New study shows rise in rounds for Q1

The ‘Golf Rounds Played’ study by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc shows that the average number of rounds played increased by 14 percent in the first quarter 2015, compared to the same period last year. The study confirms the New Year has started positively, building on the conclusion of 2014 when golf participation finally stabilised.

The above average temperatures and the generally drier weather in January 2015 meant that all regions, except Scotland, enjoyed an encouraging start to the number of rounds played, with the Midlands displaying the greatest increase of 33 percent on 2014.

February was also much drier than the same period 2014, and as a result all regions enjoyed increases in the amount of golf being played in excess of 30 percent. March 2015 was relatively cold and wet compared to 2014, and also a month which saw a dramatic culmination in an exciting Six Nations rugby campaign where the final game attracted a TV audience of around 10 million viewers. Both were key factors in all regions suffering decreases in golf rounds played, with the exception of the North region which saw an increase of 5.7 percent, in contrast to 2014.

Richard Payne, senior manager of sports accounts at Sports Marketing Surveys Inc commented, “This increase of 14 percent in the first quarter is fantastic news for the industry. This new data offers encouraging insight into the future of the game, and we hope to see similar promising figures leading into the summer months before The Open returns to the home of golf at St Andrews in July.”