FORE! HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

The golf industry is enjoying a huge turnaround following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Public courses are packed with players, driving ranges are full and golf shops are enjoying brisk sales.

Tournaments are held every day – a welcome development for trophy makers, caterers, and appliance stores where most of the raffle items are bought.

The golf boom has brought relief to teaching professionals and caddies whose livelihood was affected by the pandemic.

Boy Legaspi, a club pro at Veterans Golf Club in Quezon City, said there has been an increase in players showing up at the range.

"They come in groups, mostly young. They walk in, rent clubs, and ask for a pro. Before you know it, they are buying golf sets," he said.

Newbies drive popularity

Because golf was one of the few sports allowed to resume, many have given the sport a try.

Malu de Leon, a dentist by profession and an avid tennis player, found golf addicting.

"We used to hang out at the Navy restaurant 'coz it's al fresco. Then we decided to try golf," she recalled.

What made the decision easier is the prospect of winning raffle items.

"I think this is the only sport that has raffles during tournaments. Imagine the joy to win a raffle prize. So far, it has not disappointed me. I can consider myself Class A in raffles," she chuckled.

Ricky Chuaunsu, on the other hand, isn't exactly a beginner but he has been away for more than two decades when he decided to get back to golf.

"At first, it was because my son wanted to play golf during the pandemic. Now, even if my son can no longer play because of an injury, I still play with new-found friends," said Chuansu, a senior golfer.

Beginners need clubs. They either borrow from friends or buy second-hand or brand-new.

Brisk sales

Jaye Escuadro, general manager of Pacsports, one of the country's top retail stores, said the market started to feel the improvement beginning in November of 2020.

"Since golf was the only sport allowed to resume during the pandemic, many have taken up the game, including the young," said Escuadro.

He added that even those who stopped playing have gone back and started swinging again.

The renewed popularity has translated into brisk sales and led to the sprouting of small retail shops, including two at the Veterans Golf Club.

Indoor golf is also making a big comeback.

Several facilities have cropped up, among them the VGolf at Manila Polo Club in Makati, Friends Screen Simulation Golf at Century City Mall in Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, KT VR Golf in Bel-Air Makati, K-Golf at City Dreams Manila and Quantum Golf in Ortigas, among others.

Pin High Golfshop located at Villamor Golf Club joined the bandwagon last July when it opened its indoor golf driving range.

Tournaments return

The 72nd Fil-Am Men's Invitational has concluded in Baguio City drawing more than 1,300 players.

Next year, the Philippine Airlines Interclub will also return to Cebu City.

Various golf clubs are set to hold member-guest tournaments, including Alabang Country Club, Manila Golf Club, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, and Valley. Golf and Country Club.

Expect a full schedule of professional tours for both men and women. Indeed, things are looking bright.