Golf: one in three Italians interested in the Ryder Cup

A third of Italians, 35%, would be attracted by the idea of attending the Ryder Cup. This is what emerges from "Italians and Golf", the latest survey carried out by Noto Sondaggi for Antognolla Golf, an Umbrian club with an 18-hole course that has twice won the World Golf Awards as "Best Italian Golf Course".

"More than one in three Italians would like to attend the Ryder Cup: this is a significant figure, which testifies to the fact that this important event is also becoming increasingly central in our country." Commented Cesar Burguiere, Golf director of Antognolla. "The choice of Rome as the venue for the 2023 edition brings Italy among the nations of international relevance for the golf sector, and it is fundamental that all the entrepreneurs who believe in this sport, together with the Italian Golf Federation, invest in order to start a path of valorisation over the long term."

Indeed, what Noto has certified is a positive response in terms of interest in the Ryder Cup, which is also intertwined with future trends in the golf sector: according to 35% of Italians, the number of golfers in Italy will grow in the next three to five years, a percentage that rises to almost 70% among players and former players. In contrast, 29% are of the opinion that the number will remain the same and 12% that it will decrease. Golf, on the other hand, is not an unknown sport: 34% of Italians are inclined to play golf in the near future. More than 1/3 of Italians think it would be interesting to watch a golf match: 39% refer in this case to golf on television and 36% live.

Eighty per cent think that this sport - perceived by 53% of Italians as just 'a game' - is suitable for all ages, but it is recognised that there are factors limiting its spread. More specifically, 63% of Italians indicate the costs to be borne as the biggest obstacle to expanding the number of players, while 47% indicate the exclusive environment and 32% a practical difficulty as the primary cause.