College golf coaches will make time during their annual conference next month for a topic normally associated with higher-profile sports.
Gambling.
A study released recently by the NCAA found that male college golfers are far more likely to wager than other athletes.
Twenty percent of Division I men’s golfers were “frequent’’ gamblers, according to the survey, done anonymously in 2008 with more than 19,000 student-athletes in 11 sports. “Frequent gambling’’ is defined as once or more per month. The golfers' rate was up from 14 percent in a similar survey in 2004. Eight percent of men’s golfers were defined as “heavy’’ gamblers, meaning once or more per week in ’08.
In women’s golf, 1.3 percent of respondents were “frequent’’ gamblers, the most of the 11 women’s sports surveyed. Female athletes, like society at large, are far less likely to gamble than their male counterparts, according to research cited in the study.
The proliferation of fantasy sports leagues, online gambling and the ease of payment – via credit cards or third-party transfers – contributed, according to the findings.
“We take this issue very seriously,” Louisville coach Mark Crabtree, president of the Golf Coaches Association of America, said in a GCAA news release. The findings will be a priority during the Dec. 7-9 meeting, Crabtree said.
The site of that meeting? The Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Comments
golfdoc1 (anonymous) says...
This short article is not at all clear about what is considered to be "gambling." Is betting on golf results while playing not considered to be "gambling"? Is it just taken for granted that college players are betting on themselves against their teammates in practice or when just playing casually? This is gambling, too, no?
If you think "gambling" is only what is done in actual or virtual casinos, then you are not going to capture the vast numbers who won't play a round of golf with friends without some kind of wager. Is it any big surprise that in a game like golf in which everyone is betting something, college kids would end up doing more online gambling? Not really.
It goes without saying that gambling on the outcome of a golf game is built into the fabric of most country club, amateur, and public links social and casual golf. Not to mention pros at all levels betting on their games in friendly matches before tournament play begins or for arranged, big stakes games to supplement their income. Ask Lee Trevino how he made a living before winning the U.S. Open.
How many play the game without a wager on the line? I don't bet on the course. But I am unusual in my refusal to bet while playing golf. Trying to hit the ball well is enough for me. But, it is safe to say, not for too many others.
Point>> It is no shocker that college level golfers have already been primed to be bigger gamblers than other athletes, since it is built into the nature of the game and something they may rationalize (with some validity) they are doing to sharpen their nerves to perform under pressure.
November 23, 2009 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
VTown661 (anonymous) says...
The Riviera Hotel & Casino ???? Jeez my parents use to stay there.
Sounds like some nice rds of golf can be had by OB Sports, i always liked Angel Park.
Just a heads up i see on the GCAA site ... well lemme quote... "The site of this year’s convention will be the Riviera Hotel & Casino in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. The GCAA convention rate is $59 + tax (single or double). The room block cutoff date will be November 14, 2009."
Lemme give you a heads up ... booking today the rate on their web site the rooms are only $29 bucks per night or $30 per night less then the convention rate. Call the hotel today and cancel your original rooms and save that $30 per night for some serious gaming.
Also to address the issue of college students and gambling well lemme quote again.........“We take this issue very seriously,” said GCAA President Mark Crabtree. “We look forward to working with the NCAA, our membership and our student-athletes to educate them on all forms of gambling." ..... I agree with this that i sure can use help on how to play pocket Aces i never seem to play them correct and overplay them and get no action or under play them and peeps draw into flushes and pairs against me. Any help you can give me i would take.
Hope it goes well and gets this gambling issue for college players under control as it is pretty much off the hook.
Go Bruins!!!
November 24, 2009 at 1:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lance_Ringler (anonymous) says...
Here is what I don't get ... The study included fantasy sports leagues and student-athletes are not allowed to participate.
But, it's ok for 40% of NFL football players to take part in fantasy football leagues? Games in which those NFL players take part in. Makes no sense.
Golfers, like thousands and thousands of students are playing online poker.
I would guess that the actual wagering on the golf course for college golfers is VERY low. No need to be concerned over this.
November 24, 2009 at 4:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Winkle (anonymous) says...
I don't think there is really ANY gambling on the course during golf tournaments. Most of the on course wagers are during practice/qualifying rounds at home... guys playing best ball or something for a $5 dinner afterwards. I've never heard of any players placing bets on the course at tournaments.
Golfers are also much farther down the list on which sports get the most scrutiny from athletic departments. They keep a much closer eye on the football and basketball teams than golf, meaning golfers can probably get away with it more easily than players in other sports.
November 26, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )