Why Irish golf faces a decade long road to recovery

Domestic participation and visitor numbers are the two most powerful indicators of the health of the game here — and the latest statistics are worrying as the industry plots its way out of a pandemic, writes Ian Mallon

Course superintendent of Howth Golf Club, Ger Morgan works on the 11th green at Howth Golf Club in Dublin. Retaining new members and green fees from visitors are now key to clubs survival post-pandemic. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Irish Golf is facing into a double jeopardy which will test even the great recovery skills of the game.

The first hazard comes on the back of what is a much worse-than-feared ‘return-to-normal’ forecast by tourism experts, which will may have significant impacts on the golfing segment.