- Attract and retain golf club members

Is Golf a cure for the pandemic blues? What are the recommended steps that clubs can take to attract and retain golf club members and players? The 2020 Great Britain Golf Participation Report reveals a surge in golfer numbers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The total number of golfers on a full-length course increased significantly by 2.1 million players to 5.2 million. This is the highest figure recorded this century
Of these golfers, 36% identified as returning or new golfers. And 16% of players starting or trying golf for the first time because of the pandemic
The average age of golfers fell by five years to 41, with the majority of new golfers aged under 55
25% of female golfers were new to the sport and tried it for the first time because of the pandemic
Driving range use increased from 2.3 million to 4.3 million players
Golfers using par-three courses more than doubled. Those who only played on pitch and putt courses more than tripled

Post-Covid opportunity research

The Post Covid Opportunity Research was carried out in Great Britain and Ireland. Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS), along with findings from Bayfirth Research confirmed the following:

31% of avid and regular golfers identified they had experienced some negative impact on their feelings of loneliness/isolation. Of these, 79% identified playing golf had a positive impact.

Among lapsed/returning golfers, 44% identified that they had experienced some negative impact on their mental health. Of these, 92% identified playing golf had a positive impact.

Among occasional/infrequent golfers, 34% identified they had experienced some negative impact on their physical health. Of these, 70% identified playing golf had a positive impact.