Golf emerges from coronavirus pandemic with flying colours

New figures reveal that golf enjoyed an increase in participation by 2.3 million on-course adult golfers in Great Britain and Ireland last year and the sport is now being encouraged to grasp the opportunity to retain new and returning players.

Research led by world governing body The R&A, together with England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf, demonstrates how the sport thrived in 2020 despite the significant challenges of covid-19.

Two new participation reports, produced by Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS), show that a significant number of players enjoyed golf on full-length courses as well as alternative forms of the sport, including the use of driving ranges, par-three golf and pitch and putt courses.

There was also an increase in the number of female golfers and a reduction in the average age of participants.

Phil Anderton, chief development officer at The R&A, said: “We have seen a real surge in the number of golfers in Great Britain and Ireland playing the sport and this is reflected by the high demand for tee times and clubs reporting a strong interest in membership last year.

“Golf has shown that it can provide significant health benefits and this has been important for many golfers during these very challenging times.

``It is vital that golf seizes the opportunity to maintain this heightened interest by offering new and returning golfers compelling reasons to stay within the sport and enjoy it with friends and family.”

Key highlights from the 2020 Great Britain golf participation report were:

• Total adult golfers on a full-length course (nine or 18 hole) increased significantly by 2.1 million players to 5.2 million – the highest figure recorded this century.

• Of these golfers, 36 percent identified as returning or new golfers – with 16 percent 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 percent 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 who only used par-three courses more than doubled, and those who only played on pitch and putt courses more than tripled.

Following the easing of covid-19 restrictions, The R&A identified the need to further understand this demand and how different types of golfers were engaging with the sport.

A post covid opportunity research carried out by SMS in Great Britain and Ireland, along with findings from Bayfirth Research, details experiences of golfers during the pandemic, their motivations for playing and their long-term plans for the future.

Among new golfers, 98 percent of those interviewed identified they are enjoying playing golf and 95 percent see themselves playing golf for many years to come.

The impact of covid-19 restrictions on mental and physical health and loneliness has been considerable with the research showing how golf has helped in these areas.