Have you been out golfing at a Northland golf course this year? If you have, then you have noticed how full the parking lots are when you arrive. Tee times are getting snatched up, and courses are in full swing. Since COVID-19, golfing has seen a resurgence with people getting outdoors to do a socially distant activity.

Business North recently shared in an article that golf courses this summer are experiencing a third consecutive strong year. Before COVID, the sport of golf had plateaued. The construction of golf courses was overbuilt and not as many people were golfing. However, the pandemic re-introduced a lot of people to COVID.

Ken Hayes
Ken Hayes
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A survey of 358 golf facilities in the state of Minnesota showed that the number of golf rounds played increased by 31.5% in 2020. Fast forward to 2021, and the number increased by another 6.9%. 2022 is off to a good start, but some golf pros think that it may not be as strong because of gas prices and inflation. We'll have to see how it shapes up at the end of the season, but for now, it looks to be pretty busy on the links.

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It reminds me of how Tiger Woods gave golf a huge shot in the arm back in the 90s. It was called "The Tiger Effect." When he went pro in 1997, the number of rounds played in the United States increased by 63 million over the previous year.

Supply chain issues are affecting everything, including the game of golf. With more people playing, there is a higher demand for golf gear & clubs. It may take extra time to get clubs, so experts are saying to plan ahead.

You can read more details on how different courses are handling the surge of golfers at Business North.

On a personal note, I too have been golfing much more than I have in recent years. Like others, I was so sick of being cooped up in the house I wanted to get out more. I started taking the game more seriously and I've now golfed probably more rounds this year than I have in the last 10 combined.

If you'd like to get a bunch of rounds in, make sure in the spring to be checking back here for the Northland Golf Card. There are some fantastic courses on the card, and you get a round at 12 area courses for a very low price. Make sure to be ready, they sell out every year!

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