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Tag: industry insider

Are Flexible Memberships The Future For Golf Clubs

The traditional model of golf club membership has retained its place at the heart of the game, but there is a nagging question about whether it's the most suitable way to conduct business as we look towards the latter half of the third decade in the 21st century. read more ...


The Biggest Issues That You Want Golf Clubs to Address

Whether you are currently a member or have been in the past, there is no question that golf clubs remain at the heart of the sport, serving as the bedrock that supports the recreational game. However, there are clearly some issues that clubs need to address. And here are the specific areas that you most wanted to see golf clubs tackle in 2024. read more ...


Golfers Describe Concern at Rising Cost of Club Memberships

Perhaps more than anything, the overriding concern among golf club members this year is cost and the general unease around the rising expense that many are facing to maintain their current subscription at a club in addition to the lofty barriers that may prevent newer players from joining in the first place. read more ...


Survey Finds Significant Cost Increases For Golfers In 2023

Our most recent survey focused on the consumer spending habits of over 1,600 avid golfers, comparing data from the 2023 survey with data previously captured 5 years ago in the 2018 annual Golfshake survey.   read more ...


Survey Reveals 2023 Golf Club Membership Trends and What To Expect in 2024

Golfshake conducted a survey on golf club membership, gathering data and insights from 4,000 regular golfers over a ten-day period in 2023. Following the publication of eight articles we have now compiled a comprehensive overview of the data, analysis, and feedback. These include insights on the resurgence of waiting lists and joining fees at golf clubs, the value for money of golf club memberships, and the likelihood of renewing memberships in 2024.\ read more ...


How Waiting Lists And Joining Fees Made a Comeback at Golf Clubs

Your response to our recent membership survey reveals that the landscape has changed in recent years. The boom that followed the COVID lockdown has seen both waiting lists and joining fees making a gradual comeback across the game. read more ...


What Golf Clubs Can Do To Attract More Visitors

Visitors are the lifeblood of many golf clubs around the UK. In our recent membership survey we asked what clubs could do to attract new visitors. You have plenty of views on this subject and they break down into a number of categories.
read more ...


Will You Be Renewing Your Golf Club Membership in 2024

It's that time of year when subscription renewals and reminders will be arriving. We asked thousands of club members if they were planning to renew their memberships in 2024 and the results were fascinating, including a significant number of golfers who remained undecided about their plans. And they told us why. read more ...


One Third of Golf Clubs Must Improve Their Communication Skills

In this digital age where effective communication is essential for all businesses, many golf clubs have improved massively in recent years, but our latest survey has also shown areas that require improvement to benefit both members and visitors. read more ...


Golf Equipment Survey 2023

We would love your feedback in our latest survey focused on golf equipment in 2023 and the golf gear that you use. read more ...


Do Golf Club Memberships Offer Value For Money

Do golf club memberships represent value for money? Our latest survey revealed that one of the biggest concerns you have is the cost of playing the game. We take a closer look at how valuable becoming a member can be and just what it means to the clubs themselves. read more ...


The Issues That Non-Members Want Golf Clubs to Address

We wanted to know what you think clubs need to do to attract more members and what you see as the problems facing clubs when it comes to recruitment. These comments were submitted by non-members as they described their suggestions regarding the issues that clubs need to address. read more ...


Survey Reveals Attitudes And Barriers to Joining a Golf Club

The wider golf landscape is finally beginning to settle back into something resembling normality following the impact of the pandemic, which ushered in a rapid and unexpected boom in participation but also membership numbers at clubs around the country. But now, with cost of living pressures remaining and the opportunities presented by lockdowns a thing of the past, the game has to assess how best it can both retain and recruit members. read more ...


Golf Club Membership Survey 2023/2024

We would love your feedback in our latest survey focused on your plans for golf club membership in 2023/2024 - will you be renewing, joining, leaving or simply just enjoy playing nomadic golf. read more ...


What Can Be Done To Actually Grow Golf

From our most recent annual survey it became abundantly clear that many of you believe that much work still needs to be done in order to successfully grow the game and attract more people to golf. Our sport talks a good game but does it deliver? read more ...


The World Handicap System Continues to Divide Golfers

The World Handicap System was introduced in Britain amid much fanfare more than two years ago. It was supposed to end the debate once and for all. But many of you still have serious issues with it. In our recent annual Golfshake Survey it once again turned out to be a thorny subject for you. read more ...


How Could The Cost of Living Crisis Impact Your Golf

There is much uncertainty surrounding the ongoing cost of living crisis, which has seen a dramatic rise in energy costs, food prices, and an increase in other expenses. Just how could this impact your golf? That was among the concerns that we saw raised by the many respondents to the recent Golfshake Survey, who have questions and worries regarding the state of their club membership and wider green fee costs. read more ...


What Do Golf Fans REALLY Think About LIV Golf

It's undoubtedly the topic that has overshadowed professional golf for the past year, it has driven bitter wedges between Ryder Cup icons and seen recent major champions tumble down the world rankings, but as it enters its crucial second season, what exactly do fans of the sport REALLY think about LIV Golf? read more ...


Where Do Golf Club Memberships Stand in 2023

What is the current state of golf club memberships ahead of the 2023 season? We all know that golf enjoyed a massive boom during the height of the pandemic, but does the picture remain quite so optimistic this year? Our latest survey has offered some fascinating insights. read more ...


The Secret to Lowering Your Golf Handicap This Year

One of the most encouraging findings from our 2022 Golfshake Survey shows that 48% of you saw your handicap fall last year. So, how did these golfers manage that? It seems pretty obvious to say but it appears that you get out of the game what you put into it. read more ...


