US Golf Population "Increasing More During the COVID-19 Pandemic?"

Resumption of Junior Golf Events, 50 States Reopened, Steady Influx of Beginner Golfers Indicate 'Boom Signs'

The number of golf players in the United States has surprisingly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Golf.com

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the era of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

It is interesting that the number of golf players is gradually increasing amid the worldwide spread of 'COVID-19.' Since it is an outdoor sport, the risk of 'COVID-19' infection is lower, and there are no clear alternative sports besides golf. Golf is attractive in terms of exercise, interaction, and recreation. Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown, Massachusetts, recently saw a sudden increase of 30 members. Golf.com in the U.S. examined signs of the growing golf population.

First, junior golf events are resuming. Team sports, school activities, and summer camps were canceled due to 'COVID-19' but are now restarting. US Kids Golf plans to hold the World Championship at Pinehurst at the end of July. The event has already been approved by the state government. Brian Bigford, representative of the Maine State Golf Association, said, "Parents prioritize their children's safety," adding, "In Maine, junior and family memberships have increased by 30-50%."

Golf courses that had suspended operations have also completed reopening. This applies to all courses in the 50 U.S. states. Only 49% were open in mid-April, but by the 10th of last month, it surged to 91%. A representative of the Glenco Golf Course in California said, "There are no tee times," expressing joyful surprise, "It suddenly became Pebble Beach." The number of rounds played has also increased. A golf course in Houston recorded 3,196 rounds in May last year and 4,360 rounds this year. Naturally, sales have soared.

Changes in Google, the world's largest internet search service, show that interest in golf is steadily increasing. Looking at trends over the past five years, this year has seen the highest number of searches for golf. The increase in places where rounds can be played is particularly impressive. As beginner golfers steadily join, there is a large potential demand for golf. Joseph Vyditz, chairman of the National Golf Foundation (NGF), explained, "Many new faces are appearing on the field."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.