Will Canada Remain A Top Golfing Nation?

It’s time to get over this thing about Canada being one of the top golfing nations in the world per capita and start concerning ourselves with declining participation.

The current GNN Poll may not represent the entire opinion of the Canadian golf industry, but it does reflect the fact that many people at the ground level see a significant decline in participation, some saying it’s over 20 per cent since the end of 2007.

Even the ultra-positive economic impact study unveiled by the National Allied Golf Association (NAGA) earlier this year indicated that participation was down by as much as 10 per cent in 2008 and that was before the Canadian economy went into a tailspin.

So, how much has it gone down since the end of 2007? There are varying opinions in the GNN Poll, but 83 per cent of respondents believe participation has declined, with only 10 per cent believing it’s grown and seven per cent saying it’s remained the same.

Half of the respondents to the poll believe participation had shrunk between one and 10 per cent, with 30 per cent saying it’s somewhere between 10 and 20 per cent since ’07. Three per cent say it’s down by more than 20 per cent.

So, about one-third of respondents believe participation is down by more than 10 per cent, which is a pretty significant number and one we need to deal with if we plan to keep our bragging rights as one of the top golfing nations in the world.

Too often, the industry looks to national organizations such as the Royal Canadian Golf Association or National Golf Course Owners Association for leadership, but how much responsibility does each golf facility need to take in their individual markets?

Depending on location, the economy can be drastically different in areas thousands of miles apart, as can demographics, so it becomes critical to not only use what’s being given by the national associations, but to determine what’s needed in each individual market.

It might mean getting to know high school phys ed teachers and offering your course up for golf team practice or school championships when time allows in late afternoon after the bell rings. If schools don’t have a golf team, ever think of coaching one?

Work with local media such as community newspapers, not only through advertising, but editorial such as golf tips, etc. Be a part of local service organizations that may not only provide business through golf, but also your food and beverage offerings.

Ease up on the dress code a touch. The last thing a junior needs is to be admonished for an untucked shirt, which is the style these days, or wearing cargo shorts.

Those are just a couple of suggestions that you may or may not agree with, but the most important one is get to know your market, what makes it tick and how to get your message across.

It’s no secret that Canada is a very regionalized country and one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to dealing with what looks to be a serious decline in participation.

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