What Makes Golfers Love a Golf Course

What draws golfers back to play a golf course and what makes those same golfers recommend that course to others? This is a topic that we have covered in the past on several occasions, but following the 2022 Golfshake Survey we wanted to take another look and highlight the most important factors. read more ...


Who Exactly is Watching LIV Golf

LIV Golf was a massive story last year and remains a talking point going into 2023. We wanted to find out more about how many golfers have watched those events and how the demographic of that audience compares to the overall picture of golf fans who view tournaments on TV and attend in person. read more ...


Are Golfers Playing Less Often Due to Rising Costs

Ahead of the 2023 golf season, what is the current state of the game? These have been strange times for golf, with the sport enjoying a well-documented boom during the pandemic. So how are things looking now? The results are in for the Golfshake Survey, with more than 3,500 of you responding to tell us about your lives on the golf course. read more ...


Golfers Officially LOVE to Play Challenging Courses

What makes a good golf course? What makes you want to return? What lives long in the mind and makes you want to tell everybody you know? It may surprise you to learn that, according to Golfshake subscribers, the thing we all want is a proper challenge. read more ...


What Stops Golfers Wanting to Play a Golf Course Again

We all know what makes a good golf course and a decent golf club. There are all sorts of reasons that we want to visit courses other than the ones of which we are members. Sadly, you tell us that there are still many courses and clubs that you visit once and decide never to return. read more ...


Golf Clubs Are Benefiting From Putting Their Members First

Golf has seen many positives from the boom in playing numbers that coincided with the global pandemic. And the good news is that UK golf clubs seem to have got their act together and put the needs and demands of their members first. read more ...


Golfers Are Playing More Than Ever Before - But How Do You Compare

As life has slowly got back to something like normality, Golfshake subscribers generally got out there and played more rounds of golf than they had previously. But how do you compare to the playing habits of both club members and nomadic golfers? read more ...


When Should Golf Green Fees Stop Rising

With the cost of living rising, so too are green fees. As they continue to rise, many Golfshake subscribers have told us that they feel like they are being taken advantage of by golf clubs and venues. But where does it end? read more ...


What Stops Many Golfers From Joining Golf Clubs

Despite the dramatic increase of members seen during the past two years, there are three main reasons why many golfers still decide not to join a golf club and, on the face of it they are pretty obvious, as discovered by the recent Golfshake Survey. read more ...


At Last - Positive Feedback About The World Handicap System

We can say, without fear of contradiction, that no subject within the game of golf has exercised the minds quite like the introduction of the World Handicap System. However, there is some encouraging feedback. There are growing signs that we are learning to live with the WHS, although the slope rating system continues to cause some confusion. read more ...


Who is The Face of Your Golf Club

When visiting golfers make their way to a new course for the first time, the welcome they receive can set the tone for the day ahead. A positive, friendly greeting can enhance the experience, whereas poor interactions can sully the memory of even the finest venues. But just who is the face of your golf club, the person charged with delivering that interaction? read more ...


Strong Websites Are Now Essential For Golf Clubs

It's a reality of the times, but successful digital marketing and communication is now essential for golf clubs to thrive and deliver an experience that benefits members and visitors alike. This is something that begins with a quality, informative and engaging website. read more ...


What Makes a Golf Course Memorable?

There are many contributing factors to determining the quality of a golf experience, but there are clear standouts in the minds of golfers when they assess the merits of a course they have just played. Looking to understand what makes a course memorable, we surveyed 950 keen golfers this winter, asking them to identify the best venue they had played this year. read more ...


Golf Popularity Booms With 5.5 million New Players

Research figures revealed by The R&A and Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS) confirms something we already all knew - golf is enjoying a huge increase in popularity.  With 5.5 million news players participating in the game over the past fives years. read more ...


Some Golf Clubs Act Like They Don't Need Visitors

One of the more surprising findings from our recent survey was that it has emerged that although golf clubs are open to visitors, a large number of non-members are actually finding it difficult to get a game, something that suggests encouragement for membership numbers, but a fact which could become an issue longer-term. read more ...


10 Things Golf Clubs Must Do in 2022

Golf continues to enjoy a boom and while huge progress has been made in many areas it is clear that much still needs to be done to ensure that golf clubs capitalise on the upsurge in interest. In our most recent survey, we asked golfers to tell us about the way their clubs communicate with them. We wanted to understand how clubs engage with golfers and what they need to do to improve the experience and attract more visitors. read more ...


The One Thing Golf Clubs Should Be Doing Right Now

This has been an extraordinary time for club golf, with most having seen an increase in membership, some having introduced waiting lists and a few bringing back joining fees. So with everything looking rosy in the garden, you would expect UK golf clubs to have stepped up to the plate when it comes to the way they treat and communicate with their members. But have they? read more ...


Why Do Golfers Stop Playing Golf

It is well enough documented that the past couple of years have witnessed an unprecedented number or people either returning to golf or taking it up for the first time.  So it seems like the perfect time to examine why some people walk away from the game. read more ...


Golf is Cheaper Than You Might Think

We have recently seen a lot of controversy regarding rising visitor green fees and also increased membership prices at clubs, but the game may still be cheaper than you think. We take a closer look at how golf compares to other leisure activities and assess the value that green fees and memberships offer. read more ...


World Handicap System Continues to Cause Confusion

Last year's introduction of the new World Handicap System was a significant moment for the game, a process that was engineered to make the sport fairer and more accessible. But now, essentially a full season into the new era, how successful has that been and has the everyday golfer embraced the WHS? read more ...


Tough Times For Nomadic Golfers But Should They Be Surprised

When golf resumed after lockdown, tee times were effectively like gold dust. The majority of clubs were only opening for members, meaning that the nomadic golfer was truly stuck in limbo. But as clubs prioritised their members, was it surprising that visitors were left out in the cold?  read more ...


