THE DATA

Golf for All: Participation pathways

The PGA’s research explores how people in the UK and Republic of Ireland first experience the game and what brings them to it

How do people first experience golf?

Why do people start playing golf?

People are more likely to play off-course with their families and on-course with their friends

Who do people play golf with?

When do people like to play?

Definitions

Frequency

Regular golfers – those who play any golf (excl. adventure golf only) at least monthly

Occasional golfers - those who play any golf (excl. adventure golf only) at least every six months (not including regular golfers)

Infrequent golfers - those who play any golf (excl. adventure golf only) at least yearly (not including regular or occasional golfers)

Types of golfer

All of golf – those who have played any form of golf in the last year or have media interest including those who play adventure golf

Play any golf – those who have played any form of golf in the last year including those who play adventure golf

Play any golf excluding full/short course - those who hve played any form of golf in the last year including those who play adventure golf, excluding full/short course golfers

Full/short course golfers – those who play on a full/short course (9/18 holes) at least yearly

Adventure ONLY golfers – those who only play adventure golf at least once a year

Media interest only – those who only have a media interest and do not play

How far are people willing to travel to play golf?

What’s most appealing about playing on a course?

…and least appealing?

Having fun is the biggest single factor: Golf needs to be fun and sociable at the entry level to encourage players of all abilities

How do people choose where to play golf?

ABOUT THE PGA’S GOLF FOR ALL RESEARCH PROJECT – BY IPSOS

This research aims to provide an understanding across a broad audience of those with any level of interest in golf. The PGA commissioned Ipsos to conduct surveys, both offline and online, to understand the size of the golfing landscape within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

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