Golf writers predict boom year for Scotland’s courses

Scotland’s golf courses could be set for their busiest year, the author of a new book on the sport has predicted, with playing times at some of the most prestigious venues already in short supply for the summer.

Michael Atkinson, one of the writers behind a new guide to Scotland’s 549 golf courses, said playing time at venues such as the Old Course in St Andrews – the host of this year’s Open Championship – and other “destination links” were already limited.

A “pent-up demand” from golfers, who have been unable to travel over the last two years as a result of coronavirus restrictions, is partly behind this, he explained.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club recently revealed it has taken more than 13,000 reservations for this year, with bookings for visitors now closed for 2022.

Scottish Golf, the governing body for the sport in Scotland, has revealed its membership numbers have increased by 6% year on year.

Research also indicated the number of rounds of golf played across the UK was 17% higher in 2021 than when compared to the pre-pandemic 2019 figures.

Mr Atkinson said: “On Scotland’s most famous courses, the Open venues and the destination links, tee times are in short supply this summer.”

Speaking as the book Golfland, the first guide of its kind for some 20 years, was published, he added: “There is pent-up international demand following the travel restrictions over the last couple of years, with tourists now looking to enjoy the chance to come and play the historic and iconic courses of Scotland.

“Domestically, golf has seen a surge as a sport that can be enjoyed socially distanced with friends in the outdoors.”

That the 150th Open Championship is being played in St Andrews this summer means Scottish golf is witnessing