Fore Cast

American Demographics,  June 1, 2002  by John Fetto

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Byline: JOHN FETTO

Mild temperatures nationwide kept many golf clubs out of the basement this past winter. A report released in March by Kissimmee, Fla.-based Golf Datatech reveals that 6.5 percent more rounds of golf were played this past February than in February 2001. The regions with the greatest increases in golf participation this year were New England (up a whopping 1,114 percent), Middle Atlantic (up 195 percent), West North Central (up 132 percent) and East North Central (also up 132 percent). But global warming alone won't be able to fuel growth in the golf industry. According to Pellucid, a Chicago-based firm specializing in golf-related market research, the key to growth is increasing the number of rounds each person plays year round. Currently, the average American tees off approximately twice a year, but that figure will likely grow as Baby Boomers retire and have more time to practice their swing. In fact, Pellucid's research shows that adults ages 55 to 64 play more than five rounds of golf per year, more than any other age group.

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