A recent survey of over 600 UK club golfers, conducted by EighteenGlobal, found that golfing holidays are becoming increasingly popular, both for groups of friends and for families.
A staggering 85% of respondents stated that they take golfing holidays or look for destinations where they can incorporate a few rounds of golf while away.
Of trips taken, 54% were golf-only trips, while 38% were holidays and 8% business trips that also included playing golf.
Group golfing trips are the most popular (64%) but the 36% of respondents who choose to go on golfing trips with their family highlight the increasing appeal of the game for women as well as men.
When it comes to the most popular destinations for golf travel, the three domestic favourites were Scotland (33% respondents), Ireland (18%) and Devon/Cornwall (8%).
Internationally Spain came out top with 29% of votes, Portugal second with 23% and Florida/The Carolinas third with 21%.
When asked what other activities they liked to combine with golf while away, the most popular choices were cuisine (18.24%), sightseeing (14.85%), shopping (12.85%), nightlife (12.23%) and beach activities (12.02%).
Chris Horsley, UK travel manager for EighteenGlobal, comments, “The results of this survey highlight the vast number of golfers who are choosing to take golfing trips away. It is a rapidly growing market and there is now a greater choice of world-wide golfing destinations than ever before.
“At EighteenGlobal, we have brought about a major change in the way travel deals are booked. For the first time, golfers can book a wide variety of golfing holidays at competitive prices from their club professional. EighteenGlobal has given the club pro the opportunity to make a commission on golf holidays by partnering the leading golf holiday tour operator – 3D Golf.
“Everybody benefits – 50% of the profit on every booking goes directly back to the club and pro as commission and golfers get the benefit of their pro’s expertise when booking the holiday. There is also the option to book a pro-escorted package, whereby the club pro comes along on the trip and provides expert tuition for the party.”
Alastair Forrow, professional at Whitecraigs’ Golf Club in Scotland, comments: “Partnership with EighteenGlobal allows me to offer club golfers the very best in competitive golf deals. With the support of EighteenGlobal pros no longer lose out, because it allows profits to stay within the golf community, a concept that will benefit us all in the long term.”
Each month EighteenGlobal has special offers golfing destinations world-wide. More than 500 professionals across the UK have already become partners in EighteenGlobal.