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The ffgolf records a historic record in the number of its licensees

If the number of licensees does not say everything about the good economic health of the golf industry, it remains an excellent indicator of trends in the sector. And the trend is good.
The year is even historic for the French Golf Federation. 436 practitioners took out a license in 846. 2021% are members or subscribers and 61% independent golfers. The previous record dates back to 39. At the time, the ffgolf had 2012 licensees.

If the comparison with 2020, strongly marked by the restrictions linked to Covid-19, is flattering, the growth in one year of the number of licensees reaching 8,40%, it is the comparison with 2019 that especially marks the spirits, the ffgolf showing an increase of 4,32%.

The French take to golf

And this is not the only good news of the year from the Federation side. This positive dynamic is characterized by the massive influx of new golfers. For the year 2021 alone, the ffgolf welcomed 47 new licensees, of which 009% were women, while their share in the total number of licensees was 30%. This surge of new players has not been observed since the late 27s, a period when France created nearly 80 golf courses per year.

If the context of the Covid-19 has undeniably contributed to this craze for golf, an outdoor sport allowing the respect of physical distancing, it does not explain everything on its own. The recent studies carried out by the ffgolf making it possible to assess the motivations of the players and their expectations have made it possible to measure the good adequacy of the offer of practice available in our territory with the demand. An essential component to satisfy a new audience eager for nature and a friendly sporting experience. The organization of the Ryder Cup in 2018 at the Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines is also and undoubtedly producing its effects. The plan to build 100 small urban proximity courses alone made it possible to create 80 golfers in the space of 000 years and still plays a central role in welcoming new enthusiasts today. Communication efforts have also enabled golf to gain wide exposure in the media at a time when it has never responded to the aspirations of the French.

Finally, the clubs have shown resilience. Whether they are associative or commercial, supported by united representative bodies (Association of French Golf Directors, Group of French Golf Entrepreneurs, French Group of Associative Golfs, PGA France, Association of Golf Course Maintenance Personnel), they were able to overcome the difficulties of 2020 and carry out numerous initiatives to promote their offer and improve the customer experience.

This enthusiasm is also reflected in the figures collected from certain economic players in the sector. Golf Plus, a chain of specialized stores, which has nearly
30 in France, recorded a 35% increase in its beginner clientele in 2021 compared to 2020.

At the same time, Bluegreen, manager of 47 golf courses in our region, indicates that it has marketed an educational package lasting six months to one year to pass its Green Card Pass to more than 6 people.

And the old golfers are coming back

It is also a very strong marker for the year 2021. The ffgolf has recorded a very significant return from players. Exactly 44 took over a license this year, which represents an increase of 400% compared to players resuming activity in 48.

A return which, added to the arrival of new practitioners, has led to an increase in the number of visitors to our golf courses. Bluegreen reports for its part an increase of 33% compared to 2019 and 42% compared to 2020. For structures which had not escaped administrative closures in 2020 and lost on average 20% of turnover. business in total including 11% on pure golf activities (subscriptions, green fees, practice, rental ...), this attendance gives you a smile.

Activity on the rise in all sectors with some disparities

It also and above all allows us to reconnect with growth. According to the Groupement des Entrepreneurs de Golf Français, golf activity is up sharply compared to 2020, but above all up 4% on average compared to 2019. A figure that hides some disparities. Golf courses which are heavily dependent on international tourism remain very penalized compared to those which mainly welcome local customers.

The increase in demand also benefits other players in the sector, in particular equipment manufacturers. The supplier Ping recorded a 35% increase in its turnover in 2021 compared to 2020.

Keeping this good momentum going remains a challenge

If the good year for French golf is a real cause for hope for the coming years, all players remain cautious, aware of the challenges that await the entire industry. In addition to retaining new practitioners, efforts to recruit more and more young people must continue. The 4,22% increase in its workforce under the age of 19 compared to 2019 (they are now 43) confirms the potential of golf to attract a new generation of players.

A new generation that will have to be welcomed on courses that will imperatively have initiated and succeeded in their ecological transition, one of the three pillars of federal policy alongside high-level sport and development. The practice of golf in the next few years is quite simply at stake. The challenge is immense. The golf industry has the advantage of not having waited to get involved. Under the impetus of ffgolf, she has been very active in this field for almost 20 years and is a pioneer in the world of sport.

To know more : https://www.ffgolf.org/