Golf play to the fore after lockdown eased
South Ayrshire Council has seen a massive increase in golf participation across their courses since the game was allowed to restart on May 29.
Golf South Ayrshire has just carried out an exercise to review the number of golfers using our courses.
And the statistics, when set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, are mind blowing!
There has been a rise of 43% in registered users, compared to the 2019/ 20 season.
This has resulted in a staggering 90,000 member rounds, an increase of 23,000 on last year.
Despite the removal of reserved times for visitors, there has also been an increase of nearly 9,500 non- member rounds compared to the same period last year.
A spokesperson for Golf South Ayrshire said: “This is great news for Golf South Ayrshire, and reflects the increasing popularity of the game post lockdown.
“We continue to balance this increase in demand, with measures to protect players and staff from COVID- 19.
“We increased intervals between tee times, and four people from four households can now play together, as long as they observe physical distancing. We also introduced an updated online booking system, alongside phone bookings to help reduce physical contact and improve course usage.”
Councillor Siobhian Brown, the council’s economy and culture spokesperson, said: “The number of people playing golf on our courses is fantastic.
“Golf is one of the few sports where players can remain physically distanced, and it’s a great way to maintain physical activity. We would like to thank all of our members for their patience in the face of increasing demand.
“We realise that a small number may not be able to get their preferred tee times at the moment, so we are continuing to review and manage availability.
“The team at Golf South Ayrshire has done an amazing job to make sure that everyone is kept safe, and that golfers can continue to do what they love.
“Golf has always been an important part of the local economy, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring South Ayrshire is an even better place to live.
“I’m sure we can continue to grow the game in years to come.”
Golf has always been an important part of the local economy. I’m sure we can continue to grow the game