Page 13 - GBC Winter 2020 ENG

Canadian economy and within the communities where we live, work and play.”
2013 was also when golf in Canada began to gradually rebound from the lengthy hit it took following the recession, which had been a notoriously slow recovery period. Although GDP captures much more than just golf course operations, many golf courses and suppliers were able to make modest gains over the following several years, which does appear to align with the overall GDP growth in this Study.
GOLFER SPENDING SPREE
Of particular interest, GDP includes golfer spending. In 2019, some of the key findings were $5.0 billion spent on the core business of memberships and green fees; $2.73 billion on golf equipment and supplies; $1.31 billion on food and beverage; and $8.2 billion on golf- related travel. These are impressive figures and significant parts of the growth narrative.
For the record, the measure- ment of overnight golf travel was broadened for this Economic Impact Study to capture out-of- country spending as well, which is
not included in our Canadian GDP but does shine a light on Canadian golfers’ high propensity for golf trips and the value of golf to the tourism industry at large. It would also seem that our Canadian golf productstillhasconsiderableupside potential for inbound travel.
As you would expect due to population, total spending by Ontario golfers was the highest at $6.0 billion, followed by BC at $3.4 billion, Quebec at $2.9 billion and Alberta at $2.4 billion. However, the spend by golfers on a per capita basis shows that the Territories and Alberta golfers are the biggest spenders, followed closely by BC, then Ontario and Saskatchewan. Overall, Canadian golfers spent an average of $1,795 on golf.
Readers of the Study can also cross-reference these spending patterns with the presentation of number of golf courses in each province. Prince Edward Island, for example, has the most golf courses per capita, explained by the substantial tourism positioning of many of their properties. Looking beyond the tourism implications, Saskatchewan would be the most saturated golf course market.
THE DRIVER: GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS
Golf course operations are central to the overall economic impact of golf in Canada. The golf course is the hub of the wheel that most other golf sectors rely upon. Collectively, they generated $4.3 billion in total revenues and spent $3.8 billion on operating expenses.
These are impressive results for a relatively small country. Canada does boast the second most golf courses in the world, and some are pretty serious operations. A few of them top the $10 million mark in revenues. Some offer year-round golf in the BC lower mainland and on Vancouver Island. Canadians are also passionate about their favourite sport, demonstrated by us having the highest golf participation rate in the world. All of these factors contribute to the surprisingly high level of golf course operations.
Although the Study estimates a 5% decrease in total rounds played compared to 2013, yield management has improved the average rate per round and non- golf revenue streams have also grown. So, the economic impact hasn’t contracted with the modest decline in rounds played.
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