GOLFBIC SEMINAR HEARS SYNGENTA SURVEY RESULTS

Results one of the most comprehensive pieces of golf market research ever conducted in the UK has been presented at GolfBIC (Golf Business Industry Convention) at the Marriott Forest of Arden.

The 'Growing Golf in the UK' survey, commissioned by Syngenta, focused on the golfing wants and demands of more than 3,500 UK residents - including 1,477 golfers and 2,145 non-golfers, including lapsed players.

The seminar at GolfBIC was the first opportunity for many UK golf course and range owners, club managers and industry professionals to hear the results.

Andy Lloyd-Skinner, Chief Executive of the UK Golf Course Owners' Association (UKGCOA) said: "This is an outstanding piece of research that is expansive and detailed, yet is highly practical and offers potential solutions to anyone in the golf course industry.

"There is clearly more than one type of customer wishing to participate in golf and this research tells us who they are and what their wants and needs are.

"In terms of retaining existing customers and attracting new players, this is one of the best pieces of research I have seen in golf."

GolfBIC is a joint venture between the UKGCOA and The Organisation of Golf & Range Operators (OGRO). More than 270 delegates attended the 2013 event, which featured insightful seminars, topical workshops and exhibition.

Eric Brown, Global Turf Business Manager of Syngenta, who will present the findings at GolfBIC, added: "The objective of the research was to offer potential solutions to help golf clubs and courses better understand their customers and deliver enjoyable, memorable golf experiences on a day-to-day basis.

"As with any industry, it's important to listen to what customers and prospects want, and respond positively in terms of the products and services being offered," he said.

"While some of the findings may not come as a surprise, a number of key themes emerged that are important and relevant to clubs, especially in the field of flexibility, as well as female and family friendliness," added Eric. "It's the details of those findings and what different types of customers want that I'll be sharing in my presentation at GolfBIC."

For more information about GolfBIC, visit: https://www.golfbic.com/