European Golf Association’s Post

What was the economic impact of Italy hosting The Ryder Cup in 2023? The answer is €262 million making it the most successful Ryder Cup played outside the US. The move away from the UK as the default venue for Ryder Cups in Europe has proven to be a successful gamble. Following France's hosting of the 2018 edition at Golf National, the Marco Simone Country Club hosted the biggest Ryder Cup to date, and the figures indicate just how economically successful the event was. The economic research was carried out by the Sports Industry Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University. Some additional headlines of the research were: ⛳️ 271,000 people attended the 2023 Ryder Cup ⛳️ 11% increase in total revenue over the 2018 Ryder Cup hosted at Le Golf National, Paris (€235 million) ⛳️ €34 million in revenue for the local accommodation sector Read more about the findings in the latest edition of Golf Business Review by clicking the link below. #golfbusinessreview #rydercup #golfindustry https://lnkd.in/ePdhKwp3

Golf Participation is still on the rise in Canada and Beyond! Golf Canada recently shared an article highlighting the latest participation trends from a recent R&A study of markets in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. Discover how the golf industry is expanding and what it means for the future of our game. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dJ3ywNwN How do you see this growth shaping the future of golf? #GolfIndustry #GolfGrowth #GolfCanada #GolfTrends

New Post: ‘Golf Riding on Crest of a Wave’ - https://lnkd.in/gsrZzYiQ, Scotland: Golf participation can reach record levels in the coming years, according to Martin Slumbers, outgoing Chief Executive of The R&A. Martin Slumbers addresses the media during a press conference at the 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon. Picture by Luke Walker/R&A via Getty Images. Troon, Scotland: Golf participation can reach record levels in the coming years, according to Martin Slumbers, outgoing Chief Executive of The R&A. Speaking at his final Open Championship press conference before standing down from the role, Slumbers said he was bullish for the sport’s future prospects. He said: “I’ve expressed concern in recent years about financial sustainability in the men’s professional game. If we take a wider perspective on the game, golf is in many ways riding on the crest of a wave. “The golf industry is benefitting from a surge in participation, and more and more people are experiencing golf in all its forms. More than 100 million people experience the game in one form or another around the world. “The latest participation figures for 2023 showed that in the countries we’re responsible for, there were 62.3 million people playing golf, which is a rise of 1.1 million on the previous year. “These are very encouraging figures, but we have to maintain this momentum. To do that, we must have a sustainable business model in the long term. “If you look at golf as a pyramid, however strong the pyramid is at the top, it can only be sustained in the long term if the pyramid is equally strong at the base. “We see that as our responsibility, and that is why we invest all of the proceeds from The Open back into the sport. We have to be careful to do that in such a way as to ensure that the recreational game is thriving and that the most talented players have a pathway to the top of the game so the professional game of tomorrow flourishes. We can’t do that if we neglect the base of the pyramid. “The reason I’m raising this concern is that I care deeply about getting more people into golf around the world and helping them to move through the levels of the sport if they have the talent and the motivation. “If we can achieve a sustainable business model and really engage in parts of the world where the growth opportunities are emerging, then there is a golden, perhaps once in a generation, opportunity to elevate our sport and make it a more popular participation sport than it has ever been. I’m convinced that that is achievable.”

New Post: ‘Golf Riding on Crest of a Wave’ - https://lnkd.in/gAmk_4gj, Scotland: Golf participation can reach record levels in the coming years, according to Martin Slumbers, outgoing Chief Executive of The R&A. Martin Slumbers addresses the media during a press conference at the 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon. Picture by Luke Walker/R&A via Getty Images. Troon, Scotland: Golf participation can reach record levels in the coming years, according to Martin Slumbers, outgoing Chief Executive of The R&A. Speaking at his final Open Championship press conference before standing down from the role, Slumbers said he was bullish for the sport’s future prospects. He said: “I’ve expressed concern in recent years about financial sustainability in the men’s professional game. If we take a wider perspective on the game, golf is in many ways riding on the crest of a wave. “The golf industry is benefitting from a surge in participation, and more and more people are experiencing golf in all its forms. More than 100 million people experience the game in one form or another around the world. “The latest participation figures for 2023 showed that in the countries we’re responsible for, there were 62.3 million people playing golf, which is a rise of 1.1 million on the previous year. “These are very encouraging figures, but we have to maintain this momentum. To do that, we must have a sustainable business model in the long term. “If you look at golf as a pyramid, however strong the pyramid is at the top, it can only be sustained in the long term if the pyramid is equally strong at the base. “We see that as our responsibility, and that is why we invest all of the proceeds from The Open back into the sport. We have to be careful to do that in such a way as to ensure that the recreational game is thriving and that the most talented players have a pathway to the top of the game so the professional game of tomorrow flourishes. We can’t do that if we neglect the base of the pyramid. “The reason I’m raising this concern is that I care deeply about getting more people into golf around the world and helping them to move through the levels of the sport if they have the talent and the motivation. “If we can achieve a sustainable business model and really engage in parts of the world where the growth opportunities are emerging, then there is a golden, perhaps once in a generation, opportunity to elevate our sport and make it a more popular participation sport than it has ever been. I’m convinced that that is achievable.”

