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Around the Greens: The business of Scotland's iconic sporting industry
From famed courses to lesser-known gems – plus all the apparel, equipment, training facilities and golfing entertainment on offer across the country – Around the Greens is your regular snapshot of the thousands of businesses operating in Scotland’s iconic sporting industry.
Every week we give you the lowdown on the people and places that make up the Home of Golf, with the Old Course at St Andrews sitting at the axis of golfing mecca for players around the world. Worth in excess of £1 billion, the golf industry in Scotland plays a key role in the country’s economy with tourism activities alone generating an estimated £286 million annually.
And though we love the bucket list destinations there is much, much more to it than that. There are more than 550 courses throughout the country, each with their own story to tell ranging from Scotland’s oldest golf club at Musselburgh to the newest additions such as Dumbarnie Links in Fife.
(Image: NQ Staff)More major developments are in the offing and they – along with a large existing network of golfing infrastructure – support tour operators, retailers, leisure facilities, hospitality providers and golf professionals throughout the country.
This symbiotic relationship dates back through the centuries with a prime example being Alan Robertson, who was considered the premier ball and club maker of his time and was also the first person to break 80 at the Old Course back in 1858. His family is said to have been involved with the game since 1610 and the profitable ball-making trade lasted through to the mid-19th century, with Mr Robertson even exporting some of his merchandise.
The game has changed dramatically since then and the industry has evolved with that. To keep up with what’s going on today in the land that created golf, be sure to check out Around the Greens.
Access the entire series here:
November 2024
'Business as usual' as Callaway ponders future of Topgolf
October 2024
Cardross Golf Club toasts new corporate sponsorships
