New app goals to get Scottish golf tourism within the swing

Domestic golf tourism in Scotland could get a boost from an app designed to increase participation and make the game more inclusive.

With the new app, players can book games and check their handicap progress.

Golfers can now book tee times online and receive an open play handicap by downloading the Scottish Golf app and registering for an account.

The governing body of golf in Scotland and the National Tourism Organization believe that providing a digital pay-as-you-go option for a handicap can be attractive to groups of people who are interested in golf but who are currently interested do not actively engage.

Making a game easier to organize can improve access to golf for those who split their free time between work, family time, or competing interests.

Players can check their progress against a handicap without entering competitions and can test their skills on various courses to suit their budget.

Increasing online bookings at golf courses across the country can generate additional visitor revenue for golf courses as well as nearby accommodation and hospitality through the visitor economy. It can also provide a gateway for the next generation of people accessing the game.

Alan Grant, Senior Golf Manager, EventScotland, said: “Golf tourism is a major contributor to the Scottish economy and golf tourists, on average, spend an additional £ 5 for every pound they spend on green fees make a major impact elsewhere in the visitor economy have our economic recovery from the pandemic.

“While Scotland is known around the world as the home of golf, the pandemic has also encouraged those to rediscover world class golf tourism on their own doorstep.

“In addition to generating income for golf companies and maintaining jobs, there are also many social benefits. Golf is a fun way to improve health and wellbeing by spending time with others on open green spaces. By using new digital channels, we can remove more perceived barriers to playing golf, enable more people to enjoy the game and support our golf tourism companies, not only increasing the number of visitors but also opening up additional avenues for membership. “

Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Golf added, “OpenPlay offers a modern, flexible approach to golfers that makes the sport more accessible and inclusive.

“It is a great opportunity for golf clubs across Scotland to introduce themselves to a whole new group of golfers and pave the way for club membership.”

By June, a social media and native advertising campaign targeting Scottish golfers will promote the app on Facebook, Instagram and Teads publishers such as Reuters and Sports Illustrated.

A recent report by The R&A found that golf participation in the UK and Ireland increased by 2.3 million adults in 2020, highlighting the increased potential for golf tourism, which is already contributing £ 286 million annually to the Scottish economy.

For more information, visit Scottish Gulf.

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