In Quebec | Golf will still be popular in 2022

If there is one sector that has benefited from the pandemic over the past two years, it is the outdoor sports industry. Golf has boomed in the last 24 months, and the trend is not going down as the new season dawns.

Nicholas Richard
The Press

It would have been easy to believe that the golf industry was going to experience a trough, given a small return to reality and a growing offer of activities. However, the provincial and federal golf federations have no doubt that golfers will still be there in the coming weeks.

François Roy, Assistant General Manager at Golf Québec, and Patrick Rhéaume, Golf Canada Regional Director for Québec, are extremely optimistic and can’t wait for the snow to melt in order to launch the new season.

Golf is so healthy in Quebec that the main challenge for the clubs will once again be to get everyone to play. “It’s a great problem,” says Mr. Rhéaume.

According to data provided by Golf Québec, the number of rounds played in 2020 increased by 19%. Last season, the growth was 21%. “It’s enormous in two years,” explains Mr. Roy. Moreover, more than 1 million Quebecers played at least one round during the summer of 2021.

There are several reasons for him to make such optimistic projections. On the one hand, the enthusiasm for the return of golf is palpable, in his opinion. The enthusiasm is the same as in the last two springs. On the other hand, many people have equipped themselves to learn the sport, and “it’s not to stop a year or two later”. Then, Golf Quebec thinks that golfers will still stay a little more in Quebec during the summer, due to the pandemic and the rising cost of gas.

For the moment, everything is going well. However, according to Mr. Rhéaume, we will have to be careful for the coming seasons. “It will be interesting to see what happens with inflation and spending. The price of fertilizer has increased enormously, as has machinery and the price of gasoline. We may have to worry more about 2023 and 2024.” Never mind, the summer of 2022 should be exceptional.

Golf for all

Of course, all sports federations dream of seeing their athletes reach the highest peaks. Quebec golf is still looking for its first accredited player with full-time playing rights on the PGA Tour. On the side of the LPGA, several Quebecers have already broken through.

However, it is clear in the priorities of the two federations that it is necessary to ensure that golfers from all walks of life, young or old, men or women, beginners or experts, can find what they are looking for.

However, it is obvious that having a representative of Quebec on the best circuit in the world will facilitate the promotion of the sport. “It will make a difference and it will bring a wave of interest and curiosity about our sport. We need this, and it will help us. »

To attract even more people, we must bet on more than sport. “You have to give golfers an experience. […] The clubs are doing it better and better by offering a wide variety of services. It goes from the practice of sport to catering, events, activities, clinics and junior programs, “says Mr. Roy.

A fashionable sport

Many young people have taken up golf for two years. The sport has unparalleled popularity among young adults. It has even become fashionable. Many YouTube channels and Instagram and TikTok accounts focused around golf have gone viral.

The turn was made quietly, but it is today that golf is benefiting from it.

“We want to democratize golf among young people who still have a rigid and traditional perception of the sport. On the other hand, clothing has evolved, the attitude on the course and the atmosphere in the clubs have changed enormously in recent years,” argues Mr. Roy.

Mr. Rhéaume agrees and is delighted that the idea that golf is a sport “of the rich, not accessible and not fun quietly fades away.

“Private clubs have still kept a more traditional and conservative line of the game with a slightly stricter code, but for semi-private and public clubs, everyone has shown a lot more openness. We can see sweaters coming out of pants and a bit more diverse outfits. We even heard music in the buggies. Obviously, you have to remain respectful towards the clubs and the other players, but it gives everyone the chance to be able to find what they are looking for and to have fun. »

If the trend continues, the first rounds should take place by mid-April in the greater Montreal area, weather permitting. In other regions of Quebec, the amount of snow is still too great. Nevertheless, the clubs and managers of the province’s 300 pitches have been preparing since the end of last season and are eagerly awaiting to break other records.