The Current State Of The Game.
The Experience
Golfers are more than ever wanting an experience where they can show up to the club house, get a lesson,
buy a new golf shirt, enjoy a burger and beer with friends, and generally feel welcome. For decades
golf has been for the white elite. Minorities, those new to the game, and often the middle-to-low
income earners have often felt unwelcome.
This is changing.
Inclusion
Now anyone can fully participate in the sport of golf by playing just 9 holes. Prior to 2019, golf was an all-day affair that had normally been accessible only to the wealthy and to those who work for themselves. Since this time barrier has been removed, 9-to-5 workers now have access.
Stephen Curry is creating more access and opportunity to multi-cultural student-athletes, as well as increasing equity to underserved youth through his endeavor called Underrated Golf. Read more.
Similarly, Make Golf Your Thing was created in 2020 to make increase diversity within the golf world. Read more.
There’s also been a recent push to open the game up to veterans with disabilities. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Read more.
The PGA is attempting to grow the game within the LGBTQ community which recently co-hosted a fundraising event with the PGA at TPC Harding Park. Read more.
Golf is being made affordable and accessible to low income youth as seen through First Tee. Read more.
Friendlier
The brand of golf is evolving into a warmer, less intimidating atmosphere.
Even Club Corp has recognized this and is in the process of rebranding. Their new name is Invited. Read more.
The game of golf is TRANSFORMING.
All Things Golf
People are busier than they’ve ever been. Whether it’s due to more work, or more time on social media, people are short on time and want convenience. A golf course can and should be a place to buy new clubs and clothes, grab lunch or dinner, get a lesson, work on your game, or play a round of golf. No one should have to drive to Golf Galaxy and deal with an untrained college kid to fit them for clubs; then drive somewhere else to get a lesson; then drive somewhere else to eat dinner; then drive back to Golf Galaxy to pick up new clubs; and on and on. A golf course should offer all of these amenities to make it easy to enjoy the sport of golf.
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Who's Playing?
“Golf has had a resurgence during the pandemic, with about half a million more players picking up clubs than did in 2019. …As cabin fever gripped the country [in 2020], the two most popular activities were binge-watching TV shows—and playing golf.
According to a report put together by the National Golf Foundation, golfers played 502 million rounds last year, the most since 2007. The number of nongolfers who say they’re very interested in playing golf has risen to 17 million, up 1.5 million from 2 years ago.”
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What Do They Eat?
The fastest growing segment within the golf industry are millennials. Their eating patterns reveal what they care about, namely locally-sourced foods, convenience and shareable dishes.
To learn more, contact us.
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"The Experience"
The younger generation of golfers are demanding more. Although there’s a perception that millennials are lazy, they are known for being busy whether work or social. They value their time, and want the convenience of being able to play golf, grab a quick lunch, squeeze in a lesson, or buy a new shirt.
For more details, give us a call.