Golf tourism is providing a welcome financial boost to clubs in the Highlands, with research by Golf Highland, a group representing more than 30 clubs across the region, revealing that visitor income over the past six years has increased from £5.8m to more than £9m. .
Although the well-known links courses attract the majority of foreign golfers, many visitors are tempted to broaden their horizons while staying in the area.
Golf Highland founding board member Willie MacKay, a retired PE teacher and former captain at Royal Dornoch, welcomed the role visitors play in securing the future of small community clubs.
“The crown jewels will always be the main players driving golf tourism in the Highlands,” he said. “In 2023, Royal Dornoch, Cabot Highland, Nairn and Brora accounted for 75% of revenue but the next nine clubs raised more than £1.2m from tourist green fees.
“The High9s group of clubs – nine-hole courses that have come together to create a unique golfing challenge – enjoyed a total green fee income of over £350,000.
“As well as providing an important source of income for Abernethy, Aigas, Bonar Bridge and Ardgay, Carrbridge, Durness, Gairloch, Isle of Skye, Portmahomack and Ullapool, the benefits will be huge in terms of travel costs, food. and residential areas in local communities.
“Throughout the Highlands we have been blessed with amazing courses and amazing places. clubs strengthen their relationships with local attractions such as distilleries and historic buildings.”
Golf Highland was established in 1999 with Neil Hampton, now general manager of Royal Dornoch and chairman of the Scottish Golf Development Group, in charge.
In 2016, Neil and Willie launched the Highland Golf Strategy, designed to encourage lesser-known clubs to return to the success of the world-renowned jewel in the region's crown. While the pandemic seriously jeopardized the strategy, the recovery has been positive.
“The latest statistics are very encouraging,” said Neil, who praised the new website for raising the profile of minority groups. Golf Highland is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership in golf tourism, with a nine-strong board and area coordinators representing various Highlands clubs.”
The first data on guest revenue was collected in 2018 and clubs big and small are enjoying a pandemic rise.
“Visitor numbers increased by 10% to almost 110,000 in the 12-month period,” he said. “Over the past six years the average increase for High9s clubs such as Abernethy, Aigas, Bonar, Skye, Portmahomack and Durness is 30%.
“Last year, Carrbridge and Portmahomack reported a 20% increase in tourist revenue. Major clubs such as Brora, Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Golspie, The Kings, Nairn, Reay and Royal Dornoch reported increases of more than 40%.
“Clubs are seeing the fruits of their labour, attending Golf Highland's promotional workshops – broadcast live from clubs such as Fort William and Wick – and benefiting from expert advice on developing their websites to attract visiting golfers.”
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