saw this interesting article about golf at the 'other place'

I don't know. I think the so-called "Tiger" effect actually kept a few courses open (plus built more) and accessible that would've closed or been developed without the increased popularity.

If accessible golf dies it will be because of increasing costs as you cite. I just don't see the average hacker consistently paying $50+ for a round of golf and we're getting very close to that at most courses on the weekends.

Did/does your membership come with stock in the club, and or is transferable in the future?

There are two private clubs within reasonable distance of my house.  Neither is remotely feasible for anyone short of pretty well off.

From what I can tell this sort of pricing structure is a uniquely (North) American phenomenon.  I don't get it either.   

I'm still finding it reasonable for me, but I'm not the norm.  I'm single - which means I have both time and money that most guys my age do not.  If I had kids, its unlikely I'd be a private club member or play quite the amount of golf I do.  But for me, it would not be a financial decision, but a time decision.

Money does play a factor, but since when is this a new problem?  Golf has always had its costs.  While costs are always a concern, golf is largely suffering from a competition problem - competition for time.  The number of activities we can get involved in and the number of choices on how to spend our time is ever increasing.  Can golf compete?  Surely it can hold its own, but the days of expecting large increases in players are likely gone.

Tonight for instance:  do I catch up on a few recorded tv shows, clean up the house (which could use a bit of cleaning), have a few drinks and post all night, do some reading, or.... well.... tickle the pickle.  Decisions, decision.   

I remember another article that talked about this. Even though the market was going up, people still felt an underlying unease. Wage increases have been small these past 7 years. It's not like in the 90's where people were spending because we were making lots of money.

Having kids, working overtime, spending time with friends, that is where my time is. I suppose if I had a friend that played golf I might play a little more then about once a month. Golf just doesn't rank that high on my to do list anymore, and it's not because I don't like to play. 4 to 5 hours is tough to justify anymore. 

Like Jessie Spano said, "there isn't any time".  I try and play a few times a month but it is hard to leave the house for that long.  My wife is pretty cool about even.  But she is in school on Saturday so Sunday is the only day we have as a family.  When it stays ligher for longer after work, I can play after taking off work a little early.  Money isn't the issue as much is the family by far.  And I pretty much eat, sleep and breath golf come springtime.  I'd play every day if I could.  It is all just a balancing act pretty much.  P

No

But it's a very, very, very nice club and a great golf course to play.  It's a lot nicer than that car I didn't buy would be today when I decided to spend my money on that golf club membership instead.

looks like you've got about 4-5 months to get some rounds in.  you won't be seeing that kind of time or $ again for 18 years