With the fall golf season upon us, this month’s Golf Travel cover story provides expert insight on the state of the travel sector, current trends, case studies and much more.
As this story explains, while golf travel has remained strong in the U.S. and abroad over the past five years, uncertain economic challenges and rising costs could be putting this sector on notice. Planning and preparation is key, and as we look at current and future market conditions, it’s important that we collaborate, share ideas and make the necessary adjustments to sustain the positive momentum.
According to our friends at the National Golf Foundation (NGF), the past three years have seen record or near-record numbers of U.S. golfers traveling to play the game. In fact, more than 12 million Americans have traveled to play golf each year since 2022, up from an estimated 8.2 million in 2018. Golf’s popularity continues to surge, and the travel sector has greatly benefited as players of all levels – including PGA of America Golf Professionals, families, business owners and conference/event organizers — continue to book trips to premier golf destinations.
The NGF does caution that the travel industry appears to be cooling to some extent, for a variety of reasons, which could impact everything from tee time and resort reservations to domestic and international airline bookings, equipment rentals, etc.
I encourage you to read this month’s cover story to learn firsthand how fellow PGA of America Members manage golf travel, plus fresh ideas that can benefit your business and your club members. A flourishing golf travel sector is critical to the overall health of the golf economy, as these world-class golf courses and breathtaking resort destinations from coast-to-coast and abroad deliver exciting challenges, extraordinary entertainment, exquisite dining options and lasting memories.
This month’s cover story explores how PGA of America Golf Professionals who travel frequently with their members are adapting to today’s economy when planning member trips. Additionally, the story shares insights from PGA of America Members who work at resort facilities, as well as travel experts who help coordinate trips both domestically and around the globe. This story also provides best practices, answers to key travel-related questions and how to most effectively adapt to a changing landscape, including:
• How are PGA of America Golf Professionals planning trips differently now?
• Is the demand at big-name resorts creating opportunities for trips to lesser-known destinations?
• What have resorts learned from the past few years of heavy business?
• How are PGA of America Golf Professionals at resort facilities working to keep the business running smoothly, keep their staff energized and engaged, and deliver an experience that will make consumers want to return again?
• What on-site amenities and experiences are resorts spending on, such as adding short courses and new lodging options?
• Are resorts and travel planners seeing different trends and patterns as to how trips are being booked?
This and much more is covered this month, while several PGA of America Golf Professionals who have traveled recently with their members will be featured, including Scott Schroeder, Kirsten Pike and Zach Tate. The article also features expert insight from PGA of America Golf Professionals from leading resort facilities, including Josh Wagaman at South Carolina’s Kiawah Island Resort and Matt Barksdale from North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort & Club.
This Golf Travel feature is a great read and important to our industry momentum. Please spend some time on this topic, and I encourage you to reach out to the PGA of America Members who are featured and learn more about their business practices. Together, let’s continue driving the golf travel sector to new heights. Thanks and God bless!
Sincerely,
Don Rea Jr., PGA President, PGA of America