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RECREATION FEATURE

All photos show Blair Atholl Golf Course, supplied courtesy of Investec.

regional economies. From a local perspective, Golf RSA affiliated to Golf RSA, the recognised
An Economic Impact Study by the CEO Grant Hepburn was quoted by Daily national federation and governing body of
National Golf Foundation quantified golf’s Maverick as saying that golf contributes golf in South Africa.
economic impact in the US, showing that R49 billion, or roughly 4% of GDP to the Golf RSA looks after programs ranging
it contributed almost $102 billion to the South African economy and employs from governance and running tournaments
economy in 2022 and created over 1.65 about 40,000 people annually. Most of to transforming and growing the game
million jobs. The game also has a profound these economic benefits stem from the of golf nationwide, as well as ensuring a
secondary economic impact through travel, country’s prolific golf course network, talent pathway into the international and
ancillary purchases and investments in which comprises 420 courses, putting professional game. “After Covid brought the
housing and infrastructure on golf estates, South Africa among the top 20 countries industry together under one umbrella the
which raises the estimated value to over with the most golf courses in the world. sector has thrived, and the game is stronger
$226 billion. The members of these golf courses are than ever,” he adds.

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