How Golf Can Better Market Itself to New Players

Golf is always looking for ways to market itself towards new players, but what can be done to make the sport more attractive and welcoming to others? From the help of the Golfshake Community and the incredible responses from our recent survey, we look at some comments regarding how the game can further improve participation and secure its long-term future. read more ...


Is It Time For Golf Membership To Incorporate Several Courses

Satisfying demand from both members and visitors - while providing value - has been a challenge for golf clubs in recent times. In this changing world, could we see the idea of traditional memberships transform into something more radical and innovative? We look at the question of whether it's time for golf memberships to incorporate several courses. read more ...


How Long Will the Golf Boom Last?

Club golf has been patting itself on the back for the past 12 months as demand for membership has continued to soar. But is everything in the garden really as rosy as we would all like to think? We ran a survey in which we asked you for your feedback and found intriguing answers for the future. read more ...


Why Golfers Are Thrilled by The Return of Bunker Rakes

The bunker rake, how dearly you have been missed. The responses from our recent Golfshake Survey have indicated that the golf community is also thankful that rakes have returned, but there are questions about general maintenance that need addressed. read more ...


Are Increased Golf Membership Fees Justified

Through a recent survey conducted by Golfshake, many golfers have commented on a rise of membership costs during the past year, which hasn't always been invested by clubs. We look at their responses and analyse whether increased membership fees are justified. read more ...


Why Women Play Golf - Golfshake Survey Feedback

WE ALL know that, despite the boom the game is enjoying, club golf still faces many challenges, not the least of which is finding ways to make the game more attractive to girls and women.  In our Winter Survey we wanted to know what inspired female golfers to take up the sport, how they first played, and their thoughts on what's important for beginners. read more ...


There Is More To Golf Than Just Being A Golf Club Member

This past year has seen an extraordinary surge in demand for golf club memberships, leading to a considerable number of venues restoring waiting lists and entry fees. However, despite that, a significant proportion of golfers continue to remain unattached. And there is nothing wrong with that. It got us thinking about a key question; is golf as a whole overly focused on trying to create more club members? read more ...


Social Benefits of Golf Are Increasingly Attractive

The reasons why people first started playing golf have changed during the past decade, a comprehensive survey conducted by Golfshake has found, highlighting the attractive benefits of the sport in a modern age, with the social aspect of the game becoming a major factor. read more ...


The Need To Save Municipal Golf Courses And Importance Of Driving Ranges

The pathways into golf are certainly diverse, but this is a changing world, where less organised, shorter forms of the game are proving to be popular.. Affordability is key too, which is why our public venues remain so vitally important when supported correctly and with care. We have uncovered a fascinating pattern, highlighting that the venues where new players are first introduced to the game is potentially changing. read more ...


Have You Ever Taken A Break From Golf - Many Golfers Do

Golf is rightly considered to be the game for a lifetime, played by all generations, but it's clear that for many that relationship isn't a consistently unbroken one, as the latest Golfshake Survey has discovered that a significant number of golfers have taken an extended break from the sport for a variety of reasons. read more ...


How Golfers First Experience And Get Into Golf

Golfers have a meaningful relationship with the game, it's an essential part of their lives, and everyone has their own story about how they first became acquainted with it. Learning more about these personal tales, we discovered your earliest memories, how you first experienced the sport, and what (and perhaps who) drove you to participate in the first place. read more ...


Golf Can Expect Even Bigger Boom in 2021

Last year's unexpected golf boom saw a record surge in memberships, a stunning demand for tee times, and left us with a reported doubling of waiting lists at clubs. Now we have the confirmed return date for play in England, the key question is whether 2020's unprecedented enthusiasm can be replicated during the 2021 season. And early signs are that it may ultimately be surpassed. read more ...


What Does The Future Hold For Nomadic Golfers

What does the future hold for golfers who are not members of golf clubs? With courses still closed across most of the United Kingdom and the future looking pretty uncertain for us all, does the nomadic golfer still have a future, or will life become more difficult for them? It's certain to be a major issue in the game once play resumes. read more ...


What Is Happening With Your Golf Club Membership

It's that time of year when golfers renew their memberships, but with the pandemic continuing to complicate things, how is that going to work when most of us can't play? To understand more about the situation, we surveyed 600 avid golfers to discover their plans for the coming year, which made for fascinating reading. read more ...


Golfshake 2020 Highly Recommended Golf Courses

The Golfshake Highly Recommend listing data is now available for 2020 with over 300 golf clubs making the list based on the data submitted by average golfers during the year. read more ...


Golfers Reflect on 2020 and Get Set for 2021

In our most recent survey, completed in December 2020 by over 700 avid golfers, we asked golfers to reflect on their golf in 2020 and also what they were planning to do in 2021. read more ...


What Makes New Golfers Different

Golf enjoyed an unprecedented boom in 2020 in the most trying and difficult of circumstances. Countless people have returned to the game for the first time in years, while others took it up for the first time after weeks in lockdown. But how do these new golfers differ from traditional and long-standing club members? We identified several key themes. read more ...


Golfers Ready To Commit To Winter Season

Following this most unique of years and the remarkable summer golf boom, it will be fascinating to see whether that interest can be maintained throughout the winter months. Surveying 1,700 avid golfers, we discovered their plans for the winter season ahead. read more ...


Should Golf Courses Close Or Time To Keep Golf Open

Golfshake writer Derek Clements reacts to the latest announcement from the UK government and the forthcoming lockdown which will see golf courses close across England. With a growing campaign to #KeepGolfOpen an online petition has already surpassed 100,000 votes required for debate in parliament.  Should there be a U-turn to keep golf open? read more ...


