New study shows golf participation levels remain high following pandemic boost
A new study into golf participation levels in Great Britain shows that the games popularity remains in a strong position compared to the pre-pandemic figures.
The latest quarterly report by sports market research company Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS) shows that the number of rounds played in Q2 of 2022 increased by 19% compared to the same period in 2019, highlighting that those new to the game during the COVID pandemic are still engaged.
However, it is worth noting that the number is down 9% compared to Q2 in 2021 – although a strong Q1 means that rounds of golf played in Great Britain are up 24% this year compared to the first half of 2021.
In terms of regions, the North was the top performer with Q2 data up 51% compared to 2019.
Related:
Here’s a full breakdown of the rounds played in Great Britain from 2018 to 2022:
Although the data shows that the popularity of golf continues to grow following the boost in participation during the COVID pandemic, it is expected that the ongoing ‘cost of living crisis’ will have a negative effect for the remainder of 2022 and beyond.
Richard Payne, director of SMS, said:
"We do expect growth against 2021 to continue to slow in the second half of the year. 2021 was an exceptional time, with the release from lockdown but still widespread working from home.
"We also expect the cost of living crisis to have an effect on leisure spend, in golf and other sports. This is likely to affect visitor rounds and equipment sales first, with many having already paid memberships for the rest of 2022, but there will undoubtedly be pressure on renewals in the coming months.
"So, whether rounds played can remain above 2019 is, in our view, one of the key metrics to look out for over the next six months and into 2023."
