British and Irish golfers, who would be links regulars for top amateur events, find themselves far removed from gusting winds and uneven bounces when taking up lucrative residence in Florida.
But I think we're entering a really good phase where the golfers will be more open.
Today's visitors are mainly golfers heading for the renowned Machrihanish links course, surfers and walkers.
For these golfers, the drive from Shanghai is no obstacle; they come and go in powerful sedans.
Miguel Angel Jimenez considered retiring from the competition: "They were like professional ice hockey players or footballers, not professional golfers.
It wasn't only golfers who bought into the concept: Van Morrison played in front of just 150 people on behalf of McIlroy's charity with the telecoms and media tycoon Denis O'Brien, reportedly worth £3.85bn, part of the audience.
And although it would be an insensitive soul who would deny Justin Leonard his expression of joy as he sank the putt that clinched the match, the charge across the green, not just of US golfers but assorted wives, some of them across the line of Olazábal's putt, was an insult.
But the place is not strictly for golfers.
As golfers we're like this traveling band.
Standing alongside the Augusta National clubhouse Wednesday afternoon, Jacobsen said he wished more golfers would emulate the carefree Europeans.
But swimming and boating kill over 4,500 Americans a year, hunting about 90, and twice as many golfers get hurt as skiers.
