Survey shows golfers are increasingly embracing technology

A Golfshake survey that was completed by 4,600 golfers in late 2015 has highlighted the importance of a digital presence for golf clubs. The survey focused on their golf, spending habits, interaction with golf clubs and their general use of technology during 2015.

Over 37 per cent of the survey was completed by avid golfers (playing once a week) and 57 per cent regular golfers (playing 12-52 times per year.) The analysis highlighted the continued technology shift for golfers. A total of 90 per cent of golfers now have a smartphone which is up from 82 per cent in 2014 and 96 per cent of the 30-50 year old demographic have a smartphone, with 61 per cent using their devices for golf. Golfers’ use of technology is further underlined by the fact that 75 per cent of golfers completing the survey have a tablet device, up from 55 per cent in 2013.

The recent increase in adoption of smartphones and tablets means that it is now key for golf clubs and golf businesses to have an online presence when looking to reach new customers. Further evidence of the importance of the need for a comprehensive digital presence is indicated by the fact that 80 per cent of golfers stated that they read reviews online when looking where to play and 77 per cent access golf course news and information on golf portals. Unsurprisingly in the digital age, 36 per cent of those surveyed stated that they regularly accessed golf news, but TV viewing still came out on top with 49 per cent saying that they regularly access golf news via services such as Sky Sports.

Further evidence in the consumer technology shift and importance of having an online presence was identified by research conducted on online tee time bookings. The survey found that these were up by 23 per cent in the past two years with 71 per cent of all golfers surveyed saying that they had used an online club booking system or a 3rd party tee time provider.

Golfers looking to improve are also turning to the latest technology with 76 per cent of golfers surveyed watching tuition on YouTube or other online services and websites. A total of 17 per cent had used golf tech hardware to aid game improvement such as SkyPro & Wearable devices.

The mass adoption of new technologies by golfers coincides with the launch of the Golfshake Score Tracker app for Android devices which hit the Play Store in June 2016 and compliments the existing iOS app which was launched in 2015. The Golfshake apps focus on the core Golfshake functionality for golf score tracking, stats tracking, golf handicaps as well as providing access to the UK golf course directory and access to over 100,000 golf course reviews.

For more information or data from the Golfshake ‘State of the Game Survey’ visit the website www.golfshake.com