Nine Scottish golf clubs see membership rise by more than 100%

Nine Scottish golf clubs saw membership increase by over 100 per cent last year as the sport’s current popularity continued in its birthplace.

In Scottish Golf’s annual report, which was delivered to members at Sunday’s agm in Fife, it was revealed that membership across the country had increased for the third year in a row.

The total playing membership of adults and juniors rose by 7.3 per cent in 2021, taking the figure to over 207,000.

Club membership in the home of golf had been declining until 2019 saw an increase for the first time since 2015 before the figure rose again the following year.

The latter coincided with golf being an option for people at a time when they couldn’t attend football, rugby or other sporting events and that overall total figure for the 568 affiliated clubs is up again.

“The good news story from last year’s growth in membership continues into 2021,” stated Scottish Golf’s report.

“A 7.3 per cent increase in total playing membership of adults and juniors, and a total playing membership over 207,000 is a confident endorsement of the game’s popularity in Scotland.

“Nine of our affiliated clubs saw an increase of over 100 per cent in their membership numbers.”

The news was welcomed by both Scottish Golf chair Martin Gilbert and chief operating officer Karin Sharp.

“It is testament to the popularity of golf that its resurgence has occurred during two of the most volatile and unpredictable years in recent history,” said Gilbert.

“We all thought we would be out of the pandemic woods by now, enjoying old freedoms and a return to some semblance of normality. We may have a little way to go, but hopefully the worst is behind us.”

Sharp added: “Looking back at 2021 is a reminder of how far we have come