Beyond The Game: Golf And Its Role In Shaping The Future of Sports Tourism
The 2025 PGA Tour Schedule is out, and golf fans are preparing to travel to watch their favorite players as they compete in 39 events from April to August next year. With tournaments taking place in prime golf courses in the US, as well as Ireland, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Scotland, we can expect to see a crowd of live spectators from all over the world as they follow the pros around the green and interact with their favorites during practice rounds. Since there’s so much interest in the sport and teeing off around the globe these days, it’s likely that golf will have an impact on people’s travel experiences as they participate or observe a sporting event. Here are all the ways golf will shape the future of sports tourism.
Luxury Accommodations Near Golf Courses
The number of golf travelers is expected to increase next year as more individuals are engaging in leisure activities like golf tourism. As most golf enthusiasts prefer luxury lodgings while they’re away from home, it’s predicted that there will be more upscale accommodations built near golf courses, as well as a massive influx of new golf resorts in the upcoming years. Think 5-star boutique hotels, cabins, or ranches, luxury villas and Airbnbs fully staffed with butlers, chefs, and housekeepers, and futuristique rooms with the latest tech in high rise apartments, among others.
Accessible Transportation Options for Spectators
Transportation is important for any sport spectator, and if you don’t live within the vicinity of a golf tournament course, you’ll definitely need to secure a way to get around. This is crucial, especially for senior golf fans and people with mobility issues. To assist them with these matters, we can expect golf resorts and nearby luxury accommodations to provide limo and shuttle services to the course and back. In addition to this, more car rental companies will likely set up stations near golf courses so that spectators can hire a private vehicle of their choice. It’s also likely that golf resorts and courses may create their own apps to make the vehicle rental or reservation process easier.
During championships, courses may allow fans to rent golf carts, so golf courses included in the PGA tour schedule may prepare their fleet by going to a reputable golf carts dealer to get brand new units. To make sure that only those that absolutely need golf carts will be able to use them on tournament days, golf courses may require spectators to send a letter from their physician to reserve a golf cart. Fans should also abide by the rules and stay on golf cart paths at all times, and they shouldn’t offer rides to players because that can result in sanctions for the golf pro.
Golf-Centered Activities and Experiences
Towns and cities with championship courses may maximize their revenue potential by organizing golf-centered activities and experiences during tournament season. Setting up indoor golf simulators in key areas can help spectators to practice their swing or enable them to virtually take part in PGA tournaments. Meanwhile, fundraisers, auctions, or black tie charity events will provide golf fans opportunities to participate in worthy causes while increasing the golf course and the town’s exposure. Golf tours can also be organized, with stops at places such as restaurants or cafes that are a favorite among golf pros, and shops where they buy their gear and apparel.
Golf has the potential to bring positive changes to sports tourism. By encouraging participation in golf-centered activities and providing luxurious accommodations and convenient transportation, spectators are guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience during tournament season.
