The Future of Pool

[RFranklin]

I saw this episode on Real Sports about the future of golf and thought about how it might apply to pool. There are numerous threads on here that talk about the popularity and growth of golf and how the pool community needs to use golf as an example. This is a pretty sobering commentary of where golf is and how they are trying to change the trends. I normally dont buy in 100% to this kind of "sky is falling" reporting but when you have Jack Niclaus talking about making changes, it might be time to listen.

http://www.hbo.com/#/real-sports-wi...kpqf6JeamsjFyMjKySSeWluQX5CRW2pYUlQLFAFv-Fzg=

 

[Mr. Bond]

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=370207

 

[boogeyman]

I saw this episode on Real Sports about the future of golf and thought about how it might apply to pool. There are numerous threads on here that talk about the popularity and growth of golf and how the pool community needs to use golf as an example. This is a pretty sobering commentary of where golf is and how they are trying to change the trends. I normally dont buy in 100% to this kind of "sky is falling" reporting but when you have Jack Niclaus talking about making changes, it might be time to listen.

RFranklin, this topic has been posted recently, but it's good that you found it.

The Real Sports episode was insightful because it showed how golf is
trying to make changes so that it can be accessible to more people.
In other words, they're trying to make the game a little easier.

In general, I think that's what's going to happen to pool.
No two ways about it.

 

[macguy]

I saw this episode on Real Sports about the future of golf and thought about how it might apply to pool. There are numerous threads on here that talk about the popularity and growth of golf and how the pool community needs to use golf as an example. This is a pretty sobering commentary of where golf is and how they are trying to change the trends. I normally dont buy in 100% to this kind of "sky is falling" reporting but when you have Jack Niclaus talking about making changes, it might be time to listen.

http://www.hbo.com/#/real-sports-wi...kpqf6JeamsjFyMjKySSeWluQX5CRW2pYUlQLFAFv-Fzg=

I can't really see the comparison to pool. Golf may not be what it once was but that is like Bill Gates saying he feels broke because he lost a few million. Golf may just be spoiled with the amazing run it has had. A low for golf is a hundred time what was the high for may other sports including pool is. For pool it may be a million times.
I have great trouble feeling sorry for golf.

 

[macguy]

I saw this episode on Real Sports about the future of golf and thought about how it might apply to pool. There are numerous threads on here that talk about the popularity and growth of golf and how the pool community needs to use golf as an example. This is a pretty sobering commentary of where golf is and how they are trying to change the trends. I normally dont buy in 100% to this kind of "sky is falling" reporting but when you have Jack Niclaus talking about making changes, it might be time to listen.

RFranklin, this topic has been posted recently, but it's good that you found it.

The Real Sports episode was insightful because it showed how golf is
trying to make changes so that it can accessible to more people.
In other words, their trying to make the game a little easier.

In general, I think that's what's going to happen to pool.
No two ways about it.

It actually did happen years ago. Going to smaller tables and larger pockets. I used to play in Brunswick bowling alleys and they had GC tables with like over 5 to 5 1/2 inch pockets. I would run a hundred balls every day on those things you could not miss.

In fact if you watch the famous match between Crane and Balsis where Crane runs 150 and out. On todays Diamond tables he would have missed a half a dozen times.

 

[macguy]

When I first saw the show it was just background noise as I was doing something else. I just re-watched it on demand. The gist is, they went nuts, over valued their product, over built golf courses that were not even needed when they were being built.

The Jack Nicklaus interview is really telling. He is upset because he is not building 30 courses at the same time any more making millions off suckers who invested in the needless courses.

Now he is whining. Screw him. He reminds me of the bankers who made a ton of money off the fake real estate boom then the bubble burst. I am sure many inside the industry saw this coming and knew it was a joke when it was happening. Golf will just fall back to a level where it belongs in the first place.

 

[takeitdown]

When I first saw the show it was just background noise as I was doing something else. I just re-watched it on demand. The gist is, they went nuts, over valued their product, over built golf courses that were not even needed when they were being built.

The Jack Nicklaus interview is really telling. He is upset because he is not building 30 courses at the same time any more making millions off suckers who invested in the needless courses.

Now he is whining. Screw him. He reminds me of the bankers who made a ton of money off the fake real estate boom then the bubble burst. I am sure many inside the industry saw this coming and knew it was a joke when it was happening. Golf will just fall back to a level where it belongs in the first place.

And pool will adjust with many rooms continuing to close. Rooms that really thrive are able to cater to league players but don't forget the action either? Pool is a very boring game unless you are betting something. It will not be sustainable with bangers alone.

 

[BWColeman]

Pool is changing

And pool will adjust with many rooms continuing to close. Rooms that really thrive are able to cater to league players but don't forget the action either? Pool is a very boring game unless you are betting something. It will not be sustainable with bangers alone.

Pool is definitely changing , I may not like the changes but the fact is as stated by takeitdown the rooms in my area that are making it are catering to the league players

one of the most profitable rooms in my area is a 15 barbox full bar that caters almost exclusively to APA league. I am not a fan of APA by any means but 5-6 nights a week this place is full ( Cotton's Caye Orange Texas )

There is action to be had there as well even if you might have to work for it a little bit.

Most of Players Rooms have fallen by the wayside as sad as it is .

The other area Pool Hall ( Fast Eddies Beaumont Texas) clientele is almost pure Banger and league players , the bar is making money and the tables are full every weekend , though money games are as scarce as hens teeth

The days of full rooms and Action every night is all but gone where I live now

There is one Players Room still hanging on (Crazy 8's Port Arthur Texas) where most of the players now congregate but league is their bread and butter as well

 

[macguy]

And pool will adjust with many rooms continuing to close. Rooms that really thrive are able to cater to league players but don't forget the action either? Pool is a very boring game unless you are betting something. It will not be sustainable with bangers alone.

You also can't play golf at home. I can invite two pros to my house and they will play on the same if not better equipment as in a pro tournament. In fact I do every day. Without a public golf course you have no golf, period. Pool is not dependent completely on a public pool room to exist. It is played in many places from condo's to homes to bars and clubs. I collage rec rooms and boys clubs you name it. Pool is everywhere although maybe not so visible all the time.