News On New Turkey and Czech growth
News On New Turkey and Czech growth
A new survey has identified Turkey and the Czech Republic as growth areas for golf and the need for resorts to create six and nine-hole courses alongside 18-hole courses where families can learn the game (Callaway RAZR X Irons).
KPMG’s Golf Participation in Europe survey, highlights significant demand and supply changes in the European golf market, headlined by last year’s four per-cent decrease in the number of players (Ping K15 Hybrid) in the UK and Ireland.
While from 2000 – 2010, the number of golfers in England and Wales decreased by 63,800 and 14,500 respectively, Germany grew by 254,000 (74%), the Netherlands by 204,000 (146%) and Spain by 187,000 (124%).
But the real success story is in Turkey where a ‘Junior Golf League’ initiative has proved so popular over the past three years that more than 3,000 additional juniors have been registered. The country now boasts a growing golf population, 51 per-cent of which are below the age of 18.
The Czech Republic, despite having the most developed golf market in Eastern Europe, has also experienced an impressive 650% growth in the last 10 years, with almost 40,000 new golfers registering.
Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, says: “The recent economic downturn has left its mark on many countries across Europe. However, the golf market still has space for development.
“Increased media attention, driven by events such as The Ryder Cup, and a new breed of successful young Tour players, Mizuno JPX E600 Driver, supported by the inclusion of golf in the Olympics, are all important and positive motivators for people to take up the game.
“What is clear from our report findings is that there is still a very strong need for governments, tourism bodies, federations and associations to join forces to create structured programmes to encourage families, youngsters and the female population to take up the game.
“Our survey shows there are still areas in Europe where significant steps could be taken to grow the game. However, as our findings also suggest, Ping K15 Series, with decreasing participation levels in many countries in recent years, it is an obvious sign for golf course owners that the sport should no longer be a game of the elite.”