News Numbers of golfers ‘could’ double
Friendly, flexible, family-orientated courses could double the number of UK golfers suggests Syngenta survey
A NEW survey has revealed that the number of people playing golf in the UK could be doubled if clubs and courses were friendlier, encouraged families and offered greater flexibility and better playing conditions.
‘Growing Golf in the UK’, a report commissioned by Syngenta and undertaken by independent market research company GfK, canvassed the opinions of more than 3,500 UK residents, including 2,145 non- golfers and 1,477 golfers.
It revealed a huge latent demand for golf in the UK with an estimated 8.5 million people interested in taking up the sport, of which just under half are in the younger 15-39 years age group.
Simon Elsworth, Syngenta Head of Turf and Landscape EAME, said: “Clearly, there is a significant opportunity here for golf to both retain existing players and to attract many new people into a sport that offers health and social benefits to all.”
Currently, out of a total UK population of 63 million, 38 million people are physically active or participate in sport, with
approximately 4 million playing golf. Of the non-golfers interviewed, 65% said they were looking for a new or additional sport or hobby, with 55% saying they had enough time for golf.
Initiatives that would encourage non-golfers to take up the sport included:
- Free golf morning (63%)
- Easy access to affordable golf lessons (61%)
- Relaxed dress code (54%) - 2-month trial period (53%)
- More friends and family participating in the game (48%)
However, the research also highlighted the reasons why golf faces challenges maintaining its existing customer base.
Of the golfers interviewed, up to 50% feel intimidated by club rules, regulations and even members of staff - with 25% recalling no experience of being treated like a valued customer. Almost two-thirds (65%) said they would consider leaving their club or regular course.
The shortfall in female participation in golf, and the
potential for more women and family golfers, was also highlighted in the research. Female golfers prefer to participate with family and friends, the study found. They also play a key role introducing children to the game.
Whilst social factors greatly influenced golfers and non- golfers alike, on-course factors also proved important. The research found that golfers want smooth rolling greens, courses with visual appeal that blend naturally into their environment, plus well-conditioned fairways and rough that is not too thick so golf balls can be found quickly.
Simon Elsworth, continued, “The purpose of the survey was to better understand the sustainability of the UK golf course industry, from a social,
business and environmental perspective.”
“What we’ve found is that there is very significant latent demand for golf that could be realised if clubs and courses were able to promote themselves in a friendlier, flexible and family- orientated way. Ultimately, people want to relax, be treated as a valued customer, share time with friends and family and enjoy a healthy sport in an appealing, outdoor environment.”
“Over the next six months, we will be sharing more insights from the ‘Growing Golf in the UK’ report and look forward to presenting a summary of the results at a number of golf industry events, whilst engaging with partners to find solutions focused on the long-term sustainability of golf.”
SGUwant to call a halt
AN HISTORIC golf club has closed and another fears for its future as golf clubs in Scotland continue to suffer amid the tough financial climate.
Things have got so bad that the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) has reiterated its call that no more 18-hole venues should be built in the country, although several are in the pipeline.
Hamish Grey
No more 18-hole venues say Scottish Golf Union as more and more of the country’s golf clubs face an uncertain future
10 PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
This is despite positive signs for the British industry in recent weeks and the support Scottish golf clubs receive from their Government, largely thanks to the major contribution the game makes to the country’s economy.
Gleneagles, in Scotland, is also hosting the Ryder Cup next year; an event that should bring in millions of pounds to the local economy.
Lothianburn Golf Club has closed after its membership dropped from more than 820 to 270 in the last nine years.
The 120-year-old venue found that the huge drop in membership made the club financially unsustainable, and comes as one of the oldest golf
clubs in the world, Perth Merchants Golf Club, also fears for its future.
The club’s owner, Perth and Kinross Council, has said it is considering options for the golf course, North Inch, as it is now running at a significant loss with user numbers dropping.
There are around 219,000 active golf club members in Scotland at just under 600 golf clubs. However, the number of courses in the country has increased by 20 percent since 1990, at a far higher rate than those playing the game. In fact, between 2006 and 2010, male membership dropped by 15 percent and female membership by 27 percent.
The SGU has revealed that, in the last eighteen months, around eighty clubs have approached it for business planning advice, including financial, marketing and governance guidance.
The financial downturn, the number of courses in Scotland and the time it takes to play a full round have been cited as the three most popular reasons for
the problems clubs are facing.
Its research found that there are around one course per 9,800 people in Scotland, compared to one per 27,000 people in England and one per 112,000 in France.
Hamish Grey, SGU chief executive, said: “We have more courses than we need for the current playing numbers. I guess part of our challenge is, how do we grow those numbers, and take that forward?
“In doing so, how do we make sure we keep such a good geographical cover that Scotland enjoys. It is one of the key elements of why, in Scotland, the game is so accessible.”
The SGU’s call for no more 18- hole courses has fallen on deaf ears though. For example, a £60 million development has been earmarked for Ayrshire, plans for a £25 million course near St Andrews are at an advanced stage, a £10 million
development has been proposed for East Fife and a tennis and golf complex is scheduled to be built in Stirling.
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