Statistics show golf participation numbers were SOARING pre-lockdown

Golf participation numbers in October were up 65% compared to the same month in 2019.

Jack Seddon's picture
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
Statistics show golf participation numbers were SOARING pre-lockdown

Golf received a huge boost after participation numbers for October were revealed, showing that UK golfers flooded the courses before the country was hit with another lockdown, with participation up by 65% compared to the same month last year.

Although the rise in participation is good for the sport, the month of October was of course followed by a four-week lockdown to once again try and slow the spread of the coronavirus in England.

RELATED: Golf in England can return from December 2, reveals Boris Johnson

With golf clubs being forced to close their doors once again, many clubs were left fighting for their business as they were left without revenues, just after recovering from the first national lockdown.

In a study carried out my Sports Marketing Surveys' (SMS), it revealed that 80 of around 200 golf clubs showed an increase in rounds played in England, Scotland and Wales compared to October 2019.

“On the one hand, as golf courses in England and parts of Scotland face four weeks without green fee, pro shop, or food and beverage revenues, it is encouraging to be reminded again of the extraordinary, and seemingly enduring, appetite for golf in 2020,” said a spokesman.

“The unprecedented demand witnessed since the end of the first lockdown bodes well for a strong December, as well as to a fast start to 2021. On the other hand, with a mild month in progress, and with strong viewing figures for the first ever November Masters highlighting again the interest in golf, it is tempting to wonder what might have been had golf courses been allowed to remain open and build on five consecutive months of growth.”

NEXT PAGE: Golfer FUMING with WHS after seeing handicap cut without playing for a month!