UK golf participation figures stabilise

Sports research company Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. has revealed the results of their annual investigation into the playing habits of the British Golfer. The figures show participation rates have stabilised.

Sports research company Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. (SMS Inc.) has revealed the results of their annual investigation into the playing habits of the British Golfer. The figures show participation rates have stabilised.

Golf participation in the UK finally stabilised in 2014, just above the 3.3 million mark, offering hope to the golf industry after a decade of decay. This succeeds news that 2014 saw an increase in the number of rounds played by 3.5% compared to 2013.

SMS Inc. puts the encouraging figures partially down to a warm and dry summer, without any major UK based major sporting events. A local and victorious Ryder Cup in Scotland – with good weather around it.

Although golf participation remains at its lowest level for over a decade, SMS Inc.’s study shows clear progression and opportunities for the sport to grow. For the second consecutive year female participation has risen, as has the number of ‘avid’ golfers (who play at least once a week on average).

As per the 2013 statistics, a cause for concern is the number of ‘infrequent’ golfers, who play less than 12 times a year, which is at its lowest on record in this millennium (1,786,000). Time is a major factor influencing player numbers, and may be the significant reason behind the decline in infrequent golfers.

Richard Payne, Senior Manager of Sports Accounts at SMS Inc. commented, “Whilst the 2014 figures give the golf industry reason to be more positive, the continued decline of infrequent golfers remains a challenge that needs to be overcome. SMS Inc. has continuously stressed the importance of the ‘three F’s’ – Fun, Flexible, and Family’, a vision which the industry must fully adopt following these latest figures, to convert both first-time triallists and new golfers who may be using driving ranges into full-length course users, and secondly to prevent the loss of more infrequent players.”