Golfers Just Want a Handicap System That is Fair

The World Handicap System has generated much discussion on what it means for golfers going forward, but the vast majority of players simply want a process that is fair to everybody, reducing the number of trophy hunters and so-called bandits. Will the WHS deliver on that? That is something the governing bodies are determined to achieve. read more ...


Slow Play - How to Keep Things Moving on the Golf Course

Pace of play remains a hot topic in the minds of golfers, as underlined in a recent Golfshake Survey, which gathered views on the subject following the coronavirus lockdown, where measures initially led to quicker rounds, before a frustrating sense of normality began to hit. We analyse those opinions and what can be done to address the issue. read more ...


How to Get More Juniors Playing Golf

While golf remains highly popular and naturally appealing to older people, can the game do more to connect with the next generation? Clearly, a significant number of golfers feel that the sport must become more dynamic and engaging in the future. Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his thoughts on how that can happen. read more ...


Golfers Address Issues Facing the Game

While there has been cause for optimism in the game due to the enthusiasm of golfers in the midst of the pandemic, the deeper issues remain for many, factors that need addressing in the future for the sport to thrive in the post-COVID climate. We look at the key areas that continue to concern golfers. read more ...


Golfers Are Optimistic About Future of UK Golf Clubs

The year began with fears of mass golf course closures, but following this most unique of seasons, are golfers feeling optimistic about the future? Apparently so. When asked, 75% of golfers said they were. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks deeper into the comments and what can be learned from them. read more ...


Rounds of Golf Are Taking Less Time - And Golfers Are Loving It

Slow play has been a hot topic for years, but when the game resumed after lockdown, due to larger tee time intervals and an increase of two-balls, the Golfshake Survey has revealed that golfers have enjoyed quicker rounds, featuring less waiting time, something that many are hoping continues into the future. read more ...


What Made Golfers Play More This Summer

During lockdown most of us were going stir crazy and we missed playing golf. However, when the game returned, the sport boomed, thousands joined clubs and we played more than ever before. Looking at comments submitted by regular golfers, Derek Clements analyses the factors that drew us back to our courses. read more ...


The Reasons Golfers Joined Golf Clubs in Record Numbers

England Golf declared that over 20,000 new members have joined golf clubs this season, but that figure could be closer to 100,000. Ultimately, it's clear that the game has seen an unexpected level of growth, but the question for the industry to ponder is why did so many join golf clubs this year?  read more ...


How COVID Has Impacted Golf Spending Habits

The coronavirus pandemic is a major public health crisis, but also an economic one, significantly impacting every industry, including golf. Analysing the latest Golfshake Survey that was completed by over 2,500 keen golfers, we look into how COVID-19 has changed travel and spending habits in the game. read more ...


Golf Is More Than Just A Game - Why It Should Remain Open

For many golf is clearly more than just a game, it's an enriching activity, an integral part of daily life. Following the spring lockdown that was introduced throughout the UK, the importance of golf has became apparent during these challenging times, a spotlight was shone on the many benefits it can bring to the health and wellbeing of millions. read more ...


Why Tee Time Access is Golf's Biggest Challenge This Autumn

Golf has enjoyed a staggering boom during these extraordinary times, a dramatic turnaround that now presents another kind of challenge, namely how to address the impact of supply and demand with tee time availability. We look at why finding a way to keep everyone happy, delivering value for money, and ensuring opportunities to play in the face of narrowing hours of daylight, is the major test for the game this autumn. read more ...


Survey Reveals Unprecedented Summer Golf Boom

Following years of reported decline in membership and golfers lost to other activities, no one could have predicted the astonishing recovery golf was about to experience due to the global pandemic which has led to an unprecedented summer boom. Following widespread industry data underlining the incredible surge of interest in the game, we have surveyed the Golfshake Community to canvas their thought and opinions. read more ...


Golf is Booming - Let's Make Sure it Continues

The number of rounds played are up. Club memberships have increased. All the evidence suggests that club golf is booming in the UK, but can that be sustained into the future? Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at stories of courses that have transformed themselves, reflecting on the wider picture and this unique opportunity for the game. read more ...


English Golf Clubs Report Astonishing Surge in New Members

This has been a year that none of us will forget, but one positive sight has been the widespread image of busy courses throughout the summer, with golf clubs reporting a staggering rise in new memberships, presenting an encouraging opportunity for the industry to embrace. read more ...


Are You Ready For The World Handicap System

With golf now back, a big talking point among everyday golfers remains the World Handicap System (WHS), which is being rolled out across the world in 2020. Golfshake has surveyed 2,000 golfers to gather their thoughts on the new system, whether they understand it, what they hope it will achieve, and whether they think it's good for the game. read more ...


Where Senior Golfers Stand in the Game - What You Said

Golfshake writer and senior golfer Derek Clements reviews and breaks down the findings of a recent survey that focused on the attitudes of golfers, specifically with regards to senior golf, asking key questions about memberships, pace of play, and just how important this demograpgic is for clubs. read more ...


Non-Club Golfers React to Tee Time Availability & Green Fee Prices

Golf is now back across the UK, ushering in stories of unprecedented demand, packed courses, an influx of new members joining, and restrictions in light of safety measures. But how has it gone for non-club members? We surveyed nearly 1,000 of them, canvassing their views on the difficulties of securing tee times, whether green fees have been increased, and what they hope the future holds. read more ...


Is 54 Handicap A Step Too Far?

Golf handicaps divide opinions more than any other issue within the game of golf. Taking a look at our survey in Feb 2020, focused on handicaps, we we round up the data and your comments which make for interesting insights into what golfers think. read more ...


