Golf Industry Central Autumn 2018 | Page 14

Industry news GOLF MONTH 2017 CAMPAIGN REPORT RELEASED I n review of last year’s campaign, Golf Month has yet again been proven to be a great testament to how an industry- wide annual marketing campaign to drive golf participation has a valuable role to play in ensuring golf in Australia remains sustainable, vibrant and successful. Last year saw 91 fewer clubs and facilities than in 2016 participated in Golf Month with a total of 344. However, Golf Month was a big hit in Tasmania, where more than two thirds of clubs participated–strong support from the state’s Golf Development Manager. Led by Golf Australia, Golf Month is a national campaign that seeks to drive golf participation around Australia and, through this, contribute to increased consideration of golf club membership. The success in the region was largely due to excellent relationships and regular contact with clubs as the key drivers of engagement. Last month, Golf Australia released the 2017 post campaign report, giving account on the performance of all aspects of the month- long marketing campaign in aim to highlight potential areas for improvement for next year’s campaign. The campaign focus for 2017 was on enabling passionate golfers to celebrate and share their love for the game with friends and family; it called upon passionate golfers in Australia to “Share the golf bug”. Golf Month also positively continued to grow in Victoria (up six to 107 clubs and facilities), but far fewer participated in New South Wales (down 56 to 95) and Queensland (down 43 to 38). However, among the clubs and facilities who responded to the post campaign survey, the number of average out at 46.5. If data were extrapolated across the country, this would equate to 16,000 participants in Golf Month 2017. In reviewing the data gathered from the survey, and the fact the majority of golfers are introduced to the game by people they know and love, it is recommended that future campaigns once again tap into the passion of current golfers by encouraging them to share their love of the game and introduce friends and family to golf. As you start to think about your own plans for Golf Month 2018, it would be worthwhile to note that the fundamentals won’t change this year – please plan a fun, welcoming, social activity during October at your club or facility. Click here to view the full Golf Month 2017 post campaign report. 14 The Golf Marketing Professionals I www.golfindustrycentral.com.au Golf Industry Central I Autumn 2018 15