During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Golf Becomes a Major Trend in the US: "Allows Social Distancing"

Total Golf Rounds Played Increase by Over 13% Compared to 2019
Golf Equipment Sales Surge... Record High of $388.6 Million in July Last Year

On the 20th of last month, John Daly (left) is looking at the ball with his son Little John Daly (third from the left) after a tee shot in the final of the PNC Championship, a PGA Champions Tour event held in Orlando, Florida, USA.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Thanks to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the golf industry in the United States is experiencing a boom. This is because golf is a sport that can be enjoyed while maintaining 'social distancing,' leading to a surge in visitors to golf courses.

According to CNN on the 3rd (local time), while most sports activities in the U.S. are facing a downturn, golf is enjoying a boom. According to statistics from golf market research firm Golf Data Tech, the number of golf rounds nationwide in November last year increased by 57% compared to the same period the previous year. The total number of golf rounds from January to November last year also rose by more than 13% compared to 2019.

Considering that in April last year, due to lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., golf rounds dropped by as much as 42.2% compared to the same period the previous year, this represents a significant turnaround. As demand to enjoy leisure while maintaining social distancing increased, the number of rounds rose from May, leading to explosive popularity.

Sales related to golf equipment also surged. According to Golf Data Tech, the total sales of the golf equipment market in July last year reached $388.6 million (approximately 422.8 billion KRW), the highest since related statistics began being compiled in 1997.

Jeff Reinhart, President of Adidas Golf, said in an interview with the National Golf Foundation (NGF), "The golf equipment retail industry had a tough year, but demand jumped significantly in the online market," adding, "(Golf) definitely has the advantage of being a sport that can be safely enjoyed outdoors while maintaining social distancing."

Broadcast viewership ratings are also the highest in five years. According to ESPN, the average viewership for the first round of the 2020 PGA Championship broadcast was about 1.246 million, marking the highest TV ratings since 2015.

A Golf Data Tech official said, "Golf is gaining popularity because it allows for ideal social distancing," adding, "The number of beginners is increasing, existing players are enjoying it more, and those who had temporarily put down their golf clubs are returning, resulting in simultaneous increases in sales for golf courses and equipment vendors."

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