Research on demand and capacity for golf tourism

Visitors are a crucial source of revenue to golf clubs. As well as the green fee income, visitors tend to spend more than members on food & drink, and if the club has accommodation, the visitors may stay overnight. Visitor income allows for reinvestment in the club and helps to keep membership fees to a reasonable level.

Most clubs are keen to attract more visitors because they recognise the importance of the revenue they generate. This even includes in the summer, helped by longer days and therefore more tee times.

For most clubs, nearly all (typically over 95%) of their visitors come from the UK, primarily England. This is even true for some of the more prestigious clubs. The main season is April to October.

Tour operators are more likely to be used by larger groups and those travelling from further afield, especially from overseas. The closer and smaller the group, the more likely they are to book direct. Tour operators therefore play an important role for any club wishing to cast a wide net and attract large volumes of visitors.