Golf Reservation Platform Company, Stop the Decline in Number of Visitors

5.7% Decrease in Golf Course Visitors Last Year
Jeju Down 15%, Jeonbuk Down 10%
XGolf Capital Region 1 Night 2 Days Package Hits Big

Golf reservation platform companies are seeking various solutions.

This is because the number of visitors to domestic golf courses has been continuously declining since COVID-19. According to the 2023 nationwide golf course usage data released by the Korea Golf Course Business Association (KGBA), the number of visitors last year was 47,722,660, a 5.7% decrease compared to 50,583,383 in 2022. By region, the declines were 15% in Jeju-do, 10% in Jeonbuk, 7.6% in Jeonnam, 6.5% in Gangwon, and 5.8% in Gyeongbuk. The farther from the metropolitan area, the greater the decrease in visitors. Even looking at the first quarter golf course usage data this year, the number of visitors nationwide decreased by 8% compared to the first quarter of last year.

Golf reservation platform companies are reducing customers' price burdens through membership benefits, discount programs, and reasonably priced lesson programs. XGOLF is a representative example. It is actively selling 1-night 2-day packages to customers in the metropolitan area. Despite the declining number of visitors, sales of the 1-night 2-day packages in the first quarter of this year increased by 125% compared to the previous year. This is a win-win model between golf courses and platforms.

Domestic companies have recognized golf as an important marketing tool that can be utilized in various ways. However, perceptions of golf have changed significantly recently. Due to the popularization of golf, the golf industry has also changed greatly to keep up with this trend. Some golfers are now questioning whether they should enjoy golf while enduring high costs and time burdens amid their busy daily lives.

As the range of leisure activities expands, golf’s popularity is considered to be not as strong as before. The interest of the MZ generation, which had increased significantly for a while, is rapidly fading. More attention is being drawn to sports like tennis, which have relatively lower cost and time burdens. As a result, golf courses are becoming increasingly dependent on reservation platforms. Additionally, they are promoting themselves through social networking services (SNS) and various promotions.

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