Golf in Ireland - An Analysis of Participation - Report

red ears

An interesting (well that might be a stretch) report on the participation levels of golf in Ireland.

From the report:

Golf remains one of the most popular sport and exercise activities in Ireland.
Among the more popular activities, it has a unique appeal to older adults. The highest participation rates are for individuals in their 60s and 70s. There are a broad range of motivations for participation, but physical and mental wellbeing feature prominently among them.

Participation in golf increased in the latter decades of the twentieth century, but has since begun to decline. This decline is occurring despite a favourable
demographic background in which numbers of middle-aged and older people are growing.

The primary reason for this drop in participation in golf is not the economic crisis, because a comparison of data collected in 2003 and thereafter reveals that the fall began prior to the crisis. The decline is occurring among younger adults, aged under 55 years, and who are predominately male. This decline is being somewhat countered by a continuing increase in popularity among older people, especially women. Although golf remains a male dominated sport, the gender gap is closing.


http://www.esri.ie/pubs/RS63.pdf

Any opinions on the report? The main finding seems to be a decline in young people playing due to changes in family life, i.e both parents working, fathers doing more with the kids etc. Older people seem to be taking up the game. How can we get more young people playing both men and women?

Senna

Junior golf should be highest priority in every club, membership should be nominal or zero, adults should be donating old clubs to summer schools, earlier tee times if it suits them better. Basically anything the encourages more numbers into junior golf, they seem to be an after though in most clubs and many members see them as a hindrance.

On adult membership, Our club ran a promotion for under 35s, think it was half price membership for 3 years and then reduced price for another 2, they got 20-30 new members each year since it started, which is substantial as our club is not massive.

FixdePitchmark

Is the data not very out of date for something published in May 2017 ?

So much has changed since 2013.

The economy
The types of membership products available.

But - I guess you have to accept that younger couples , don't have the time or money for golf. Can't see that changing much.

Jawgap

red ears wrote: »

.......

Any opinions on the report? The main finding seems to be a decline in young people playing due to changes in family life, i.e both parents working, fathers doing more with the kids etc. Older people seem to be taking up the game. How can we get more young people playing both men and women?

I think there's some truth in it. But I also think that if you give people a 'reason' they'll organise their lives to engage in an activity.

The big problem, in my view, is the decline of Tiger......there's no similar personality in the sport who seemed to provide that draw for kids.....and if the kids are off playing football or rugby, then it's going to clash with Sunday and Saturday golf so the parents (or at least one of them ) are goosed if they want to play.....combine that with the cost of membership and unless you can play regularly, it's going to look like a bad bargain.

I think the changes in memberships will help at least retain young people - whereas before you had to go on full membership, more and more clubs are offering structured and graduated membership for people who joined before they were 18 - but that only helps with retention.

Personally, I think if you are going to draw people into the sport you have to have an offering that matches their lifestyle......as someone who swam against the tide and moved from cycling to golf, rather than the other way around, I can say the words "old farts' sport" gets bandied about when I do make occasional forays out with my cycling club and I get asked where I've been......the slight irony being that I know quite a few in the group are ex or lapsed golfers, or regular players who've become much more casual in their participation.

If it was me and I had the authority, I'd take a leaf from cricket and come up with game formats that are exciting, without taking too long, and even more membership options......I'd also encourage very club to run a 'family fun day' on the Sunday morning of the Open and give any kid under 12 showing up free membership until they're 16......and get a stock of junior sets to be kept at the club for them to use free during certain quiet times on the course over the summer hols.

Mantis Toboggan

Group lessons for school kids during PE would be huge, summer camps, easter camps, getting as many young people involved is crucial but there seems to be very little of this going on from what I can see.

I would have loved to play golf as a kid but it simply wasn't available to me for a number of reasons. If you're parents aren't involved in golf then it's almost a certainty the kids won't be either.

marvin80

Senna wrote: »

Junior golf should be highest priority in every club, membership should be nominal or zero, adults should be donating old clubs to summer schools, earlier tee times if it suits them better. Basically anything the encourages more numbers into junior golf, they seem to be an after though in most clubs and many members see them as a hindrance.

A guy in work is trying to get his young lad into the golf for the summer - he's around 12, spending a few hours on a golf course everyday with his mates is better than loitering the streets.

However, buying clubs and membership is a bit on the expensive side for them so he mightn't be able to sign up.

