Despite the inconsistent weather, golf courses on the Island haven’t seen business affected so far this season.
In fact, the numbers are up compared to last year, according to Mark McLane, executive director of Golf P.E.I. – a non-profit association of provincial golf industry stakeholders.
He said reservation packages are up 16 per cent compared to last year, and paid rounds of golf are up 13 per cent. Both increases are year-to-date, said McLane.
“And last year was a very strong year for golf on P.E.I., probably the best in six or seven years,” he said.
“If we’re close to 2017 or beat it, we’ll be very happy with what’s going on.”
In May, sales from reservations were around $41,000 compared to $25,000 a year earlier. Reservation sales in June are also up 20 per cent so far.
McLane noted that May and June a year ago also didn’t have great weather. Even so, groups travelling from other provinces that have booked reservations to golf on the Island are going to play regardless.
“They might put on an extra sweater, but they’re going to get their rounds in,” he said. “P.E.I. as a destination for golf has never been stronger, really.”
He said the biggest challenge is finding accommodations for groups of golfers.
“It’s almost frustrating for us sometimes. We have the Saturday night sold out on the third week of July and we have eight guys that want to come from New York. And, we can’t seem to get five consecutive nights at a property anywhere.”
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