2017 Game Improvement Survey

An Exclusive Syndicated Research Study By
The Business of
Game Improvement©
Instruction, Schools, Practice Routines, Fitness Programs,

Training Aids, Wearable Technologies & Digital Analysis
Published February 1, 2017
Golf Datatech, LLC

1118 Massachusetts Avenue
St. Cloud, FL 34769
888-944-4116
The Business of Game Improvement
Table of Contents
Study Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3

Objective & Methodology...................................................................................................... 4
Observations & Summary Findings ..................................................................................... 5
Golf-o-graphics .................................................................................................................... 16
Research Results ................................................................................................................ 21
Media Preferences & Game Improvement ......................................................................... 25
Teaching Professionals & Golf Lessons ............................................................................ 30
Practice Patterns................................................................................................................ 44
Physical Wellness & Fitness .............................................................................................. 54
Golf Schools....................................................................................................................... 61
Web Based Golf Instruction ............................................................................................. 70
Online Instruction Videos ................................................................................................... 78
Golf Teaching, Training & Practice Aids ............................................................................ 89
Digital Wireless Swing Analyzer....................................................................................... 103
Portable Launch Monitor .................................................................................................. 115
Personal Golf Simulator ................................................................................................... 127
Wearable Game Improvement Technologies................................................................... 135
Adendum ........................................................................................................................................ 146
Confidentiality of Report
This report, in part and its entirety, is the copyrighted property of Golf Datatech, LLC. Under no circumstances may
information taken from this statistical report be used for any promotional purpose, be released orally or in writing to any
media, research company or stack analyst company without the prior written approval of Golf Datatech, LLC.
GOLF DATATECH, LLC 2

Study Overview
The business of game improvement in golf has been around for as long as the game itself,
expanding and adapting from one-on-one instruction, to books and magazine editorial,
eventually evolving into current technologies, including Online lessons, video and advanced
computer software. Training and instruction aids have been supplementing and enhancing
the knowledge of teachers for nearly as long as the science of teaching itself. While these
industries have grown significantly, there has been minimal research attempting to
understand how Serious Golfers view the products and services they purchase and use.
This 2017 study, produced by Golf Datatech LLC, is a follow-up to previous studies
completed in 2004, 2007 and 2010 and attempts to quantify and understand what drives the
business of teaching and game improvement tools.

Objective & Methodology
Objective
Understand how Serious Golfers use golf training and instruction products and tools, while
following up on earlier studies (2004, 2007, and 2010). These products are all designed with
the intent to improve the golfer's ability to play the game, including teaching professionals,
golf schools, training aids, digital and wearable devices as well as web based golf
instructional tools.
Methodology
A randomly selected group of Golf Datatech’s Serious Golfer Panelists was invited to
participate in an online survey at the end of 2016. Respondents were entered into a drawing
for premium golf equipment in return for completing the survey; however, the specific brands
of the prizes were not identified prior to taking the survey. Over 1,500 Serious Golfers
completed the full survey, with 977 of them “ever” having purchased golf training
instructional aids, devices, or online services to improve their game.
Multiple Answers - Some questions asked in this study allow for more than one answer, and
these questions are specified and noted.
Unaided Answers - Some questions allow respondents to type in a response unaided.

Occasionally, some of these answers are categorized to allow for summary statistics while
others are reported as verbatim responses.
Rounding - Occasionally, some tables may not add up to 100% due to rounding.
Net - In some cases, respondents could not or would not provide answers to some questions,
in such cases summary statistics are based upon the number of responses to the given
question and not versus the total responding base.
Standard Deviation/Confidence Level - Based on the sample size of 1,570 Serious Golfers,
the study produces a margin of error of +/- 2.47% at a 95% confidence level.
Means - When responses are represented by ranges, weighted averages are utilized to
develop the mean.

Golf Datatech Observations
&
Summary of Findings

Golf Datatech Observations & Summary of Findings
The Game Improvement segment of the golf business actually consists of several smaller
sectors, some of which we are investigating for the first time here. The major segments of
the Game Improvement Business analyzed within this study, along with some key findings
include the following:
Teaching Pros & Golf Lessons