Massive opportunity for clubs to get young people involved. Like Senna said above - give them clubs to use and cheap membership. Great and safe environment for kids to spend their days during the summer.

fred funk }{

I think part of the problem is that golf is still seen as a stuffy old man's sport. Clubs should go into the local schools and take a PE session and teach a bit of golf in a fun way and offer membership really cheap for kids.

Jawgap

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Group lessons for school kids during PE would be huge, summer camps, easter camps, getting as many young people involved is crucial but there seems to be very little of this going on from what I can see.

I would have loved to play golf as a kid but it simply wasn't available to me for a number of reasons. If you're parents aren't involved in golf then it's almost a certainty the kids won't be either.

I don't know if the GUI/ILGU/CGI have them, but development officers are critical on this point because it's cripplingly expensive to bring kids off-site for sports activities - it's cheaper to bring the sport to them.

The GAA and IRFU have development officers who visit schools to run 6 or 8 week programmes to a defined curriculum for those sports. inevitably the development officers are linked to the local clubs and stream any interested kids towards them......something similar for golf might work - get some bright young golfers, recruit them as development officers as part of their development training and set them loose!

Also........street golf.....run a league or two over the summer in a few ghost estates, or closed off streets or lanes!

Mantis Toboggan

Jawgap wrote: »

I don't know if the GUI/ILGU/CGI have them, but development officers are critical on this point because it's cripplingly expensive to bring kids off-site for sports activities - it's cheaper to bring the sport to them.

Surely the activities can be done onsite. Most schools have outdoor pitches or indoor play area/halls. Few mats and plastic golf balls. Teaching technique but have the fun element of certain targets to chip into etc.

red ears

I think part of the plan seems to be to push it as a healthy sport due to all the walking. They were on the radio yesterday talking about that. When practice swings are included you would be swing the club about 100 times quite hard. This may work for the over 45 to 50 age group but maybe not the young people. If they can separate it in the minds of the public from the likes of darts and snooker and bowls it might help. Many see it as a leisurely game with little to no health benefits which is not accurate either.

Jawgap

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Surely the activities can be done onsite. Most schools have outdoor pitches or indoor play area/halls. Few mats and plastic golf balls. Teaching technique but have the fun element of certain targets to chip into etc.

Yeah, I was just making the point that it would be better to bring the sport to the kids......that it's impractical to bring the kids (during the school day) to a club or driving range.

Something like the Golf Roots programme in England would be the model, in my view.

I'm not aware if we do, but if we do it never went near my kids' school, for instance.

3putt

Here lads trying to do lessons for kids in schools.

http://www.birdiegolfacademy.ie/

Kevinmarkham

I was at the launch yesterday - overall the data reaffirmed what most of us already know, but there were some interesting elements to it.

Jawgap wrote: »

The big problem, in my view, is the decline of Tiger......there's no similar personality in the sport who seemed to provide that draw for kids.....

Sadly, there is no evidence to show that Tiger had any great influence over the uptake of the game, specifically among African American kids. The same is true of Ireland's 9 Majors over the past decade. The strongest draw for kids is if their parents play.

Jawgap wrote: »

I think the changes in memberships will help at least retain young people - whereas before you had to go on full membership, more and more clubs are offering structured and graduated membership for people who joined before they were 18 - but that only helps with retention.

Another key point made is how kids try the game and how they then drop out. Between primary and secondary school is a major point in time, as is Inter and Leaving Cert and then 3rd level. Golf has to compete against all the other sports and, as we know, golf takes longer than anything else to play. Golf clubs have to accept that juniors will drop out of the sport... but at the same time there are opportunities to retain their interest through some sort of membership option.

If a kid drops out keep their details to hand and invite them back to some big golf day/barbecue/family event (as you mentioned). Free of charge. One of the great things about golf is the social aspect and how you can (but don't have to) compete against others.

Jawgap wrote: »

If it was me and I had the authority, I'd take a leaf from cricket and come up with game formats that are exciting, without taking too long, and even more membership options......I'd also encourage very club to run a 'family fun day' on the Sunday morning of the Open and give any kid under 12 showing up free membership until they're 16......and get a stock of junior sets to be kept at the club for them to use free during certain quiet times on the course over the summer hols.

Free clubs is great. How many of us have clubs in the garage that have been sitting there for a few years. I gave mine to my godson last year - he's 10 - and he's now mad keen for it and getting lessons.

