Could COVID be the driving factor behind the new found popularity of golf?
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Whether or not it's directly related to COVID, Gloucester Country Club has seen a decent increase in players during the past few months.
In a report published by Golf Australia in September titled 2020 Australian Golf Competition Rounds Trend and The Impact of COVID-19, it's indicated that in country Australia there has been more than a 20 per cent uptake in golf participation since the easing of restrictions after the first wave. Although club captain, Roy Crichton can't say for sure Gloucester's boom it's linked to COVID, he's definitely noticed the lift.
"There has been a surge of playing members. Other clubs are seeing the same thing, so I suppose it could be related to COVID," Roy said. "There has been a 35 per cent increase in ladies, mens and veterans golf, possibly even more."
Pre-COVID Gloucester Golf Club averaged 22 players. Currently the numbers are sitting closer to 40 players, pretty consistently.
It's a far cry from where the club sat this time last year. According to Roy, who is responsible for all golf played on the course, "things weren't so flash 12 months ago". But since the restrictions were lifted in early May, the golf course has been the place to be. Other sports have been impacted and continue to be impacted by some of the restrictions, but golf has remained open. Except for a couple of days when the State Government tightened the rules at the end of March. It was less than 48 hours after the call was made, that the rules were altered allowing for golf to proceed.
"For every one person who plays, there is an increase in club revenue," Roy said.
This revenue goes toward general maintenance costs and improvements, but mostly into keeping the course looking as impressive as it does.
"If COVID had shut us down for nine months, I'm not sure we would have survived," Roy admitted.
Being a member for the past 40 years, Roy has seen his share of ups and downs for the club.
"It will always be a struggle," he said.
But at the end of the day, he just loves being a part of the club and he's happy about the increase in playing members.
"I love the place. I love the people," Roy smiled.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
