to tap into his incredible breadth of knowledge, and we’ll also show you how he’s still got time to teach us a few tips as well!
POOR BOYS GOLF - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
It’s a well-known fact within golfing circles that golf club memberships are plummeting in the United States and golf courses are struggling financially as a result. However, what about the golfers who can’t afford to pay their club fees anymore? Welcome to the “Poor Boys Golf Club” in Baltimore, Maryland, a group of golfers who have set up an alternative for a fraction of the cost.
NEWS
A look at the biggest stories from the game of golf in July. We’ll preview the 2009 Open Championship including an interview with R&A chief Peter Dawson. We’ll also hear from Tiger Woods as he explains how a PGA Tour event is helping support U.S. soldiers upon their return from duty.
ADAM SCOTT’S HOT SHOTS – AROUND THE GREEN
This month’s “Scott’s Hot Shots” will feature Adam in three different scenarios from around the green. He’ll show you how to make that choice of shot and how best to execute it.
THE FINANCIAL CRISIS – IT’S NOT AFFECTING US ALL!
We end the program on a lighter and brighter note as Alex Thomas reports from Scotland on how a Chinese businessman splashes out almost $200,000 on the largest collection of hickory golf clubs ever made. Clearly some people have been unaffected by these tough times!
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