Covid 19 Golf’s Golden Ticket?

In the early stages of the Covid 19 pandemic most golf clubs were struggling to see a way to survive. On the back of a spell of poor winter weather and declining memberships, balancing the books was becoming an increasingly difficult task. Six months on golf has experienced growth levels not seen for over thirteen years. Golf club memberships up across the board, record monthly retail sales and an appreciation that golf is a safe sport in these worrying times.

The only ‘golf negative has been for the tourism business which has taken a massive hit. Resorts in mainland Europe and our older established clubs, such as Royal County Down or Portmarnock, which are popular with American visitors have seen their green fee revenue drop by as much as 90%. This business can come back quite quickly and the long- term outlook would still be a very positive one, once travel restrictions/ quarantine periods are lifted.

Covid 19 has wreaked havoc across the globe with many families suffering, but through this suffering golf may well have got it’s mojo back. It is of course flippant in the extreme to compare sport to human suffering but if any good has come out of this pandemic it is that our sport is starting to attract a new generation of golfers. If clubs continue to be a welcoming family friendly environment then the long term benefits for them will be immense.