Canadian golf courses are exploring new ways to keep Millennials on the green as the industry struggles to hold the attention of a tech-savvy generation with limited funds.

Canadians under 30 are not taking up the sport in the same numbers as their parents or grandparents, new numbers show.

A new survey finds the overall number of rounds played has dropped by nearly 15 per cent since 2008 -- a tough hit for a multi-billion-dollar industry.

It’s not difficult attracting young kids to the green, says industry insiders -- it’s keeping them engaged into their late teens and early 20s that’s a growing concern.

Interest in the sport has taken plunge after a downturn in the economy, and some bad PR. Just a few years ago, Tiger Woods, once considered the sport’s greatest player, was a household name, helping to boost golf’s profile to historic heights. But a series of controversies his personal life tainted his image as the youthful, wholesome athlete.

It also had noticeable effects on the industry, says golf instructor Kevin Haime.

“The Tiger Woods personal issues were not exactly great for our game,” he says.

And, a recent economic downturn didn’t help, leaving athletes and part-time golfers with less spending money for leisure activities and sports.

Just ask 18-year-old golfer Tristen Albert. She says she only plays golf when her mom picks up the tab.

“Especially for young people like me going to school and stuff, it can be hard to find the time and the money,” Albert says.

As Millennials puts down the putter and pick up the smartphone, the golf industry is looking at ways to appeal to the younger crowd. Some ideas include putting WiFi on courses and phone chargers in carts.

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing for the game at all, I think it’s a great thing,” says golf pro Andrew Donaldson. “It’s growth, and getting more people into it and enjoying it.”

University of Toronto professor Pierre Desrochers says at this point, golf courses have no choice but to adapt.

“Golf courses will have to make their activities appealing to young people, or else they’ll simply vanish,” he said.

With a report from CTV’s Katie Simpson