UK and Ireland lost 42,000 members in 2011

Seamus Rotherick
By Seamus Rotherick February 8, 2012 13:03

Golf clubs in the UK and Ireland suffered a net loss of 42,700 members in 2011, according to a new survey.

The drop of 3.1 per cent from 2010 brings the number of club members in the British Isles down to 1,326,700, spread among 2,989 golf courses (a drop from over 3,000 in 2010). It is not known how many of the 42,700 have switched to pay-and-play golf and how many have given up the game completely.

The research also found that more than a third of golf clubs reacted to the loss of revenue by increasing prices rather than investing in marketing.

For Europe, the Golf Participation in Europe 2011 survey – produced by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, found that Sweden lost 21,000 registered golfers, a drop of 4.1 per cent, and Spain 9,700 (2.9 per cent).

Overall, the number of golfers in Europe fell for the first time since research began 25 years ago, although there was a small increase in the total number of courses in Europe last year (up 0.7 per cent to 6,740). The number of participants fell by one per cent to below 4.4 million. This means that the number of golfers has more than tripled since the mid-1980s, while the number of golf courses has doubled in the same period.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “While the growth of golf started to slow down after 2005, last year was the first time there was an actual decrease in registered golfers. The decline can be attributed to two factors: the reduction in the number of golfers in some of Europe’s largest golf markets, especially the UK and Ireland, and the lack of dynamic growth in Europe’s emerging markets, specifically Eastern Europe and the south-east Mediterranean.”

Feedback from the survey also suggests golf courses across Europe are failing to respond appropriately to the challenging economic conditions, and may be losing customers as a result.

“Golf clubs need to proactively and effectively face up to the challenging economic climate to retain members or attract new golfers,” continued Andrea Sartori. “Based on our survey, rather than introducing youth and family programmes, and promotional packages, approximately 30 to 40 per cent of Europe’s operators and club managers actually increased prices in 2011. More than half of clubs have not invested in enhanced marketing – and many have not yet capitalised on the opportunities provided by online marketing and social media.”

Some of the reduced participation was counterbalanced by countries that experienced growth, including Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the Czech Republic.

The survey highlighted that golf remains a male-dominated sport in Europe, with 65 per cent of all players being male, 25 per cent female and 10 per cent juniors. German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and the Netherlands remain flagship markets for female participation, with more than 30 per cent of golfers being women there.

“While much of the golf market stagnation in Europe may be attributed to the overall economic climate, continued support and investment in new programmes will be needed to sustain demand and generate further growth in the game, especially in mature and developed golf markets,” added Andrea Sartori.

Seamus Rotherick
By Seamus Rotherick February 8, 2012 13:03
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7 Comments

  1. gmsang September 3, 08:11

    Dear Sir(Mom)

    How are you?

    My name is Oscar Kerry Choi in Donggwang ode county and Clark Sunvalley Resort,

    clark, pampanga, Philippines.

    It’s my pleasure to inform you regarding our openning ceremony

    on 12th of sept. this year.

    Donggwang corp. has over 30 years experiences, developing golf courses

    which are 2 in Japan, 4 in Korea and 1 in philippines.

    Compared to other golf courses, it’s top quality in grasses, view,

    landscaping, various degrees of difficulty.

    Clark sunvalley resort consists of 36 hole golf courses, water park, 5 star hotel,

    casino in 304ha. 203ha of it is for the 36 golf courses.

    The altitude ranges from 320m to 370m. 7015 yard for public courses

    and 7127 yard for private courses.

    18 public courses have been operational since march this year

    and the other 18 private courses will be open on 12th of sept. this year.

    We will have soft openning ceremony on 12th of sept. and last 3 days

    in a raw from 12th – 14th.

    If members accompany their families and friends on the ceremony,

    they can play golf free and have foods & beverages free also for 3 days.

    The membership price is 1.2 m peso(philippine peso) that has no monthly & annual dues forever.

    2 persons can be members on 1 membership as regular member and nominee.

    Membership can also have previllages, using water park, hotel, casino,

    500 pool villas in member’s rate when the the whole resort is completed in 2016.

    As the facilities and amenities of the resort are being contructed,

    the membership is going to be high valued.

    It’s much better to invest in it than any other businesses or properties.

    I”m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    I’d appreciate it

    +63-906-214-3864

    gmsang@nate.com

    Deputy general manager

    Oscar kerry choi

    Reply to this comment
  2. Gareth Raflewski (@Raflewski) March 9, 03:15

    » UK and Ireland lost 42,000 members in 2011 http://t.co/RlBEaWiu

    Reply to this comment
  3. Geoff Scott (@geoff1901) February 10, 23:44

    » UK and Ireland lost 42,000 members in 2011 http://t.co/9VWL51Zh

    Reply to this comment
  4. Sean Mysel (@ColumbiaGolf) February 9, 18:22

    » UK and Ireland lost 42,000 members in 2011 http://t.co/tplwTWGC
    Check Out Al’s Blog…It’s a must read for golf pros

    Reply to this comment
  5. Andy Hiseman (@andyhise) February 9, 10:23

    Is #golf still on the slide? UK golf clubs lost c.43k Members last yr (av 14+ per club) http://t.co/l6kdoKSp from @AlDunsmuir

    Reply to this comment
  6. Peter Miller (@antonioborsato2) February 8, 20:03

    “@welwyngcgolf golf clubs could be marketing themselves better, it’s revealed: UK clubs lost 42,700 members in 2011 http://t.co/UxMn4ct5”

    Reply to this comment
  7. Golf Club Management (@GCM_mag) February 8, 13:15

    UK and Irish golf clubs lost 42,000 members in 2011 http://t.co/HYvbsnzQ

    Reply to this comment
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