{
  "id": 7084888,
  "title": "Music, hoodies, and beer: Inside the battle tearing golf apart",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/music-hoodies-and-beer-inside-the-battle-tearing-golf-apart",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T08:24:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/golf-popularity-boom-etiquette-clash-2026-9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent three-generation outing in San Diego exposed a growing culture clash within the golfing world. A group of young golfers were significantly slowing down play, despite their attention to pace of play. They were also imbibing alcohol, smoking cigars, and flouting standard golf etiquette in their use of beer cans and mulligans. This scenario, while extreme, mirrored a broader cultural divide within golf. With nearly 50 million Americans playing golf in 2025, the sport's popularity has surged, but this growth has come with challenges. Golf's traditionalists argue that many of the modern game's perceived flaws are signs of elitism and unnecessary gatekeeping. Conversely, newer players contend that many old-guard gripes are minor and that the existing code of conduct has long defined the sport. This conflict has sparked heated debates online, particularly around topics like wearing hats in the clubhouse and paying for drinks after a hole-in-one. The root of this issue is a deeper paradox: golf's industry has invested in attracting new and diverse players, yet it must now contend with the behavior and culture these newcomers bring. Golf's popularity has been heightened by factors like the pandemic, driving range venues, and accessible YouTube golf content. Consequently, more people are engaging with the sport in various ways, which has led to a need for a balance between fostering fun and ensuring proper etiquette on the course.",
  "summary": "Millions of new golfers have flooded the sport. Old-school players loathe the music, clothes, pace, and culture they brought with them.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}