Golf Business News – Sporting Insights reports 'Rounds Played' down 5% in Q2

Sports market research firm Sporting Insights has blamed poor weather and England's run at the European Championships for a 5% drop in the number of rounds of golf played in Q2 in Great Britain (Scotland, England and Wales) compared to 2023 figures. the same time.

According to its latest figures for April-June 2024, the worst damage was done during a wet April, which saw a significant drop in rounds played in the Midlands, Scotland and the North of England. A slight decrease was seen in May, and there were green shoots in June, which was drier and sunnier than usual, which helped reduce the lower than average temperature.

Two of the four regions – North and South – showed growth, with the latter growing by 2% in Q2 compared to the same three months in 2023.

This news follows the decline of Q1 2024, and leaves a half-year picture with negative figures, as the national rounds have now decreased by 8% compared to the first six months of 2023, in all four regions below the levels of the previous year, although the South is the least. so. However, it should be noted that the 5% year-on-year decline in Q2 is lower than the decline in the first three months of this year.

Reflecting on these figures, Sporting Insights director John Bushell said: “Obviously we would like to report growth, but it is important to look at and appreciate the details when things are not so good. The weather and England's Euros will undoubtedly have an impact on these figures.

“So, even though this is the second quarter in a row of negative numbers, we still think that many of the current indicators for golf are encouraging. Consumer confidence is growing. Global participation in golf continues to grow, and there is great potential among brands, retailers, venues and service providers to secure the best in the sport while establishing and expanding access, a dynamic that was evident at the recent Stephen Proctor Golf Industry Lunch at The Vula.

“For the past two weeks, we have been treated to exciting, story-filled Olympic golf, with many of the best players in the world competing for an Olympic medal that means so much to them.”

For more information or to purchase the full Q2 report, email [email protected].