Golf Datatech: November 2020 Rounds Up 57%

Perhaps some of golf’s dismal TV ratings of late could be attributed to one simple factor: folks are still playing a lot of golf.

From Golf Datatech’s press release on their latest rounds report (viewable here) showing November up 57% and the year up 13% despite lockdowns and closures earlier in the year.

November’s rounds data indicated that only three states, Hawaii, Florida and New Mexico showed negative results for the month.  This is due to a season long decline in golfer travel to Hawaii, while Florida, especially southern Florida, was hit hard by rain caused by tropical storm Eta that hit in the early part of the month and caused flooding in some areas.  Additionally, New Mexico was under a statewide order to close non-essential businesses including golf courses November 16 – 30.

“Based on our analysis, since the start of the pandemic and related lockdowns, international and long-distance travel remains a challenge for many (but not all) resort facilities, particularly in markets like Hawaii where rounds are down over 35% YTD,” said Krzynowek. “Public facilities have been consistently packed with players post lockdowns, and private club membership has skyrocketed. In fact, public course rounds played are up nearly 12% year-to-date, while rounds at private courses are up nearly 19% year-to-date. We expect this trend to continue at least into the first half of 2021, as the pandemic keeps people confined to their local communities looking for socially distant activities that they can enjoy outdoors.”