In one of our March blog posts, we provided a 2020 vs. 2019 comparison of the number of searches on Google for golf courses to play by state. As we know, the numbers were off the charts. States like Colorado enjoyed a 126% increase in searches on Google. But what about 2021? Is the party over? Most of the owners and operators I talk to say no. Their biggest challenge is getting enough staff to meet the demand.
Many golf course operators took a big hit with weddings, events, and banquets in 2020. Experts say there is pent-up demand for weddings and events. Google is also showing dramatic increases in searches for wedding venues in 2021 vs. 2019 and 2020.
Below are a couple of tables which show the search demand on Google for golf (table #1) and weddings (table #2).
A few notes from the data:
- Nationwide for golf courses, demand to play is up 29% vs. 2020 and 136% vs. 2019
- Hawaii had the biggest jump over 2020, with a 234% increase in demand (now that more people can travel)
- Nationwide for weddings, demand is up 57% vs 2019 and up 47% vs 2020 (just confirming the pent-up demand)
Table #1 – Search Demand for Golf by State
Comparing May through July 2019, 2020, and 2021
Table #2 – Search Demand for Weddings by State
Comparing January through August 2019, 2020, and 2021
Find Out the Numbers in Your Local Market
Do you want to know what the search demand is for golf or weddings in your local market? We can also tell you what the local interest in golf and weddings is on Facebook, giving you the size of your local audience. Just reply to this email and we’ll run the numbers for you. You can also reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me at (407) 395-4705.