I know we have that fuddy-duddy image and many of the older lads still don't like juniors getting in their way but that attitude is dying out. Of course some clubs will never change but most clubs now embrace junior golfers and the CGI is making big strides among women and junior golfers.

The thing is, one of the biggest audiences for golf is the lapsed golfer. Consider that a 50 year old could be playing golf for another 30 years. Think of his/her spending power. The kids have left home so he/she has the time and opportunity, too. I know all of these novel membership ideas are targeting younger golfers (and rightly so) but introductory offers for older golfers who haven't played in a while could be just as effective.

Finally, in terms of health benefits - a Swedish research study indicated that golfers can live 5 years longer than non-golfers. They have greater flexibility and better balance too

ChippingSodbury

Tyson Fury wrote: »

I would have loved to play golf as a kid but it simply wasn't available to me for a number of reasons. If you're parents aren't involved in golf then it's almost a certainty the kids won't be either.

This is so true. As Senna said earlier, we should be encouraging kids to join by making it as easy as possible (very low membership and loan clubs for starting off). If you nab the kids, there is a good chance of getting some of their parents to join too. It's a great way (excuse!) of spending time with little Jimmy: "I'm just bringing Jimmy out for a few holes, dear".

Making the whole package family friendly is the only way forward.

ChippingSodbury

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Finally, in terms of health benefits - a Swedish research study indicated that golfers can live 5 years longer than non-golfers. They have greater flexibility and better balance too

Old golfers never die, they only lose their balls...

Jawgap

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

.....

Sadly, there is no evidence to show that Tiger had any great influence over the uptake of the game, specifically among African American kids. The same is true of Ireland's 9 Majors over the past decade. The strongest draw for kids is if their parents play.

I wouldn't be so sure about that - I think it's certainly debatable. In his book "No Tie Required" Christopher Cairns discussed the "Tiger Effect" and the role it's decline has had in leading to courses being ploughed back under in the UK.....it's not the only reason by any means, but it has played a role for example in the business end of the sport, from Nike's decision to exit the equipment end of things, to Dick's Sporting Goods to ditch golf pros from their shops.

The problem now, as I see it, is that the most prominent personality associated with the sport isn't a dynamic athlete capable of generating great drama......its Trump. So it's a bit like asking kids if they want to take up the sport their grandads are playing!

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Another key point made is how kids try the game and how they then drop out. Between primary and secondary school is a major point in time, as is Inter and Leaving Cert and then 3rd level. Golf has to compete against all the other sports and, as we know, golf takes longer than anything else to play. Golf clubs have to accept that juniors will drop out of the sport... but at the same time there are opportunities to retain their interest through some sort of membership option.

If a kid drops out keep their details to hand and invite them back to some big golf day/barbecue/family event (as you mentioned). Free of charge. One of the great things about golf is the social aspect and how you can (but don't have to) compete against others.

I'd generally agree with this, but in my experience as a rugby coach the best way to keep kids involved is to make sure they not just play together but socialise together. If they form a network of friendships around the sport then the chances are they'll keep coming back. We always created opportunities for the kids to socialise together, whether it was post match meals, organising christmas and other parties or regular club nights......

......and you should never under-estimate the draw of the opposite sex when it comes to players being distracted!!

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Free clubs is great. How many of us have clubs in the garage that have been sitting there for a few years. I gave mine to my godson last year - he's 10 - and he's now mad keen for it and getting lessons.

I know we have that fuddy-duddy image and many of the older lads still don't like juniors getting in their way but that attitude is dying out. Of course some clubs will never change but most clubs now embrace junior golfers and the CGI is making big strides among women and junior golfers.

The thing is, one of the biggest audiences for golf is the lapsed golfer. Consider that a 50 year old could be playing golf for another 30 years. Think of his/her spending power. The kids have left home so he/she has the time and opportunity, too. I know all of these novel membership ideas are targeting younger golfers (and rightly so) but introductory offers for older golfers who haven't played in a while could be just as effective.

Finally, in terms of health benefits - a Swedish research study indicated that golfers can live 5 years longer than non-golfers. They have greater flexibility and better balance too

I'd generally agree also with the idea of the clubs, but shouldn't they be specific for kids? I would have though the head weight, even on a cut down club, would be difficult for a youngster to control?

