Rough times ahead for grassroots golf?

    Tom Sweetman, for CNN

    Updated 1201 GMT (2001 HKT) January 12, 2015

    Rory McIlroy (left) hosts a junior golf clinic in New York in 2012. The world No. 1 is an ambassador for junior golf -- a role that could be vital in keeping the younger generation interested in the sport.
    Photos: Golf state of the game report
    Follow me? – Rory McIlroy (left) hosts a junior golf clinic in New York in 2012. The world No. 1 is an ambassador for junior golf -- a role that could be vital in keeping the younger generation interested in the sport.
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    Tiger Woods' career has had a massive impact on interest and participation in golf and many hope McIlroy can have the same effect. "We had a good spell with Tiger Woods during the 1990s and 2000s and Rory is positioned to be another person who can do that," TaylorMade CEO Ben Sharpe told CNN.
    Photos: Golf state of the game report
    Out of the Woods? – Tiger Woods' career has had a massive impact on interest and participation in golf and many hope McIlroy can have the same effect. "We had a good spell with Tiger Woods during the 1990s and 2000s and Rory is positioned to be another person who can do that," TaylorMade CEO Ben Sharpe told CNN.
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    2 of 7