Golf booming in the south

By Nevillie Idour

The surge in popularity of golf in this covid-19 era caught many people by surprise.

But in reality it should not be so, as golf is the perfect sport given it’s environment and relative safety.

The situation in the southern regions is a reflection of the overall national state of the game. Golf memberships have risen dramatically from around 105,000 a year ago to in excess of 115,000.

These are unprecedented numbers for decades. So it is vital that the gains be built on with ongoing programmes to attract all age groups and, especially, women.

Otago Golf Club director Shelley Duncan has been a leader in taking advantage of Golf New Zealand’s she loves golf programme. With the emphasis on enjoyment with some friendly competition, it has attracted a huge response to the club's summer Tuesday evening sessions.

“We have had over 60 along, sometimes 80, having plenty of fun then socialising in the clubhouse afterwards,” Duncan said.

She said these programmes are working much better than previously where the emphasis was more on individual driving range tuition.

“Now it is leading to new memberships and enjoyable social times. It is appealing to women under 35 years old looking for another sport and also older ones looking at golf as a recreation for retirement.”

Duncan also confirms the health of the club with membership numbers up 100 in 12 months and finances the best in 15 years. Tee times are scarce if players do not book ahead.

St Clair Golf Club also runs similar women’s programmes and it also reports large increases in membership which now number over 700. The club is also in good shape financially and have many improvement plans in the pipeline.

Club professional Patrick Moore said: “We have had 80 new members since the end of the lockdown and are struggling to fit in lessons and keep up with repairs.”

The Alexandra Golf Club has also increased membership during lockdown and again since, along with a surge in visitor numbers. During the summer months, Alexandra would be up 100 percent, with lots of players from the North Island and neighbouring regions visiting.

One the busier clubs in New Zealand, Wanaka is also experiencing a significant visitor influx. Club professional Alan Rose said the worries caused by coronavirus had been well and truly alleviated.

On the other hand Jack’s Point has suffered as Australians made up 70 percent of it's market. It has always been dependent on the overseas market so hopefully with the Australian bubble now available things will improve.

Millbrook and The Hills are both very busy with members and visitors enjoying the outstanding facilities and pristine environments.

These are undoubtedly exciting times for golf in New Zealand so it is encumbent on all administrators and clubs to present a welcoming, inclusive picture to all people who want to dip their toes into the wonderful world of golf.