While across the globe the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten people’s health, well-being and livelihood, golf has seen a big resurgence at almost all levels. Call it a “renaissance” or “resurgence” or whatever you like, but the fact of the matter is golf’s participation is spiking across all domestic markets.
With golf being played outdoors, golfers can be socially distant while engaging in a physical activity. While gyms and many other health related options were closed, golf attracted not only existing golfers, but many new golfers. According to the the National Golf Foundation (NGF), most of the new golfers were either 6-17 years old or women. The demographics showed a big increase in participation by millennials as well as baby boomers. NGF data shows golf participation in July 2020 was up 19.7% year-over-year from 2019. Some management companies as well as golf courses nationwide are reporting nearly 30% increased participation year-over-year from 2019. Golf’s total reach is now estimated at nearly 100 million people over the age of 5. The peak participation level at golf courses was 30 million in 2003. Last year’s was at 24 million at golf courses with another 8-10 million at driving ranges and golf entertainment centers like Big Shots, Top Golf, and Drive Shack.
Golf equipment sales, golf club fitting and lessons are on a vertical path not seen since 2005-2006. The $84 billion dollar industry should see a dramatic uptick in sales for 2020.
So how do this data impact what and how you operate at your club? How are we handling the effect of four golf carts per foursome? Are golf carts going to be produced in the future to support one golfer and not two? Most clubs report a reduce time of play by golfers having their own cart and being socially distant. Clubs that have a lot of walking are also reporting a decrease in time of play, all positive steps for the future of golf. Many golf courses have reported new fitting studios, academies and driving ranges than can be altered to have a small par 3 woven in to the footprint of the facility. Many golf courses are adding a par 3 where land is available or reducing their 27 holes envelope to reflect the trend for a 9 hole par 3 golf course and enhanced practice facilities.
As managers and leaders of the golf industry, we must now keep our foot on the accelerator and continue to be creative, inclusive, diverse and forward thinking to keep the momentum of golfers coming to our facilities. The pandemic will end eventually. It is incumbent upon all of us in the industry to be proactive now and keep younger golfers, new golfers and women coming back to our clubs in the future.
Paul T. Stringer is president, Nicklaus Design. He can be reached at [email protected].