Unattached Golfers Express Willingness to Join Clubs

Golf clubs throughout England have experienced an unprecedented level of demand for tee times since venues reopened, but they have also seen a great interest in memberships, with reports across the country of increased applications hitting the desks of club managers since the game resumed, a trend supported by Golfshake Survey data. read more ...


Golfers Thoughts On Golf Being Back With Restrictions

Golf is back in England, but things aren't quite as we knew them, restrictions are in place, established potentially for months ahead, limiting tee times, enforcing social distancing, and shutting down clubhouse access. But what do the golfers themselves think about all this? Before play resumed, we asked them. read more ...


What Golfers Expect From Return of Golf

Before The R&A and England Golf announced that the game would resume this week, Golfshake surveyed 1,200 golfers on the potential return of the sport, specifically on what changes they expected to see implemented at courses.  read more ...


How The Coronavirus Pandemic Could Impact Golf Club Memberships

Golf continues to go through historically testing times, but looking at the wider impact on memberships for clubs, Golfshake has surveyed core golfers, highlighting their willingness to support venues, but also presenting opportunities that could emerge in the future once a sense of normality returns. read more ...


Are These the Issues Golf Clubs Still Need to Address

Golf clubs have made significant strides during the past decade to address concerns raised by the wider community of golfers, working hard to deliver a contemporary product that reflects the times, but continuing analysis of the 2019 Golfshake Survey, responded to by over 3,500, there are several key issues that need tackled in the future. read more ...


When is Golf Coming Back - Golfers Have Their Say

Rumour and speculation has intensified in recent days that golf could soon return in some manner in the UK, but providing a wide range of perspectives, Golfshake launched a survey to gather the views of golfers, on when they believe the game will resume, what form it will take, and what they hope will happen in the weeks and months ahead. read more ...


Importance Of Digital Technology For Golf Retail

This is a quickly evolving digital age, where online content dominates our lives, and golf has been significantly touched by that revolution, a fact underlined by insights gained from the 2019 Golfshake Survey, which has pointed a shift to the future, both for golfers and the wider industry. read more ...


What Golfers Think About Green Fee Pricing

We surveyed the Golfshake audience to get their views on green fee prices, the cost to be a visiting golfer and what they expect from the green fee that they pay.  Find out what they said in this article. read more ...


How to Turn Unattached Golfers Into Golf Club Members

Golf will likely experience major changes in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, but one of the most key areas for the game to address is transforming unattached golfers into golf club members. Looking at data in the 2019 Golfshake Survey, we have identified factors that could help to increase membership. read more ...


Main Reasons Why Golfers Join Golf Clubs

Golf club membership remains the lifeblood of the sport, drawing in commitment from players who support their courses and play regularly throughout the year. We wanted to know the main reasons why golfers remain dedicated with their subscription to one venue, asking them why a membership was important read more ...


What Golfers Really Think About the Rules of Golf

The rules of golf remain a contentious topic, despite the modernised changes introduced last year by the R&A and USGA. Studying data from the 2019 Golfshake Survey, we have sought the opinion of everyday golfers to discover whether they fully understand the alterations that were made, agree with them, and perhaps more crucially, ask whether further modernisations are required. read more ...


Is Shortening Golf the Way to Grow the Game?

Gathering the views of thousands of golfers in the 2019 Golfshake Survey, when asked if the game should be developing more 'starter' courses, 78% of people responded with a very positive yes, raising the idea of creating shorter or adapted layouts to encourage a pathway for beginners. read more ...


Why Do We Play Golf?

Why do you play golf? Can you identify the specific appeal, or is it a multitude of reasons that make the game such an enriching part of your life? Finding that answer may help to understand methods of expanding the reach of the sport in future. We asked thousands of golfers in the Golfshake Survey to discover what draws them to golf. read more ...


The Use of Digital Tech is Essential For Golf Clubs

Following the completion of the 2019 Golfshake Survey, we discovered how responses have changed over the last two years, reflecting the continuing shift towards golfers become more digital and tech savvy, raising the question of whether the game is ready to full embrace and take advantage of these opportunities. read more ...


Why is the 7 Iron Your Favourite Club?

What is your favourite club in the bag? Unless you are one of those golfers who goes through dozens of putters and new sets of irons each season, then you probably have one. We asked thousands of players in the 2019 Golfshake Survey to name theirs, and the result may come as a surprise. read more ...


Should You Take More Responsibility on the Golf Course?

When to comes to customer satisfaction, golfers rate the quality of greens and condition of the course as the two factors they most value, but a majority believe that some venues aren't good enough. But how much is that the responsibility of the club to deliver, and to what degree can we all do more to help? read more ...


Majority of Golfers Continue to Play Through Bad Weather

Winter golf can be a tough sell in the UK, something that has been especially true in February. However, when it comes to the resilience of golfers, we have found that a majority of both club and non-club members will continue to play even when the weather turns inclement. read more ...


The Most Important Golf Club In Your Bag

The great Ben Hogan said that the three most vital clubs were the driver, putter, and wedge, in that order. But what do everyday golfers think is the Most Important Club in the Bag? We asked them in the 2019 Golfshake Survey, and the results may come as something of a surprise. read more ...


Are Membership Costs Too High And Green Fees Too Low?

Studying the results of the 2019 Golfshake Survey, the subject of cost in the game has risen, specifically whether the price of green fees has devalued club memberships in the modern age. We take a closer look at the topic, how golf compares to other industries, and whether there is an argument to adjust the expense of the sport for golfers. read more ...


What Golfers Think of 54 Handicaps

Golfshake's Derek Clements recently wrote two feature articles on the World Handicap System and Senior Golfers, both of which raised points that divided opinion. Gathering the views of the Golfshake Community, Derek responds in this piece. read more ...


How Far Should You Hit Your Driver?

