The quality of England’s golf courses has been recognised by overseas golfers from across the European continent, following a study on behalf of Golf Tourism England (GTE).
The survey conducted by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. highlighted the international perceptions of England as a golf tourism destination (Sunningdale club house pictured above).
THE OPEN VENUE: Royal Birkdale, which lies at the heart of one of the
country’s finest links regions. Photo: Prrformance54.com
Closely following The 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, which lies at the heart of one of the country’s finest links regions, these findings emphasise a growing status for England with European golfers.
Andrew Cooke, CEO Golf Tourism England, explained:
“The quality and breadth of courses England has to offer is second to none. We are truly spoilt for choice and golfers from around the globe are inspired to play here.”
Overseas golfers from key markets
The survey of golfers from Sweden, Germany and France demonstrated the reputation for quality golf courses England enjoys. Each of these nations has been identified by GTE as a key market from which to attract potential visitors.
Among Swedish golfers surveyed, 83% indicated they would rate England as a ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ golf holiday destination due to the quality of its golf courses alone. England was also ranked first among Swedish golfers when asked which country in the UK & Ireland they would be interested in taking a holiday to in the next three years, with 81% indicating they would be either ‘Interested’ or ‘Very Interested’.
CLASSIC LINKS: Royal St Georges 6th hole, a par 3. Photo: Prrformance54.com
Moreover, German golfers identified England as possessing the ‘Best Courses’ in the UK and Ireland, with almost two thirds (59%) rating the country’s layouts as either ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’. In addition, 69% of German golfers associated England with ‘Good Golf Courses’ while the majority of those surveyed (59%) agreed that the volume of ‘Good courses close together’ would be the main factor in any decision to choose England as a golfing destination.
French golfers offered similar responses in reaction to England’s golf course offering; 69% rated England as a ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ golf holiday destination in terms of the quality of its golf courses and more than half (52%) said ‘Good quality courses’ would be their main motivation for travelling to England.
In addition to this, the result also revealed that England’s historic image (Sweden 60%, Germany 44%, France 48%) and the challenging nature of its golf courses (Sweden 48%, Germany 67%, France 37%) resonate with overseas golfers, who strongly associated these descriptions with England.
