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RECREATION FEATURE

GOLF DRIVES

SOCIO-ECONOMIC

BENEFITS IN SA

South Africa’s golfing community and globally
acclaimed courses boost tourism, deliver meaningful
socio-economic benefits, and contribute R49 billion
to the economy - roughly 4% of GDP. The country’s

420 golf courses offer a picturesque backdrop to some
of the biggest tournaments on the DP World Tour,
attract tourists from around the world, and support a
thriving industry that makes a considerable economic

contribution to the country.

olf was spurred on by the pandemic 2012 to reach 66.6 million in 2021. In South
and an interesting shift in the Africa, Golf RSA witnessed an increase of 3%
Gdemographics of those playing the in the number of affiliated golfers and a 2%
sport. “Golf as an outdoor activity, where growth in the number of rounds registered
social distancing was inherent in the game, on the Handicap Network Africa system in
offered people some respite from this. With 2021.
so many people working from home, they
were able to play more often,” explains Golf’s changing demographics the number of juniors among registered
Sunshine Tour commissioner Thomas Abt. Gone are the days when golf was the golfers in 2022.
“Restrictions on travel also left people with preserve of older men. According to As the golfing picture changes, so too
more expendable income, which golfers the National Club Golfer magazine, does the contribution it makes to socio-
spent on new clubs, gear and more rounds six million people under the age of 34 economic growth.
of golf. This helped participation reach new possess a golf license worldwide. The
highs, which the industry has sustained female competition scene is also thriving, A powerful economic driver
beyond the pandemic,” he says. and golf is becoming more and more Golf’s impact extends beyond sport
According to data from the R&A and popular in this population segment. and entertainment, serving as a
Sports Marketing Surveys, the number These figures echo local trends, with powerful economic driver that creates
of active golfers globally surpassed the Golf RSA data showing a 7.2% increase in employment, stimulates spending and
previous high of 61.6 million recorded in female membership and an 8.8% rise in contributes meaningfully to national and

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14 Landscape SA • Issue 133 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za