GOLFNOW on Golf's Return After Lockdown

(RELEASE) — After more than a two-month forced hiatus for many golf courses across North America due to COVID-19, all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces now are authorizing courses to operate under specific restrictions outlined by their respective state governments. Golfers are coming back to the course in record numbers, with many markets experiencing unprecedented year-over-year demand for tee times and online rounds sold at many courses having exceeded 900 percent on certain days since re-opening. For safety purposes, a majority of these courses are now requiring tee times to be reserved and pre-paid online.

GOLFNOW, the industry leader in golf course technology and services, which also operates the world’s largest online tee-time marketplace, partners with more than 9,000 golf courses globally, including nearly 7,000 in North America. Since the return of golf in many states, GOLFNOW has seen unprecedented demand on its website and app. Because of its leading position, the real-time data collected by GOLFNOW can be considered a valid representation of how the entire industry is performing.

Statement from JEFF FOSTER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GOLFNOW, regarding shifts in golfer behavior as golf ramps back up:
“It’s unprecedented times for golf courses across North America after the lockdown, and the number of golfers demanding tee times is off the charts. We’re seeing a significant uptick in the number of people coming back to the game through GOLFNOW booking channels, as well as a steady increase in new golfers. As courses try to keep up with the demand while adhering to safety protocols required by state mandates, we’re also seeing a fundamental shift toward booking tee times online. As consumers become more secure with technology in the home – whether it be streaming video or meeting friends and colleagues online – they also are discovering the ease and convenience of reserving golf online. In select markets since the lockdown, we’ve seen days when online rounds booked have increased over 900 percent compared to the same day last year.”