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China most expensive for golf

Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Michael Weston
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Golf's popularity is growing in China as is the cost to play

The KPMG Golf Advisory Practice has revealed that China is one of the most expensive places to play golf in the world.

Their recent study is part of their third annual Golf Benchmark Survey, which examines the golf business across the globe.

China hosted the Omega Mission Hills World Cup over the weekend and its presence in the lucrative Race to Dubai calendar at the HSBC Champions is proof of its growth.

The report, which surveyed 70 clubs across China, suggests that club memberships and green fees are among the most expensive in the world with the initiating fee costing an average of US$ 53,000 – more than four times the cost of a club membership in Spain.

A rapidly expanding economy, the burgeoning leisure and tourism industry and media exposure driven by professional tournaments are thought to be the main reasons for the growth of golf in China.

“There’s no doubt that golf in China is catching on fast, but it is an elitist sport,” said Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s specialist Golf Advisory Services Practice in the EMA (Europe, Middle East and Africa).

The study also revealed that golf is male-dominated in China – 87% of club members are men.

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