I haven't read the Swedish study but I think I'd take it with a tiny pinch of salt.....I'd be interested to see who the control group was and if they screened for health and socio-economic factors.....maybe people who live longer play golf because they have a higher health status, and therefore have the opportunity to do? Which is to say the causation runs the other way

I think any physical activity is good, and golf provides an opportunity for lots of gentle enough exercise......but as a selling point its not going to wash with kids, but I agree it may help draw the lapsed golfers back - maybe a series of membership options to lure people back would be useful. A lot of clubs, if you are coming back into the game and are over a certain age, want a full membership fee.....

......maybe the success of the "Get into Golf" programme for ladies could be replicated into a "Get Back Into Golf" programme for anyone interested - a series of lessons in the Spring, followed by a heavily discounted membership for the rest of the year (or something a bit more expensive, if the returnee wants to play comps).

red ears

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Another key point made is how kids try the game and how they then drop out. Between primary and secondary school is a major point in time, as is Inter and Leaving Cert and then 3rd level. Golf has to compete against all the other sports and, as we know, golf takes longer than anything else to play. Golf clubs have to accept that juniors will drop out of the sport... but at the same time there are opportunities to retain their interest through some sort of membership option.

The thing is, one of the biggest audiences for golf is the lapsed golfer.

Getting young people into the game is good because even if they drop out they develop a swing at a young age it is much more likely they will become a single figure golfer later in life and find it much easier to get back into it at a decent level. On the other hand particularly in rural areas many will leave for college and not come back. So these clubs may get a better return by targeting golfers in their mid 20's and up as these people are more likely to stay in the locality.

Lapsed members is a very big one. So many people have played the game and left for one reason or another. I often see lapsed members come back and really get into the game in a big way.

Older members will always be an important demographic for golf as it is good for their health and they can compete into old age due to golfs handicap system.

Women are another big untapped demographic.

jamesbondings

I know prices have come down in recent times but for a young family being a member of a club is simply unobtainable. I would need a club close by (so as to not be gone all day leaving poor wifey to look after the little one). There is nothing close by that is reasonable (for my means). The sickening thing is me and the Mrs are both in good jobs, but with crippling rents and huge childcare costs, golf is a luxury.

And I'm not alone in this. In fact most of the golfers in my office are in the same boat. We often lament if such and such a club considered a the "poorer golfer" there would be a huge number of members.

I get my fix with presents of green fees (Xmas and birthday) plus the occasional pigs back deal here and there.

Senna

jamesbondings wrote: »

I know prices have come down in recent times but for a young family being a member of a club is simply unobtainable. I would need a club close by (so as to not be gone all day leaving poor wifey to look after the little one). There is nothing close by that is reasonable (for my means). The sickening thing is me and the Mrs are both in good jobs, but with crippling rents and huge childcare costs, golf is a luxury.

And I'm not alone in this. In fact most of the golfers in my office are in the same boat. We often lament if such and such a club considered a the "poorer golfer" there would be a huge number of members.

I get my fix with presents of green fees (Xmas and birthday) plus the occasional pigs back deal here and there.

I think it's the same in all cities, was the same in London, couldn't afford membership and even then without a car, getting to a golf club was a nightmare. I just didn't think Dublin was as bad, I thought there was a good number of clubs (maybe not top class) that offered reasonable membership.

Johnny_Fontane

Just got my 8 year old into my club (€25 until he's 12). free lessons every saturday morning. Be interesting to see the numbers (will report back)

Seve OB

Jawgap wrote: »

Also........street golf.....run a league or two over the summer in a few ghost estates, or closed off streets or lanes!

Haha, closed off streets....pffttt. When I was a kid we didn't need closed off streets... just someone to stand at the corner and yell when there were no cars coming!

carq

Would love to know the stats on number of women under 40 playing golf.
I cant understand why none take it up

fred funk }{

carq wrote: »

Would love to know the stats on number of women under 40 playing golf.
I cant understand why none take it up

I'd bet it's because it's seen as a posh old women's game.

Skyfloater

That and having kids.

Jawgap

carq wrote: »

Would love to know the stats on number of women under 40 playing golf.
I cant understand why none take it up

My wife took up the game when I returned to it a few years ago.

She's not under 40, but she looks it

Her main issue is the lack of comps etc for women.....everything (comps, group lessons etc) happens during the day when she's working......

......it's like Peter Aliss is the local development officer

Saying that, the "Get into Golf" programme she did to get started was excellent, and the club worked hard to retain anyone who went through it, but certain fundamentals, like the timing of comps, need to be looked at.