After a historic rise, what is the future of golf?
A few months ago, the future of the golf season was uncertain, but soon the only question on the minds of Canadian golfers was whether there was still room on the tee sheet at their local course. The popularity of golf has grown, club sales are at an all-time high and the future looks brighter than ever.
Superintendents got the green light at the beginning of the pandemic, and golf courses across the country opened in May. As one of the first recreational activities approved by public health authorities, golf has experienced a tsunami of new interest from newcomers and those who did not yet consider themselves "golfers". In 2020, the number of rounds played across the country increased by 30% over the previous year, despite the fact that the COVID suspended the first three weeks of the season.
With so many new golfers, how will their participation in the sport change the future of golf? It's an interesting question that many observers of the sport have speculated on. Here are some thoughts on what might happen as more and more people get involved in our great sport.
Increased membership of private courses
If you are a public player, like most of us, you know how difficult it has been to get a tee time this season. As the tee sheets filled up within minutes, people were no doubt tempted by the idea of joining a private course. The private courses were still extremely busy, and lottery systems were put in place to meet the growing demand, but it was still easier to book a start at these venues. So, after a year that saw a 25% to 30% increase in rounds played across the country, the private course market, which has become increasingly competitive in recent years, could see a boom.
A new way of thinking
Golf is a sport of traditions that no one wants to break, but perhaps the new golfers will bring a new way of thinking. Golf as a more relaxed, recreational summer activity has definitely shone this year, and perhaps that's just what the sport needs - a little less seriousness. Of course we have to respect the sport, but perhaps COVID has allowed us to focus on the important things in life, and no, that doesn't include whether a polo shirt should be tucked in or not. So we all agree that it would be beneficial to be more focused on having fun on the course.
Golf stars
Tiger Woods is a household name, but when it comes to golfers, the list ends there. Golf fans may know 100 tour players by name and nationality, but the average golfer wouldn't recognise Rickie Fowler or Henrik Stenson in real life. With the golf renaissance, all that could change. Not only are people playing more golf this year, but they're also watching it on television, which means that many lesser-known professional golfers could very well become real stars.
New ways to play
If this summer has proved anything, it's that golf can be played anytime and in many different ways. Whether it's a short nine after dinner or an early morning tee time on the weekend, golfers from beginners to seasoned pros are flocking to the courses. What does this mean for next year? With the advent of short game and nine hole courses, golf can move away from the standard 18 hole course and, like the dress code, loosen up a bit. Want to play six holes after 6pm? No problem. Courses will have to adapt to these changes and perhaps introduce flexible fee arrangements, but they will happily do so if it brings them more profit.
Golf Belek Turkey
Superintendents got the green light at the beginning of the pandemic, and golf courses across the country opened in May. As one of the first recreational activities approved by public health authorities, golf has experienced a tsunami of new interest from newcomers and those who did not yet consider themselves "golfers". In 2020, the number of rounds played across the country increased by 30% over the previous year, despite the fact that the COVID suspended the first three weeks of the season.
With so many new golfers, how will their participation in the sport change the future of golf? It's an interesting question that many observers of the sport have speculated on. Here are some thoughts on what might happen as more and more people get involved in our great sport.
Increased membership of private courses
If you are a public player, like most of us, you know how difficult it has been to get a tee time this season. As the tee sheets filled up within minutes, people were no doubt tempted by the idea of joining a private course. The private courses were still extremely busy, and lottery systems were put in place to meet the growing demand, but it was still easier to book a start at these venues. So, after a year that saw a 25% to 30% increase in rounds played across the country, the private course market, which has become increasingly competitive in recent years, could see a boom.
A new way of thinking
Golf is a sport of traditions that no one wants to break, but perhaps the new golfers will bring a new way of thinking. Golf as a more relaxed, recreational summer activity has definitely shone this year, and perhaps that's just what the sport needs - a little less seriousness. Of course we have to respect the sport, but perhaps COVID has allowed us to focus on the important things in life, and no, that doesn't include whether a polo shirt should be tucked in or not. So we all agree that it would be beneficial to be more focused on having fun on the course.
Golf stars
Tiger Woods is a household name, but when it comes to golfers, the list ends there. Golf fans may know 100 tour players by name and nationality, but the average golfer wouldn't recognise Rickie Fowler or Henrik Stenson in real life. With the golf renaissance, all that could change. Not only are people playing more golf this year, but they're also watching it on television, which means that many lesser-known professional golfers could very well become real stars.
New ways to play
If this summer has proved anything, it's that golf can be played anytime and in many different ways. Whether it's a short nine after dinner or an early morning tee time on the weekend, golfers from beginners to seasoned pros are flocking to the courses. What does this mean for next year? With the advent of short game and nine hole courses, golf can move away from the standard 18 hole course and, like the dress code, loosen up a bit. Want to play six holes after 6pm? No problem. Courses will have to adapt to these changes and perhaps introduce flexible fee arrangements, but they will happily do so if it brings them more profit.
Golf Belek Turkey