The 152nd Open Championship officially tee’d off today, and continues what has been a record breaking year for prize money across golf.   The total purse for this year’s Open sits at a whopping $17 million - a $500,000 increase on last year, meaning that Sunday’s winner will take home a healthy $3.1m alongside the coveted Claret Jug.   But how do major golf tournaments consistently increase the prize money on offer? A key driver is the loyal support from some of the world’s leading brands.   Let’s take a look at both the history and context of the Open’s biggest partners👇 👔Hugo Boss Debuting in 1985 through the sponsorship of Bernhard Langer, Hugo Boss continue to be one of golf’s most prominent partners. Nowadays, they support 11 professional golfers (including 2016 Open winner Henrik Stenson).   🏦HSBC Entering their 13th year as a Patron of the Open, HSBC are supporting the development of the game through their Golf Roots programme, which is now the largest and most successful golf development programme in the UK. The aim is to reach 1 million children per year, whilst promoting key golfing values, such as honesty and respect.   🚗Mercedes-Benz The automotive giant has been associated with golf for over 30 years, notably being partnered with both the Open and Masters for over a decade. Mercedes also demonstrate their commitment to golf through the MercedesTrophy, an invitational golf series for over 60,000 Mercedes-Benz owners worldwide.   💳Mastercard A Patron of the Open since 2012 and supporter of icons like Tom Watson, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose, Mastercard aim to immerse their customers into golf through unique benefits. If you are a cardholder attending this year’s Open, look out for access to “The Mastercard Club” in the fan village, as well exclusive VIP seating.   #TheOpen #golf #sport #partnership

How we play Golf is changing. Alasdair Rae comments "gone are the days when one could easily spend six or seven hours on the course. Today’s busy schedules mean fewer people can commit to a full day of golf." 🏌️♂️ This shift is impacting clubs across Great Britain, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. With varying membership costs and accessibility, attracting younger and more diverse members is becoming increasingly crucial. ⛳ At Custodian Golf, we’re diving deep into the data to understand these trends and help clubs adapt. Our latest research uncovers some surprising insights about the current state of golf memberships and the steps clubs need to take to secure their future. Curious about the full picture? Download our whitepaper to explore these findings and more. The time to act is now. https://lnkd.in/gaN3-Xaq #Golf #GolfClubs #CustodianGolf #MembershipTrends #GolfForEveryone Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

I've been doing some new and very interesting things relevant to planning, housing, land, data, and golf! Combining multiple professional and personal interests with Custodian Golf and uncovering some extremely useful and valuable data (as well as the odd bit of shocking data)

Strong Opinions Required: The following flexible golf membership programmes are available from, or being proposed by, the GB and Ireland governing bodies: 1. Openplay (Available from Scottish Golf) https://lnkd.in/ebSySaWc 2. iGolf (Available from England Golf) https://lnkd.in/e_5kpVGx 3. Flexi Golf (Available from Wales Golf) https://lnkd.in/e7RH7DqA 4. The Independent Golfer Scheme (Proposed for Ireland by Golf Ireland) https://lnkd.in/ejEwEYMh The potential benefits of these programmes are clear and are being well promoted, but the potential negative outcomes are also clear to see. What is your opinion as a club manager or club member on flexible memberships? #Golf #Membership #Flexibility #OpinionsWelcome

🏌️♂️ The End of Majors Season. What's Next?? 🏌️♀️ As the dust settles from an exhilarating British Open, congratulations to Xander Schauffele for his outstanding victory! 🌟 Well deserved winner as he capitalised on all the birdie opportunities his opponents couldn't in the final round. The end of Majors season always leaves us reflecting on the incredible talent and thrilling moments we've witnessed. But it also leaves a huge gap till the first Major of the year swings around again and that's not till next April at The Masters in Augusta. For many golf nuts, that's possibly too big a gap and a strong reason on adding The Australian Open as a 5th Major to the calendar. 🌏 Why the Australian Open? 1. Global Reach: Golf is a global sport, and the inclusion of The Australian Open would further emphasise its international appeal. Australia has a rich golfing history and offers a unique landscape and climate, providing a diverse challenge for players.    2. Talent Showcase: Australia has produced some of the finest golfers in the world. A 5th Major Down Under would give these local talents a prestigious platform on home turf and attract top players from around the globe like it once did. 3. Season Extension: Adding a Major later in the year would maintain the momentum and excitement of the golf season, engaging fans and players alike for a longer period. 4. Economic Boost: Hosting a Major would bring significant economic benefits to the region, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and fostering local businesses. 5. Innovation and Growth: Golf is ever-evolving, and introducing a new Major could bring fresh dynamics to the sport, encouraging innovation and growth within the golfing community. Let's start the conversation and envision a future where the golf majors season is longer, the competition fiercer, and the global community more connected. What are your thoughts on The Australian Open as the 5th Major? 🌟⛳️ #Golf #Majors #BritishOpen #AustralianOpen #GolfingWorld #InnovationInGolf #GlobalGolf #XanderSchauffele #ExecutiveGolfersNetwork

Did you know that 967 golf courses in Great Britain face intense competition, with more than 25 other golf facilities located within just a 30-minute drive? ⛳ This level of competition creates both challenges and opportunities for clubs to stand out. With so many options available, clubs must evolve to offer unique experiences and value to attract and retain members. It’s not just about having a great course—it's about understanding what today’s golfers want, from flexible memberships to enhanced social facilities. 🏌️♂️ Is your club ready to differentiate itself in a crowded market? #GolfIndustry #GolfClubs #ClubManagement #DataDrivenDecisions #CustodianGolf Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation