People & Communities
Golf has a huge amount to be proud about - socially and economically. Currently global golf business annually generates around $300billion annually, employing hundreds of thousands of people around the world, while the sport embraces people of all ages, races and beliefs. With a wealth of direct and indirect contribution to players and people, golf should aim to continue to be a force for good in parallel to promoting the game.
Golf businesses, and golf clubs in particular, can multiply social and economic benefits out to local people and communities.
Our contribution
Golf is not an island. Our industry has a collective responsibility to everyone whose lives it affects. Our sport’s huge economic and social value is generated through the operation of thousands of businesses in facility management, development, event staging, media, product manufacturing, merchandising and tourism. As well as those directly involved in the business of golf, the sector also provides important social and economic benefits to communities.
The ripple effect
With attention to the needs of local people, golf developments can provide important inward investment that brings real quality of life improvements.
- Provides education and training opportunities.
- Contributes to community infrastructure, marketing and environmental projects.
- Aids community campaigns.
- Offers premises for seminars, meetings and other community events.
- Generates charitable revenues through philanthropic activity.
- Brings transport, energy, water and sanitation via golf projects in economically challenged regions.
- Creates jobs.
- Boosts local tourism.
It’s worth remembering too, just how much of a social force for good golf is. Club friendships, generations playing together, all those values of respect, sportsmanship and integrity being passed on.
Done well, golf development offers substantial social returns that go far beyond the financial bottom line. Done poorly it can incur social costs that will challenge the sustainability of any operation. The essence of a sustainable golf development is to bring the benefits people need and want and in parallel conserving the cultural heritage, traditions, landscape and access rights that local people value.
