The number of golfers in Great Britain who play on a full length course remains just under the 4 million mark. This figure is supplemented by recreational golfers who do not play at full length courses, pushing the total number of adults in Great Britain who play some form of golf to just over 4 million. This equates to a participation rate of approximately 8% of the adult population.
The number of Core golfers (who play at least 12 times a year) is around exactly the same level as in 1998. A decrease of almost 400,000 Core golfers since the peak of 2004 is offset by a 340,000 increase in the number of golfers who play less frequently.
Driving range usage meanwhile decreased slightly in 2008 to around 3 million, which is still 15% more than 5 years ago.
There remains enormous potential for the game to grow, as the United States enjoys a participation rate of approximately 12.5% of the adult population. In the UK, with participation among women stabilising after 2 years of decreasing numbers, and the game remaining more popular among younger golfers than those aged over 55, there is certainly evidence that the interest is there for the game’s development.
The key challenge is to keep the younger generation in the game, by making golf more accessible and inclusive for children and for those with children.
For more information on our golf research and to purchase a copy of the 2008 Golf Participation report contact: Tony Scott, Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1932 350600
Sports Marketing Surveys www.sportsmarketingsurveys.com