Tour players are hitting the ball further than before, but is that the same for the average golfer? It has been hot topic of discussion since the R&A published their Distance Insights Project Report, and we have studied data to see just how far everyday golfers are driving across a range of handicap categories. read more ...


Don't Expect Senior Golfers to Solve the Game's Problems

Golf clubs are searching for routes to increase revenue, but is there any weight to the idea of charging those who play the most, more for their memberships? Golfshake's Derek Clements rejects the thought of senior golfers paying more, describing the vital benefits they already bring to the game. read more ...


Golfshake 2019 Highly Recommended Golf Courses

As we start the new year and new decade, Golfshake once again compiles its list of golf courses achieving the 'Highly Recommended' status for 2019. The golf clubs achieving this continues to rise with over 500 now on the 2019 list. read more ...


6 Things Your Golf Club Must Do in 2020

We all want to see golf growing, but can your club achieve that objective? Despite reports that golf continues to see declines, we look at six things that golf clubs should be doing in 2020 to ensure they thrive and grow into the new decade. read more ...


How to Speed Up Your Rounds of Golf

The 2019 Golfshake Survey has found that the vast majority of golfers still believe that slow play is a major issue for the game. But what can be done about it, both on tour and at club level, and how could that help you to get round the course faster? We take a look a the key factors and initiatives to find an answer. read more ...


What Golf Needs to Change in the 2020s

Golf will survive, but how can it thrive in the new decade? Golfshake's Kieran Clark has identified things that he would like to see happen and change in the game that he believes will benefit the sport during the coming ten years. read more ...


Are You Hitting The Ball Further Than 5 Years Ago?

Distance is a persistently hot topic in the game, with greater numbers of tour players continuing to surpass 300 yards off the tee. But are regular, everyday golfers hitting the ball longer? We asked them in the 2019 Golfshake Survey, revealing that advancements in technology are being felt at club level. read more ...


Is Golf a Sport For Just 9 Months a Year?

In the face of short hours of daylight and often unpleasant weather conditions, the window for playing golf at this time of year becomes narrower, and often motivation to get out there is reduced. Responses to the Golfshake Survey have raised the idea of adopting a shorter, nine-month season. We explore the subject. read more ...


Has Club Golf Moved Forward During the Past Decade?

It has been quite a decade for club golf, a transitional period, much has changed as the game looks to adapt to the modern age. But how successful has that time been, and what more needs done? Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his perspective. read more ...


Are Fewer People Playing Golf in the UK?

It's a great time for British sport, but is that being reflected in the world of golf? Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the newly released Golf Participation Report by KPMG to see how the UK compares with the rest of Europe. read more ...


How to Save Your Golf Course This Winter

Your golf club needs your help this winter. Adam Matthews, the Course Manager at Moor Allerton in Yorkshire, has shared his thoughts on ten things that we can all do to protect our precious golf courses throughout the winter months. read more ...


Is Golf Doing Enough?

Knowing that something needs addressed and actually doing something about it are two different things. There has been much said and written about how we can grow the game, but despite those lengthy debates, is golf collectively doing enough? read more ...


The Importance of Online Golf Course Reviews

Online golf club and facility reviews are an established and important part of the golfing landscape. Will Trinkwon takes a closer look at their growing influence, how venues can take advantage, and the correct ways to deal with any negative responses. read more ...


Benefits of Golf for the Over 50s

One of the attractions of this wonderful game of ours is that you can carry on playing to a decent standard for as long as you still have breath in your body. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at just some of the benefits of playing golf for the over-50s. read more ...


Why it Might be Time to Stop Carrying Your Golf Bag

Surveying thousands of golfers, we found that only 15% don't own a trolley. Are you one of those players who insist on carrying your bag? Golfshake's Derek Clements, himself a reluctant convert to the trolley, has some words for you. read more ...


How to Save Money When Playing Golf

There is a perception that golf is an expensive sport, and there is no denying that it can be. But there are things you can do to enjoy the sport without spending a fortune. Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his money-saving tips. read more ...


How to Support Your Local Golf Club

It is a harsh fact of life that we are seeing golf clubs close down at an alarming rate as memberships tumble. But if you support your local golf club and encourage others to do the same there is a chance that it might just survive. Here, we have some ideas. read more ...


Why You Should Take up Golf Instead of Cycling

Cycling has become a hugely popular pastime in the United Kingdom, especially with older people, but we naturally believe that golf is a safer alternative. Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a look at some good (and somewhat tongue in cheek) reasons why. read more ...


Ladies Academy at Widnes Golf Club Proves Successful

Widnes Golf Club has launched its own ladies academy, introducing the game to new players, and outlining a desginated pathway into memberships to encourage integration, the social benefits,  and has proven to be a major hit. read more ...


Survey Analysis Captures Spending Habits of Golfers

Analysing the results of our 2018 Golf Survey, we have explored the spending habits of regular golfers and what they perceive to be value across the golf industry, capturing their views and relationship with the game. read more ...


What Stops Golfers Joining Clubs?

What stops regular nomadic golfers from joining clubs? Furthering on previous research, we delved into hundreds of comments submitted into our 2018 Survey to identify key areas that have dissauded these players from signing up to a membership. read more ...


The 20 Biggest Issues Facing Golf Clubs

We have analysed the considerable data and the hundreds of comments left by regular golfers in the 2018 Golfshake Survey to identify 20 key areas that the game needs to address if golf clubs are going to thrive into the future. read more ...


Is This How We Grow the Game of Golf?

Golf is looking for ways to adjust to the modern climate and ensure that clubs and have venues continue to draw new players and have a successful future. Looking at responses to our 2018 Golfshake Survey, we have picked out some possible suggestions that could make a positive difference for the game. read more ...


