Playing through: Despite recession, golfers' rose-colored glasses more than half full

    Golf Digest recently published its 2009 Economic Outlook Study, essentially a survey of its five million plus readers.  What an optimistic bunch!
    When asked if they planned to spend more, less or the same time playing golf this year as last, economy be damned:  62% said they would play more golf, and only 2% said less.  Golf Digest compared some of its readers' responses to those of the "affluent general population," and the contrast was stark.  Asked if they would reduce spending during the current tough economic times, just 23% of Golf Digest readers answered affirmatively, compared with 40% of the general well-to-do population.  Golf Digest readers appear to be a thrifty group as well:  Just 6% said their credit card debt was an issue for them versus 14% in the comparative group; and 9% of readers planned to reduce expenses in 2009, compared with 15% of the affluent others.
    What about those who occasionally sneak away from the job to get in a quick 18?  They fear not, relatively speaking:  23% said that their jobs were in greater jeopardy than the year before, compared with the 29% of the affluent group who fear the grim reaper.  Conclusion:  Eat, drink, be merry and play golf, for tomorrow who knows?