Poll reveals buoyant Scottish golf data
16th December, 2011 by Colin Victor
More than three quarters of Scottish golf professionals have reported that business in 2011 has been stronger than it was in 2010.
A poll carried out by Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) asked golf professionals if 2011 had been an improvement on 2010. Most of those who took part, 76 per cent, indicated that progress had been made during the year with a minority, 12 per cent, recording a decline and a similar number remaining undecided.
The optimistic assessment was welcomed by GTS chairman Lee Derrick. “As with many industries, golf tourism has been through some difficult and challenging times,” he said. “These results show that confidence is returning to the golf industry.”
As well as the upbeat review of 2011, the GTS study also showed the industry was divided over the recognition it receives for its contribution to Scotland’s economy. Around two thirds of those asked felt golf tourism did not receive the credit it deserved, while a quarter thought it did.
“I think this is improving,” noted Derrick. “Golf in Scotland has been so ingrained in the culture that the economic contribution it makes is often overlooked. This is changing, and with a run of high profile tournaments taking place in Scotland over the next few years, not least of which is the Ryder Cup, I believe the industry’s significance is set to soar.”
A previous report commissioned by Scottish Enterprise estimated that the annual value of golf tourism to the nation’s economy is £220 million and that it supports about 7,000 jobs.