How Technology and Digital Platforms Can Benefit Golf

Everyone has a smartphone and these digital platforms are increasingly influential when it comes to how golfers consume and engage with the game. Adapting to this modern climate is a change for golf clubs and venues, but it has potential rewards. We delved into the 2018 Golfshake Survey to learn more about the role of technology in the lives of golfers. read more ...


What Stops Golfers Playing More?

From the 2018 Golfshake Survey, we wanted to understand the varying importance of key issues – including cost, slow play and dress codes – to identify what stops keen golfers from playing more often. read more ...


How to Increase Golf Club Memberships

The eternal question facing golf clubs is how they can attract new members. It’s a complicated subject, but perhaps the answer can be found in understanding what current members value most from their memberships, and what dissuades others from joining. We delved into responses to the 2018 Golfshake Survey to learn more. read more ...


Survey Highlights Opportunities for Golf Clubs to Increase Revenue

There is no question that it's a challenging environment for golf clubs to thrive, but where are the opportunities for venues to increase revenue? We delved into the 2018 Golfshake Survey to understand more about the habits and perceptions of golfers. read more ...


Golfshake Survey Reveals Dedication of Golfers to Game Improvement

In the latest instalment of our analysis from the 2018 Golfshake survey, canvassing the views of an almost 50/50 split between club members and non-club golfers, to learn more about their habits and approach when it comes to tuition and game improvement. read more ...


How Do Club and Non-Club Golfers Differ?

For the past five years on Golfshake, we have conducted an annual survey to gain an insight behind the evolving habits of regular golfers, split between golf club members and non-club members. We take a closer look at how these two groups differ. read more ...


Golfshake Set for Continued Growth & More Golf in 2019

The 2019 golf season is fast approaching, and there has never been a better time for golfers to engage with the Golfshake Community through the use of the Golfshake website, Score Tracking services and Golfshake apps. read more ...


Golfshake Golf Course Awards 2018

The Golfshake Course Section includes over 235,000 independent reviews submitted by regular golfers. We have delved into those submitted during the past 15 months to identify the most popular and top rated courses, showcasing those venues in the Golfshake Golf Course Awards for 2018. read more ...


Golfshake 2018 Highly Recommended Golf Courses

Golfers continue to use online reviews as an important part of their research and booking process when researching new golf courses to play and and planning golf trips.  In 2018 over 16,000 new golf course reviews were added to the Golfshake system for over 3,000 golf courses and below we take a look at those courses who continue to excel in terms of golfer expectations.rn read more ...


Top Reviewed Golf Courses of 2018

We have been highlighting popular venues (with at least ten ratings) that reviewed highly on Golfshake during the past 18 months across the regions. Now, to close out the year, we have brought them together into one place for you, celebrating those venues, which could be an informative guide for you to identify places to visit in 2019.  read more ...


Golfshake 2017 Highly Recommended Golf Courses

With over 220,000 independent golf course reviews for courses all around the world from regular golfers the Golfshake system is the #1 resource when researching where to play golf.  The recommendation updates were added to system 18 months ago allowing golfers to highlight whether they would play again or recommend when they left a review. Find out which golf clubs achieved highly recommended status during 2017. read more ...


The importance of digital tech and social media for golf

Digital platforms are becoming increasingly important for golf businesses and golf clubs with 90% of golfers surveyed in the 2017 Golfshake survey stating that they have a smartphone device.  Digital services and apps are now a great way for golf businesses to connect and engage online. Find out more for the 2017 Golfshake survey. read more ...


Insights and analysis of golf course reviews

2017 saw another milestone on the Golfshake golf course review system with the first club passing 1,000 independent reviews as well as launching new and improved review categories. This article looks inside the data. read more ...


What can golf clubs do to present and promote themselves better?

In part four of Josh Carr's examination of the 2016/16 Golfshake survey, he looks at what golf clubs can do to present and promote themselves better. read more ...


How to innovate golf club membership in 2018

Golf Writer Josh Carr explores ways golf clubs can innovate their membership in 2018, with ideas such as family membership and twilight golf, to get more people playing golf in the new year. read more ...


What is stopping people playing more golf?

In part two of Josh Carr’s series on golf club memberships, he looks at what is stopping golfers playing more golf. read more ...


Why are golfers deciding to be non-club members?

In part one of Josh Carr’s series on golf club memberships, he looks at why golfers are choosing to be casual golfers over members, and what factors are stopping these golfers from joining on a permanent basis. read more ...


Golfshake Stats Reveal Odds of Making Hole in One

You have probably seen the hilarious video from the European Tour that challenged Edoardo Molinari to make a hole-in-one with 500 golf balls. It got us thinking about the averages and odds of making a hole-in-one and how they relate to regular golfers. Delving into the Golfshake Score Tracker stats from this summer - in which tens of thousands regularly record their rounds - we have drawn up statistical conclusions as to how likely you are of achieving that most magical of shots read more ...


Why Aren’t More British Women Playing Golf?

Just 14% of golfers in the UK are women, which is way behind other European nations. What are the causes for low female participation, and what can be done about it? Golf Support takes a closer look in this Guest Post. read more ...


FORE Business - Growing the game Growing your business

Business is all about networking and nowadays many businesses choose to do their networking on the golf course. When the founders of “FORE” Business, Sean Fergusson and Arron Busst, met at a local networking event they got round to talking about the business success they have had on the golf course and realised that golf and business have always unofficially gone hand in hand. read more ...


Golfers fully embrace the digital revolution

A recent survey completed by Golfshake members has indicated that golfers have now fully embraced the digital revolution and are now using multiple to channels to consume golf content as well as a way to find their next game and improve.  read more ...


