MUNICIPAL GOLF FACILITIES AND THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF GOLF: DOES GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Abstract

The game of golf has a tumultuous history that includes long bouts with classism, racism and sexism. From its arrival to the United States more than 200 years ago, golf has found itself as a barometer for democracy. The symbolism for elitism demonstrated through the demographic makeup of its participants is evident and remained practically unchanged during this time. However, within public administration, there is a massive void in research related to municipal golf policy. This study provides a comprehensive review of municipal golf policy in cities and towns where golf facilities are located in order to determine whether the form of local government is related to the number and variation of publically owned golf facilities within its jurisdiction. In addition to form and function of government, this study includes research that highlights the complex history of golf in America. Many authors have argued both the negative and positive benefits of both the council-manager and non-council manager forms of government. This study identifies several areas in administration and provision of golf where the council-manager form of government distinguishes itself from other government forms. Data was collected from 7,419 cities and towns across all 50 states. These cities and towns represent a comprehensive account of all jurisdictions that have golf facilities located within their limits. Cities and towns with the council- manager form of government were identified in 3,521 of these jurisdictions. Non- council-manager cities and towns were found in 3,898 jurisdictions. Demographic data of the jurisdiction and the characteristics of any municipal golf facilities were assessed using statistical testing in the form of independent t-tests and multiple regression methods of analysis. The results from this study reinforce golf’s historical recollections as well as studies on form of government in its conclusion that non-council-manager forms of government deliver municipal golf in a more democratic manner than council-manager forms of government.