> > BTW2, there is nothing wrong with golfers _per se_. (Some of my best > friends....) Golf doesn't involve much in the way of exercise, so the > golfers are essentially taking a stroll in the artificial > countryside while > fooling themselves that they're staying in shape. Not at all. We know it isn't exercise. Our motto, while renting electric carts: "If I wanted exercise I'd go to a gym." > The problem is that golf courses take up tremendous amounts of real estate, closing off the ersatz natural beauty thus created to the general public. > Any local govt that has the wherewithal to build public courses usually spends money on parks as well. Most areas that have room for golf courses also have natural woodlands. > (Public courses are far outnumbered by private courses and there are fees to get in, even at public courses.) I think the land would be better used for public parks, with some of the area dedicated to miniature golf courses to satisfy the would-be Arnold Palmers or those who want to network and schmooze while holding a golf club. > If it's not obvious, miniature golf is a totally different game. It's for children and for teenagers who go on dates but don't have much to say to each other. mbs