Michigan Golf Journal June 2021

Michigan Golf Journal National Travel The comeback of commercial aviation is underway in the U.S., which no doubt bodes well for many in the golf business. Despite an increased willingness to trundle down the open highways last year, golfers made far fewer trips in 2020 (at least 50% fewer, we now estimate), which impacted resorts and businesses – far and wide – that cater to the needs of travelers. Passenger throughput at domestic airports currently sits at 57% of 2019 levels (using 7-day rolling data). This is up from 45% at the beginning of March and 37% at the beginning of February. The trend is expected to continue alongside the increasing incidence of vaccinations, and the rolling back of pandemic restrictions. At the moment, it seems the rebounding is especially evident at smaller, outdoor- vacation-oriented airports vs. big-city hubs [1] – suggestive of a “get away but stay safe” mentality that will likely permeate for some time, and should benefit many golf properties. This return to the friendly skies means more golf trips and more destinations back in the consideration set. Core golfers, on average, are now expecting 1.8 golf trips in 2021, which rivals reported counts in recent, non-pandemic years. As for where, the ones who’ve already taken a golf trip in 2021 ventured 40% farther, on average, than golf Cleared for Takeoff? From David Lorentz Chief Research Officer National Golf Foundation Editors’ Note: The National Golf Foundation surveyed golfers to see if their travel plans for making long trips have changed since last year. Here is an overview of their findings in late April.