Airline Charges Provide a Boost for UK Golf?

More than half of UK golfers say the increased costs of flying with clubs has an effect on where they choose to play, according to research for International Golf Travel Market.

In a survey of more than 2,400 Golf Monthly magazine readers, 80 percent said that additional luggage fees had an effect on their golf break planning, with 52 percent saying costs had a ‘big impact’ on whether they flew abroad or remained in the UK.

Commenting on the findings IGTM exhibition manager Peter Grimster said: ‘This is a startling finding and is indicative of price-sensitivity in the golf travel market. While a destination’s variety of golf courses, the price of the break and whether golf is part of the package remain the key influencing factors, clearly UK golfers are weighing up the additional cost of transporting their clubs in deciding whether or not to fly abroad for their golf break.’

While rising travel expenses are obviously not good news for golfers, they do present an opportunity to explore great breaks much closer to home. Playing in Wales brings a huge range of unique golfing experiences, but it costs nothing extra to transport clubs across the Severn Bridge. It’s just another aspect of ‘golf as it should be’. Along with the warm Welsh welcome, visitors can also look forward to green fees that are often lower on this side of the border, a further incentive for price-conscious players.