According to a recent survey on the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on public golf, not only are more courses closing, they’re also losing half their staff at a faster rate.
A GOLFNOW survey of nearly 1,300 golf course operators that ended April 15 showed an increase from 42 to 62 percent of reporting facilities closing for play. As for the courses that have remained open for business, the numbers aren’t looking much better.
Last month’s survey showed 24 percent of courses reportedly laid off at least half their workers. In the latest survey, the percentage rose to 39 percent, with 12 percent reporting they had furloughed or laid off anywhere between one-quarter and one-half of their staff.
The survey also showed over half of the courses still open have gone paperless and won’t accept cash. For many, online prepayment is necessary due to safety concerns and smaller staffs.
The bright spot to the survey may come as a shock. In March, 24 percent of responses showed rounds played had increased compared to 2019’s numbers during the same time frame. The most-recent survey says 15 percent reported an event or increase in rounds played.
