Palmer said: "The downturn in the economy has affected many golf clubs and I hope we've reached the bottom on that.
"It is probably being felt most severely in America. I'd like to see that stop and for players to return to the golf course. It's tough right now but I'm sure things will improve.
"Golf has changed so much from when I turned professional. My main goal was always to increase the awareness of golf and that has happened.
"In places like India, China, Japan and South and Central America, people are becoming avid golf fans because the climate is perfect for the game."
"Golf is now an international competition and it is bringing people in from all around the world."
"But if golf gets accepted by the Olympic Committee it would be a wonderful thing for the continuing growth of the game. Bringing people together on the course is one of the most important things we can do."
It has been over a century since golf was an official Olympic sport, with George Lyon of Canada claiming the last gold medal in 1904.
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