New Zealand golf is still waiting to feel the impact of the Michael Campbell effect.
The sport rode a publicity high after his US Open win, but the number of under-18 players is declining.
The latest official membership numbers for this age group show a 12 per cent drop from
2003 to 2004.
But New Zealand Golf (NZG) manager Graeme Scott said this could not be read as an indication of numbers overall, as juniors were unlikely to be handicapped golfers.
"The figures look like they are drying up, but we're finding that the numbers of junior golfers in programmes, if not constant, are up."
NZG previously surveyed clubs only on the number of handicapped golfers, but this year had undertaken a survey of all clubs to gather extra information which would give a much clearer picture of numbers, he said.
Mr Scott said most interest was being shown in primary schools, with teachers using NZG's Kiwigolf programme to introduce students to the game.
At Titahi Bay Golf Club - Campbell's home turf - overall membership had risen by 50 per cent since his win at Pinehurst two months ago.
The club now has 70 junior members, comprising 25 per cent of overall membership.
Juniors currently make up 10 per cent of registered New Zealand golfers, and NZG aims to raise this to 20 per cent in the next five years.
Out at Titirangi Golf Club on a Sunday morning, about 50 junior golfers, some as young as five, can be seen on the practice fairway.
They learn basic rules and etiquette, and a dress code is enforced at the free 1 1/2-hour coaching sessions.
Tony Barrage, President of the New Zealand Maori Golf Association, said it was difficult to tell whether Campbell's recent successes had increased numbers of young Maori golfers.
"I think he's always been a shining light. It just reinforces the statement that we can achieve at the highest level."
NZ Golf under-18 membership
2002 - 13,323
2003 - 13,055
2004 - 11,513
Junior membership costs
Titirangi Golf Club $275
Howick Golf club $175
The Grange, Papatoetoe $199
Titahi Bay (9 hole) $20
