As the 2020 golf season draws to a close as the mercury soars, it is no longer a hiding place to claim that COVID-19 has proven to be a driver for the industry.
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In terms of the number of rounds played across the province, this unique season has been profitable.
However, we cannot claim that all the operations were so. The events, catering and reception sector received a real slap in the face. These losses weigh on annual revenues.
According to the results of a survey recently conducted by the Association des clubs de golf du Québec (ACGQ) sent to some 340 clubs in the province, 69.2% of the 92 respondents considered that the 2020 season was more profitable. as 2019.
More rounds played
As the curtain falls on this season, the number of rounds played is estimated to be up 19.5% from last year. According to projections, the counter would stop at 8.5 million rounds.
Among respondents, 44% believe the pandemic has had positive impacts on their bottom line. And of the lot, 76.1% saw greater participation in the 19-35 age group.
However, it is impossible to know the real participation of this group. The data does not exist.
“We are unable to quantify it, because we do not count this data at the start. It’s very difficult, ”explained ACGQ President Martin Ducharme.
Among the factors explaining the increase in golf’s popularity, 82.6% of respondents claimed that the sporting offer was reduced in Quebec. More than a quarter of clubs have also raised the rules of the game which naturally respect health requirements.
It was predictable, next year, golfers will be faced with price increases, as more than half of respondents predict increases of up to 5%.
