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Gone are the days when perfectly maintained greens were the main draw for golf trips. A new breed of golfers is coming into the picture: Those who prefer the rugged charm of windswept dunes instead of pristine greens. Golfers who are eco-conscious, budget-sensitive and those who want to mix other activities like visiting the beach, exploring the local scenery and enjoying the nightlife with their 18-hole match. Here is an overview of the latest trends of golfers when choosing their next golfing destination.
Understanding the shift in preference
Many modern golfers plan trips beyond the golf course because they want to make the most of their extra time. A 2020 Journal of Tourism study revealed that around 67 percent of golfers prioritize the golf course itself, while 25 percent focus their choice on geographical location. The remaining 8 percent focus on lodging, amenities and local destinations.
The quality and design of a golf course are now deal-breakers. If a course isn’t engaging to players, they might not get the most visits this year alone. Golfers want to experience a variety of playing experiences, not just a straight-up golf course. Also, the layout’s difficulty level is a factor when choosing, as golfers tend to be more competitive today.
Geographically, the United States remains the top travel choice for golfers. However, 11 percent of golfers venture abroad, mainly in Southeast Asia. Availability of amenities is also a necessary factor in modern golfer’s travel choices. The growing trend nowadays is to choose a golf course with complete amenities like practice and clubhouse facilities, as well as areas for relaxation.
The rise of eco-conscious golfers
As environmental concerns grow, more golfers are actively choosing courses that show a commitment to sustainability. That means there’s a rising incentive to adopt water-saving practices, use organic treatments and publicize conservation efforts. The added bonus? These changes not only attract eco-conscious travelers but may also reduce long-term maintenance costs. Many modern-day golfers want to enjoy their love of the sport without harming the planet.
Budget-sensitive, value-focused golfers
While golf is often seen as a sport for the wealthy, many budget-conscious golfers want high-quality experiences for affordable prices. These individuals want to get the best they can from the resources available. Many golfers choose off-peak travel, golf courses with great value, and stay-and-play packages. Despite the U.S. being a top choice for golf travel, out-of-the-country destinations include Vietnam and Ireland, to name a few.
Demand for multi-experience trips
Nowadays, many want to spend most of their vacation time doing everything they want. That’s why many golfers would choose courses that provide diverse activities. Some would choose a course like Big Sky, Montana, where you can golf and hike. Coastal golf courses are also a lovely destination for the modern golfer. Another example of a course with diverse activities is Angel Park Golf in Las Vegas, which combines the sport with the city’s nightlife.
The future of golf travel
Golf courses must adapt to the growing trend in travel choices by offering more than well-maintained greens. The future of golf travel belongs to versatile golf courses that aren’t afraid to expand their amenities. The golf travel industry must blend the sport with diverse leisure options, making things affordable and sustainable. The golf industry can reel in the new generations of golfers by embracing these latest trends. The future of golf is a sport that blends the game with adventure and fun for everyone.
Sean Petersen is the founder of Golf Trip Junkie and helps golfers build custom trips to top destinations. As an avid golfer, Sean combines industry expertise with his passion to create unforgettable golfing getaways for players and enthusiasts. Through his work, Sean gathers direct insight from both golfers and golf course operators, offering a unique perspective on how travel trends impact the golf industry.
