Pitch and putt memberships surge 200% in Ireland amid coronavirus restrictions

More than 2,000 people have taken up club memberships during the Covid crisis, halting 20 years of falling numbers

Kieran Earls, Parteen, on his way to winning the Men’s National Matchplay Championships at Larkspur Park, Cashel, Co Tipperary on Sunday. He beat Ian Dillon, St Bridget’s, 7&6. Pictures: Andy Jay

More than 2,000 people have taken up pitch and putt memberships as the sport experiences a surge in interest brought on by Covid restrictions, with numbers up by more than 200% at some clubs.

Limitations on movement and the Government’s message to ‘staycation’ are both being cited as key factors in the revival.