Why are golfers dropping out of our sport and how do we find a way to entice them back?

There was a net loss of 46,000 registered golfers in 2011, with the UK & Ireland -42,700 (-3.1%), Sweden -21,000 (-4.1%) and Spain -9,700 (-2.9%) recording the most significant reductions in player numbers.

That's according to The Golf Participation in Europe 2011 survey – produced by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice and free to download from www.golfbusinesscommunity.com

The downturn in registered golf participation follows a 25-year period of impressive growth – the number of golfers has more than tripled since the 1980s, while the number of golf courses has doubled in the same period.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: “While the growth of golf started to slow down after 2005, last year was the first time there was an actual decrease in registered golfers. The decline can be attributed to two factors: the reduction in the number of golfers in some of Europe’s largest golf markets, especially theUK and Ireland, and the lack of dynamic growth in Europe’s emerging markets, specifically Eastern Europe and theSouth-East Mediterranean.”

While the number of officially recognized participants in the UK and Ireland fell to 1,326,700, still more than double the size of Europe’s second largest golf market, Germany (610,100), Sartori pointed out that golfers in the UK and Ireland don’t have to be registered, unlike most European countries, so the decline could be attributed in part to players giving up club memberships, while continuing to play on a daily fee basis.

The survey highlighted that golf remains a male-dominated sport in Europe, with 65% of all players being male and 25% female (10% are juniors). German-speaking countries (Germany,Austria and Switzerland) and the Netherlands, remain flagship markets for female participation, with more than 30% of golfers being women. This in line with our own figures for the UK.

Some emerging markets are leading the way with junior programs. Although small in real terms, the high proportion of children among golfers in Turkey (52%) and Serbia (34%) may help to create future growth in these countries.

“While much of the golf market stagnation in Europe may be attributed to the overall economic climate, continued support and investment in new programs will be needed to sustain demand and generate further growth in the game, especially in mature and developed golf markets,” added Andrea Sartori.

“Today, there is a need for joint efforts – arguably more so now than at any time in the past two decades. Therefore, we invite all industry stakeholders to share thoughts, best practices and creative ideas on www.golfbusinesscommunity.com”

So what can we do to entice people back into our game?

We don't have the answers, but some suggestions that we've seen already are:

1. Cheaper green fees
2. Affordable lessons and programming
3. Getting families involved in the club and activities
4. Developing more access to women golfers
5. Getting to the youth before other sports
6. Developing facilities for the younger generation
7. Have winter activities to keep them involved

What are your thoughts on the subject? Let us know

BBC Top Gear: Rally Cross cheaper than Golf?

On last night's edition of BBC Top Gear (Sunday 11th March 2012) , messrs Clarkson, Hammond and May proposed that it costs more to enjoy playing golf as a hobby than it does to take up motor sport. An interesting argument we thought, even though the delivery of the challenge set forward by Jeremy Clarkson lacked a little research to say the least (but let's face it, his brand of journalism isn't based on facts most of the time)! Clarkson, May and Hammond all bought relatively cheap cars to take part, against other enthusiasts, in a rally cross motor race - resulting in funny, enjoyable and entertaining television for a Sunday night.

But does golf cost more than Rally Cross? We think not.
OK, Top Gear had their fun, but it was just one day and at one race event. They didn't factor in for most of the equipment required, insurance costs, transporting the race vehicle to and from events (on a trailer presumably?), wear and tear or replacement parts. Here's what the Motor Sports Association (MSA) recommend BEFORE going onto the track:


The MSA specify that drivers must wear full safety equipment, including a helmet and fireproof racing suit.

• Helmets  – They cost up to £300
• Fireproof racesuits – again up to £300

This additional equipment is optional, but advisable:

• Racing gloves – Cost: up to £60
• Racing boots – Cost: up to £100
• Fireproof top/long johns – £75
• Fireproof balaclava – approx. £15.
• Fireproof socks – approx. £12

Event fees range from spending as little as £250, rising to £100,000 a year.
A car with the safety features will cost you around £1500.

So the answer is, No, it isn't cheaper to take up Rally Cross compared to enjoying golf as a pastime. Like all pastimes, you choose to do that which provides the most reward and enjoyment for you. Who cares what you choose to spend?! If you love it, go for it!

We just thought that we had to stand up for the golfing community that we've served for almost 30 years and put the record straight.

Here's an interesting point for you: The cost of  a set of golf clubs hasn't really changed for the past 10 years (maybe more), and they don't run on petrol or diesel! How much has the cost of motoring increased over the same period?

Happy Golfing