Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Tweeners, and Millennialism, how does golf fit into the flat-billed caps, hip huggers and wild colors of the next generation of golfer?

The ’50s and ’60s country club atmosphere of weekend Calcutta, Saturday night dinner and dance to follow are completely out of vogue with the skate boarders, roller bladers, and dirt bike riding set.

Is Rickie Fowler the bridge that can bring the younger set into the “Golf Kingdom”?

Tiger Woods is responsible for the current plethora of athletically fit, long-driving, smooth-putting, crop of over-achieving under 30 professional golfers.

Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Nick Watney, and Bill Haas were teenagers watching Tiger accomplish Herculean feats with a golf club in his hands and garner the sports world’s attention, as well as truckloads of money along the way.

Is Rickie Fowler going to be able to influence teenagers of today to leave their lacrosse sticks, soccer balls, and other sports paraphernalia behind and pick up some golf clubs and beat balls?

It is already happening.

Look at Rickie’s gallery at any PGA golf tournament and you will see several youngsters wearing the backwards hat, brightly plumed Puma golf wardrobe and following Rickie’s every move.

Everyone knows that the golf business has been in a slump ever since the economic bust of 2007. Golf courses need new players, men, women, boys and girls to pay green fees and buy golf merchandise from the pro shop.

Rickie Fowler and to some extent Rory McIlroy can provide the impetus to bring a younger crowd out to the golf course.

An ongoing head-to-head competition between Rickie and Rory in the majors over the next few years would be even better.

The next time you want to criticize Rickie Fowler for the flamboyant golf wear, the cap worn backwards or the scraggy facial hair, remember he may be exactly what can bring your kids to the golf course.

Trust me there is nothing better in the world than playing golf with your children.

Good luck, Rickie.

For more golf tips and video, visit www.toledoohiogolflessons.com. Follow on Twitter: @tolohgolfr.

Tags: Fred Altvater, Rickie Fowler, The Back Nine, young golfers

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 20th, 2012 at 8:07 am and is filed under Golf, Sports, The Back Nine.
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