I went over to Houston a couple of years ago to look after my nephews.

At the time they were 6 and 8 and we did various things to keep them entertained whilst their parents (my partner's brother and wife) went away for the weekend.

They are very lucky in that they are members of a local country club that has a golf course, driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool, gym etc.

I took them to the driving range once and out for 9 holes of golf once, and they loved it. They have a genuine interest in the sport, and a colossal chunk of sibling rivalry which means they can while away hours just trying to get the better of one another.

The great weather and good surroundings certainly helped, but I couldn't believe how focussed and into it that the 2 wee boys were. Obviously at that age they wouldn't have done 18 holes, but were perfectly happy for 9. It wasn't even that special a treat for them - they go out with their Dad all the time.


I don't know what the answer is here. I suspect that golf in Scotland will change quite a lot over the years and that a lot of courses will disappear. Kids aren't getting into it and young adults are being priced out of it. As the baby boomers die off along with their expensive memberships, I think we'll see a lot of clubs in even bigger trouble than they are now, which is a shame as golf is a great game.

Ski-ing is apparently facing a similar crisis over the next few decades as the people who are interested and can afford to do it lose the physical capability to do so.