Ask the Expert

How the Coronavirus Pandemic Played an Integral Part in Revitalising the Golf Industry

The coronavirus pandemic was undoubtedly one of the toughest times we have faced in recent years. Our National Health Service was stretched beyond its limits with a lack of resources and understaffing. There were unfortunately sad losses that affected everyone in some way.

Despite the countless negativity that the pandemic put on businesses, health services and people in general, there were industries that were shown a silver lining. The Golf industry is a great example of this, with what is now referred to as the ‘Covid Boom’. Golf Business produced an article in early August of this year stating that rounds of golf played have increased by 73% when compared to 2019. This demonstrates the huge growth in the popularity of the sport and provides an explanation as to why so many private Golf Clubs are now at full capacity with waiting lists in place. Some waiting lists are estimated at 3+ years!

Although Golf as a sport is in a prosperous position now, it wasn’t always plain sailing throughout the pandemic. Golf Clubs had to meet the same requirements as the rest of the hospitality industry when re-opening after lockdowns. The challenges faced meant that staff had to constantly adapt and overcome various hurdles to provide the same, excellent service to members and visitors.

The format in which Golf was played changed, there were restrictions on how many people played together, and it became ‘non-contact’. Here at Wyke Green we implemented handles on our flag sticks which allowed players to remove their ball from the hole using a putter. The number one priority was always safety. Now, as we look back with lockdowns and restrictions (hopefully) in the rear-view mirror, as an industry we have been very fortunate. The most important question now is regarding membership retention. How do golf clubs ensure they keep the new members that flooded in as a result of the ‘Covid boom’? The answer is simply to provide an excellent service both on and off the golf course. Listen and take onboard members opinions and views to ensure we are maximising both enjoyment and value for money. And finally, to properly integrate every new member into the club by introducing them to new playing partners or answering any questions they may have about their membership or our sport as a whole.

Wyke Green Golf Club

Here at Wyke Green, we do still have a limited number of Golf memberships available. Our traditional clubhouse offers the perfect environment for parties, work functions, networking events & plenty more. If you are interested in pursuing a Golf membership or hiring our venue, please contact us by calling 020 8560 8777 or email golf@wykegreengolfclub.co.uk