Nearly a half of UK golfers looking to book a golfing holiday in 2021 are yet to decide on their final travel plans, according to new figures released by the UK’s largest golf resort operator.
A golf-travel survey of more than 1,000 golf customers of the QHotels Group found that 49 per cent of people were delaying organising a golf break next year, with many citing the current uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 situation as the key factor.
Of the 51 per cent of players that have already made arrangements for 2021, 32 per cent are planning to stay in the UK with a further 16 per cent heading overseas for a stay-and-play holiday.
The QHotels Group survey also found that around 50 per cent of the golfers questioned considered the quality of golf courses on offer to be the most important factor when deciding where to book a golf break.
In addition, 54 per cent of golfers preferred to play between three to four rounds on a break away, with an overwhelming 85 per cent of the people booking a holiday for seven days or less.
Richard Moore, group chief executive of the QHotels Group, said: “These figures make very interesting reading – and offers plenty of hope for the UK golf-resort industry at a time when they need it most.
“Here at QHotels, our business levels are looking very encouraging for 2021, particularly in the spring. Advance bookings in our golf sector have been very good and it is great to know that a large proportion of our golf audience are still to book for next year.
“This survey also makes the general picture really promising and there’s plenty for golf resorts to be positive about, both in the UK and further afield, particularly at a time when golf is so popular in this country and participation numbers are growing all the time.”
The QHotels Group operates seven golf resorts in England and Scotland: Belton Woods, in Grantham, Lincolnshire; Dunston Hall, in Norwich; Oulton Hall, Leeds; Slaley Hall, in Hexham, Northumberland; Telford Hotel & Golf Resort, in Shropshire; DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort, in Brigg; and DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort