Study finds last year’s Women’s Open boosted the perception of golf

A public survey has found that a major women’s golf tournament significantly boosts the profile of golf, women’s golf and the host golf club.

Sports scientists from Abertay University carried out independent surveys both before and after 2021 AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie Golf Links, taking in views from people across Angus, Dundee, Perth and Kinross and Fife.

Findings showed a 67 percent increase in the number of people who said they would consider participating in golf more often following the staging of the prestigious event on the world-famous course in Carnoustie.

Dr Graeme Sorbie of Abertay University and Michael Wells, chief executive of Carnoustie Golf Links, on the Carnoustie Championship Course

The research also found a 20 percent increase in the number of people who agreed that women golfers can inspire others, and a 16 percent increase in those who agreed women golfers should be viewed as elite athletes.

A 13 percent increase in the number of survey participants who said they viewed Carnoustie Golf Links as an asset to the local community was also revealed, in addition to a six percent increase in the number of people who viewed short form golf (nine holes or less) as important.

The online surveys were open to the public, conducted by Dr Graeme Sorbie and Professor David Lavallee, both academics with the Division of Sports Sciences Abertay University in Dundee.

Both surveys took in roughly 300 respondents each, with the pre-event survey running July 6 to August 17 and the post-event survey running August 25 to September 18.

Dr Sorbie said: “We were delighted to work with Carnoustie Golf Links on this impact survey, which underlines the positive impact that golf events can have on local communities. Major events like the AIG Women’s Open can be effectively used to spur interest in sport, both in audiences that were previously warm to participation, and those who may have no previous experience of the sport. Furthermore, it is great to see that peoples’ perceptions of women golfers increased following the event, which can positively impact the next generation of golfers.”

Michael Wells from Carnoustie Golf Links said: “We are delighted to see the positive results that have come out of this study. At Carnoustie Golf Links, we are continually striving to grow participation and perception within the sport. We are very proud to have been the host to the AIG Women’s Open in 2021 which has clearly had a positive impact on a local, regional and national level.”