In his Chairman's Report, David Wells referred to a recent report on golf participation published by Sports Marketing Surveys, that estimates there are just over four million golfers in Great Britain - or eight per cent of the adult population. Wells compared this to the participation rate of 12.5% in the United States, "underlining that there is still enormous potential for the game to grow". Matching the US figure would mean finding another two million golfers in GB, and kitting them out would provide some major opportunities. It is therefore good to see that the Golf Foundation is making strides in grass roots development (see Chipping In).
Also with a view to unearthing new business, Wells stated that the BGIA has published a report on the European Golf Apparel & Footwear markets, in three comprehensive volumes. You can read more about this report in our News section, where SGB Golf is embarking on a series of exclusive country summaries, and for companies looking to position themselves ahead of the growth of golf in developing European markets, this report is packed with insightful research and information.
The underlining message from the BGIA, backed up by reliable data, is one of optimism; that there is potential to be fulfilled, abroad and even in the ‘mature' golf market in the UK. It is a good point, well made by the BGIA. The association is serving its membership well.
Robin Barwick, Editor
