KELOWNA, B.C. – The demise of golf across North America is not expected to hit the Okanagan, a tourist destination for golfers.
“Okanagan golf is not going anywhere,” says Director of Golf Operations at Michaelbrook Golf Club in Kelowna.
The National Golf Foundation in the U.S. reported more than 650 courses shut down between 2006 and 2012.
But in that same period of time, four new courses were built in Kelowna, which has a total of 19.
“In speaking again with some of my colleagues within the region, we certainly know we’re in for a bit of a battle,” says Gilles Dufour, General Manager at the Harvest Golf Club. “But the indicators are gently positive and they’re heading in the right direction.”
Golf courses around Kelowna have seen gains in the last two years, but don’t expect the industry will gather enough steam to see the same number of golfers on their courses as was seen in the 1990’s.
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