Taking positives from online reviews - Customer Service 101

In a recent blog post by online retailer Golfsupport it highlighted the importance of customer service in the digital era.  In our own analysis we have taken 2,000 recent reviews on Golfshake and analysed golfers feedback specifically focused on the golf course and customer expectations. read more ...


Slow play – What challenges do golfers and golf clubs face?

Slow play is a problem at almost every golf club in the UK and worldwide. In recent years it seems the time it takes to complete 18 holes has increased in both social and competitive golf.  What are the issues that golfers and clubs face and what can be done? read more ...


Golfshake Survey Highlights Importance of Reviews Online

In a recent survey conducted by members and visitors to the Golfshake website, of over 4,000 core golfers, it highlighted the importance of golf course reviews online to both golfers and golf clubs. read more ...


Campaign launched in Nottinghamshire to inspire girls to play golf

Girls Golf Rocks is a new campaign that has been launched in Nottinghamshire to attract young female beginners to have fun, learn a new sport, get active and to play alongside their friends with no pressure. read more ...


Lichfield Golf Club and Country Club Tackles Slow Play With Ready Golf Initiative

Lichfield Golf and Country Club in Staffordshire has launched a campaign to combat one of the most significant issues facing golf - slow play - by introducing a new scheme that is intended to help golfers get around the course in less time. read more ...


Is Gender Free Golf the Way Forward?

A growing number of clubs have scrapped ladies and men’s tees in order to push forward the prospect of gender-free golf in England.  These tees are being replaced by ones where any golfer can play from. read more ...


Golfshake Refresh - Going Responsive, Continued Improvements

You may have noticed a few changes on Golfshake over the last few months and to coincide with the refreshed design, layout and branding we've also updated our moto to - Play More, Play Better. read more ...


Golfshake Survey Analysis - Golf Can Grow

The 2014 end of year survey carried out by Golfshake identifies three areas of opportunity that could drive growth in 2015 and highlights that there is desire to play despite golf going through a tough few years.  The survey data identified that demand for golf is still high but the game needs to tackle its biggest issue – time pressures of the modern world. read more ...


Report: Golf worth £3.4 Billion to English economy

A recent report has suggested that Golf is worth a massive 3.4 Billion to the economy of England. read more ...


Golf: It's current state - A professional opinion

Following on a from a recent article we wrote on the state of golf, PGA Professional Tim Coxon share his experiences and views of where our game is at in 2014. read more ...


Golf is dying - Is this how we can save it?

Golf is a game in decline, there is no denying it. The amount of people playing the game is down, rounds are down and the industry is laying off staff in alarming numbers. So what can we do to fix it? read more ...


Golf Clubs Shouldn't Ignore Social Technology Online

Miklos Breitner from Golf Business Monitor says social media is the new normal. Companies should view social technologies not as another tool to utilize, but as an enabler of organizational transformation as well. read more ...


It's Not Rocket Science - Growing the game

Derek Clements take at look at the recent survey published by Syngenta following National Golf Month which puts golf in a strong position but calls for urgent action. read more ...


Growing Golf in the UK Report Published

The comprehensive ‘Growing Golf in the UK’ market research study, conducted in May 2013, that aims to help clubs and courses retain, attract and grow their customer base, has been published today. read more ...


2013 Golf Participation Figures Announced by Sports Marketing Surveys

Sports Marketing Surveys have released their latest research on participation in golf and found a worrying drop to 10-year low following unprecedented first-quarter. read more ...


New Study Reveals How UK Golfers Connect on Social Media

A new study has revealed which social media channels are preferred by UK golfers. read more ...


Making Golf Marketing Work - 10 Simple Ideas

How many British golf clubs out there would you say are hip and trendy, living in the now, reaching out to the younger golfing generation? Sadly, many golf clubs are trampling their way through marketing undergrowth that is so tired it has been flattened, widened, paved and turned into a super highway of indifference. read more ...


Surrey Professionals and Golf Partnership smash England Golf targets

The Surrey Golf Partnership, working with the counties Golf Professionals have smashed their half yearly England Golf target for the number of Get into Golf participants.. read more ...


Top 3 issues facing UK golf clubs today

UK golf clubs are under pressure! Membership numbers continue to fall and as result financial pressures are growing. We take a look at the top 3 issues that need addressing to reverse the trend. read more ...


Survey of PGA pros reveal worrying customer service levels at Golf Clubs

A recent poll of PGA professionals at the Golf Show in Harrogate revealed that the vast majority of pros feel that their golf club's customer service could be improved!? read more ...


Communication is Key to Ending Dress Code and Slow Play Issues

Dress-code violations and slow play could be eradicated if golf course operators communicated guidelines to their customers before their round, according to new figures released today. read more ...


Golf participation remains static in England during 2012

A new survey by the England Golf Partnership has revealed that golf is holding its own when it comes to participation levels. It also suggests that weather has a mahor impact on participation... read more ...


Golfshake Slow Play Survey: The Findings

Earlier this year we ran a number of features focused around slow play in golf and in particular the effects on the amateur game. Following this we then conducted a survey of Golfshake members including club officials, golf pros plus both club and non-club golfers. read more ...


Loss of Membership at Golf Clubs

Guest Post - According to the 'Golf Participation in Europe 2011' survey by KPMG, the number of registered golfers across Europe is down for the first time in over 20 years. read more ...


Golfshake Goes from Strength to Strength

Despite the continued unsettled and unseasonal golfing weather across the UK, Golfshake continues to grow recording record breaking stats across the site throughout 2012. read more ...


Extra Days Holiday for Golf ?

In case you missed it today is the 29th Feb and the extra day we get every 4 years. Wouldn't it be great if this extra day was a day off to play golf and we had it every year? read more ...


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