Cross-Border Golf Trends
are Changing
by Andrew Penner
Unless you’ve been living under a wifi-less rock for the past couple of years, you’ve probably noticed that the political landscape is a little, well, precarious these days. Things are dicey. Patterns are changing. Sentiments are shifting. Tourism and travel – yes, that includes golf travel – is certainly affected. And courses in the Pacific Northwest that are situated right along the U.S./Canadian border – on both sides – are on the front lines of change.
Of course, the game of golf is a resilient little pastime. Covid taught us this. Where there was a will, there was a way. And in spite of the major challenges that came our way during the pandemic, the game of golf came out stronger and better than ever.
But border issues – in whatever form you fancy – are a different matter. Political pandering, posturing, and pestering can steer people, golfers included, in all kinds of ways.
Thankfully, regardless of where you stand on political issues, the game of golf will soldier on. And, for the most part, borderland courses in the Pacific Northwest appear to be weathering whatever storms are blowing in. Just like they always do.
“About half the golfers at Semiahmoo are Canadians,” says Jeff Mehlert, general manager at the semi-private facility just west of Blaine, Washington. The Arnold Palmer-designed course is located just minutes from the busy Peace Arch Border Crossing.
“Have we seen a slight decline in Canadians,” says Mehlert. “Yes. But we continue to see Canadian travelers visit us and become members of our golf club or renew their memberships year over year. Semiahmoo is a fraction of the cost compared to similar upscale clubs in the greater Vancouver area. We’ve always felt a strong connection with our Canadian neighbors and we will always welcome them for a coastal escape and a round of golf.”
Not surprisingly, a similar story (fewer Canadians visiting) at other U.S. courses situated near the border is playing out. And concerns regarding this trend are mounting. In some cases, the reactions to this unsettling shift are strong.
“Last year definitely created some issues, with tariffs and political rhetoric that was divisive,” says Ryan Wilson, general manager at Montana’s Wilderness Club. Located near Eureka, which is just 10 minutes from the border, Wilderness Club has relied heavily on Canadian visitation since its inception in 2009.
“I’ve recently spoken with a number of Canadians who said they were hesitant to cross the border and give the U.S. their business,” Wilson says. “Our overnight business with Canadian visitors was off by 20 to 30 percent. And that is consistent with many other regions in the United States. That said, our larger groups are still predominantly Canadian.”
But reasons for “the Canadian dip” may not always be politically based or border related. However, numerous Canadian golfers did express concerns over tougher border screenings, including fear of their personal privacy being breached, being detained without due cause, registration requirements, long delays, and phone searches, among other things. Rising green fees, general affordability issues, and soaring gas prices are also factors for many.
For example, the Point Roberts (Wash.) Golf & Country Club is struggling to fill the tee sheet for other reasons. To call the course “unique” – at least in terms of its geographical position – hardly does it justice. Point Roberts is located in a pene-exclave – an area of land that cannot be reached without travelling through another country – and has faced some significant challenges over the years. The vast majority of its play is from Canadians crossing the border at the Point Roberts-Boundary Bay border crossing.
“Our course was closed for five years, largely stemming from disruptions from the Covid pandemic,” says Operations Manager Joe Lee. “And we’ve only been open for a few months now. From what we are hearing, border crossings here have been smooth and largely uneventful. We have a loyal following, and 80 to 90 percent of our play is from Canadians. Traditionally, many of them come here to play golf, buy gas, and get groceries. But that cost advantage is now shrinking, so that is hurting our business. Our challenges in getting people down here to play are also attributed to the difficult traffic issues in Canada and the fact that many people still don’t know we are open again.”
Interestingly, the common sentiment from courses located in Canada appears to be much more positive when it comes to cross-border visitation. For example, at The Hills at Portal Golf Club, which is located in British Columbia just north of the Peace Arch Border Crossing, a steady flow of U.S. golfers is being reported.
“The exchange rate makes it financially favorable for our cross-border golfers,” says Scott Allen, general manager at the course. “Even though it’s not a tracked stat, I feel we have an increased number of golfers coming across the border. They are welcomed with open arms and really appreciate our hospitality. On the flip side, many of our Canadian golfers share that they do not want to cross the border to play in the U.S. for political reasons.”
An increase in American visitation to Canada was definitely a common thread that many managers, golf professionals, and booking agents in Canada cited. Canadian golf hot spots like Vancouver Island, the Thompson Okanagan, and the Kootenay Rockies all reported strong early-season bookings from international visitors, including U.S. golfers. Clearly there are emerging trends that are, depending on the lens you’re looking through, both positive and negative.
But, as one industry insider pointed out, “Great golf courses have a pull no matter where they’re located. We’ll get through some of these challenges. Golf is healthy and we’re a tight-knit community. The game unites us.”