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Last year, it was found that Korean golfers paid an average of about 150,000 won for green fees when using overseas golf courses for an 18-hole round.

Global golf tech company AGL announced the statistics of travelers who embarked on overseas golf trips through partner channels such as Asiana Airlines, Shinhan Sol, Modetour, and HeyTitime over the past year. These statistics were compiled based on actual reservation data from more than 160 golf courses in 25 countries and regions, which are integrated with AGL's Tiger Global Distribution System (GDS) for automatic booking.

According to AGL, the average cost per golfer for a single 18-hole round at overseas golf courses, excluding airfare and accommodation, including cart fees and caddy fees, was approximately 151,000 won. When dividing golfers based on their preferences for round costs, two distinct groups emerged: the "value-for-money golf" group, who preferred lower price ranges, and the "high preference" group, who prioritized facilities and course quality even if it meant slightly higher costs.

Except for prestigious golf courses in regions such as Madrid, Paris, and California, Okinawa, Guam, and Vietnam had higher costs for a single round at golf courses. In Malaysia, except for Kota Kinabalu and some upscale golf courses, the average green fee was below 100,000 won, making it a popular destination for value-for-money golf trips, attracting many golfers.

Last year, the most visited destination by golfers was Da Nang, Vietnam (17.9%). Vietnam, including Da Nang (173,000 won), Nha Trang (163,000 won), Hanoi (218,000 won), and Ho Chi Minh City (174,000 won), all showed higher-than-average round costs, and the reservation rate by Korean golfers was also high.

Another popular golf destination, Thailand, saw Chiang Mai with 11.4% and Bangkok with 9.5% reservation rates, with relatively lower average round costs of 106,000 won and 131,000 won, respectively, attracting consumers who prioritize value for money.

Overall, consumers enjoyed rounds between an average of 120,000 won to 180,000 won. However, around 7% of golfers, compared to the total number of users, used golf courses where the cost for one round exceeded 200,000 won, prioritizing course quality over price. Conversely, around 8% of golfers sought golf courses in the price range of less than 60,000 won, enjoying cheaper golf compared to Korea.

Based on Incheon Airport as a reference point, the average travel time for golfers was 5 to 6 hours. For areas without direct flights, such as major locations in Vietnam like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Dalat, and Hanoi, the total travel time from the airport to the golf course by vehicle fell within the 5 to 6-hour range. Following this, destinations like Chiang Mai and Bangkok in Thailand, which required 6 to 7 hours of travel time, were next. Regions with less than 5 hours of travel time, such as China, Cebu in the Philippines, and Myanmar, recorded lower preference rates.

AGL recently integrated its GDS system with Japan's largest golf chain, Accordia, starting from last month. It is anticipated that the proportion of golf travel to Japan, reachable within 1 to 2 hours, will increase. Starting from April, golf courses in the Hokkaido region will resume operations, and golfers will be able to access golf courses across Japan, including Okinawa, Hiroshima, Osaka, Tokyo, and Hokkaido, through AGL's affiliated sales channels.

AGL stated, "With an increasing number of golf courses integrated with the Tiger GDS system on a national and regional basis, we were able to obtain meaningful data on Korean golfers who traveled abroad for golf in 2023." They also added, "Our global affiliate channels are becoming more active, and we will continue to provide periodic information on golf course usage for golfers worldwide."

Sources : JTBC Golf (http://jtbcgolf.joins.com/)

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