Michigan Golf Journal June 2021

37 June 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com travelers did last year (600 miles vs. 425, as the crow flies), while trips planned for the rest of the year should be almost as distant (590 miles, on average). These are positive and perhaps expected signals from golfers, which we’ve corroborated through discussions and surveys with operators. Based on responses from four dozen resort properties, nearly three- quarters indicated pre-bookings for May- December are higher than last year, and almost two- thirds suggested they’re higher than other recent, non-pandemic years. More broadly, 9 of 10 reported increases in rounds, website activity and social media engagement, while 8 in 10 reported increases in travel package inquiries. The lone soft spot, it seems, are the more lucrative large-group and corporate bookings – only 40% mentioned those were up. Recovery in the travel sector will be welcome news for many, but also means golfers will once again be forced to make certain tradeoffs. Whether for business or leisure, the return to flying will cut into “golf time” and personal discretionary budgets – the extent to which we’ll be looking to understand. MGJ (For more findings and anecdotal feedback from NGF member operators, please  click here) .