• While 8 in 10 respondents have ever taken a lesson, only 32% of have taken one in
the past year, suggesting there is significant upside for teaching professionals to get
golfers with experience taking lessons back in the fold.
• It remains important that teachers are PGA or LPGA members as 71% said it is at
least important, up from 67% in 2007 and 2010, suggesting a strengthening in the
influence of the teaching associations, particularly among those with handicaps of 20
or lower
• The average number of lessons taken, among those who have taken a lesson in the
past year, is 4.8 lessons, up significantly from prior waves (4.2 and 4.3 respectively).
• Full swing lessons are the most common (83%), with the short game
(chipping/sand/wedge play) a distant second (41%).
• Serious Golfers who took a lesson within the past year paid on average $73 for an
hour-long golf lesson, up from $69 in 2010.
• 25% of those who have ever taken a lesson have had their swing digitally recorded
and analyzed several times or regularly; 27% have never had it done, and 20% only
once. 53% said it was “very useful”. Such high acceptance suggests this may be a
teaching tool that is under-utilized to date.
• Among those who have never had a lesson from a teaching professional, the #1
reason for not doing so is that they consider themselves self-taught and #2 is too
expensive, with cost being the sticking point most often for higher handicaps.

Observations & Summary of Findings
Practice Patterns of Serious Golfers

• Data from this study suggests Serious Golfers may be practicing less than they did a
decade ago, with only 52% saying they do so at least once a week during the season,
down from 57% in 2004, suggesting golfers are practicing less than they once were.
• Those who do practice work equally on full swings and their short game. However,
anecdotally, it is worth noting that many golfers equate “practicing” their short game
with chipping a few balls or hitting some putts either before or after they play. While
one might technically be correct calling that “practice”, it is not the same as spending
quality time working on their game.
• 51% indicated they practice their short game/chipping/sand game at least once per
week, the lowest level compared to prior years (56% in 2010 the highest).
• While 77% said they “never” practice indoors into a net with a simulator, 18% indicated
they do so during their off season, and 4% do it year round.
• Iron play (27%) is the area where respondents feel they could get the most benefit
from practice, lessons, or instructional aids/technologies, followed by driving the ball
(19%), consistently ranking as the top two over the years. Lower handicaps are more
likely to believe iron play will help them, while higher handicaps are more likely to
focus on improving their driving.
While most golfers know they would improve with more practice, finding the time and
motivation to do so eludes many:
• 93% at least agree that they would play better if they practiced more, of those 48%
totally agree that they would play better if they practiced more.
• However, only 22% indicated they totally agree that they love to practice.
• Interestingly though, only 6% totally agree that practice is boring to them.

Physical Wellness & Fitness (Asked for the First time in PGA Show Research. Separate Golf-o-graphics
included in an addendum)
• While Serious Golfers know they would be better off being more physically active,
most do not know exactly where to turn, and there would seem to be an opportunity to
develop programs at the grass roots level to improve fitness and make the game more
fun/enjoyable with less physical strain/injuries
• 34% of respondents totally agree and an additional 59% agree that physical fitness is
important to their golf game
• While 47% of respondents have no physical limitations affecting their ability to play the
game, 32% have lower back issues, 15% have problems with their knees, 12% have
arthritis, and 11% have a problem with their shoulder.
• Among those who have physical ailments, 66% take pain medications to deal with it on
a regular basis, while 49% stretch and work it out for themselves. In addition, 80% of
those who have physical issues that impact their game indicated they did seek medical
attention for their physical problems.
• 84% of total respondents indicated they participate in some type of physical fitness
(golf or non-golf) at least once per week, with 31% of those doing so daily and 47% a
couple of times per week. Of those, 56% walk briskly for exercise, with 55% stretching
and 40% saying they lift weights.
• 78% of total respondents indicated they are at least somewhat interested in having a
fitness program designed for them to help improve their golf game, with 22% of those
saying they are very interested.
• Respondents who are interested in having a fitness program, expect them to include
stretching exercises specifically designed for golf (87%), muscle strengthening
exercises (86%) and strength and agility training (58%).
• Currently, 59% of total respondents indicated they spend a little time stretching before
a round, while 47% warm up their swing “a little” before teeing it up. Clearly, golfers
are not spending a lot of time on incorporating fitness routines into their everyday life
to improve their golf game.

Golf Schools
• Golf schools used to be primarily available on a national level, run by large
organizations or well-known golf professionals. While top teaching pros still have
attractive programs for instructing the golfer, many local grass roots professionals and
organizations also now run golf schools targeting specific needs of the player, such as
focusing on the short game, or putting, or new players.
• 25% of respondents have attended a golf school at some point in their lives, up from
16% the first time this question was asked in 2004 and up from 20% in 2010.
• The average 2016 respondent who has been to a golf school has attended 2.0 times,
up from 1.8 in 2010.
• 72% of those who have been to a golf school went more than five years ago, while 6%
went in the past year and 10% have been within the past two years.
• The typical golf school ended up costing an average of $793, which is on par with the
2010 results, but well below 2007 (pre-recession).
• When selecting a golf school, 79% indicated the location is important, followed by the
cost (69%) and the reputation of the lead instructor (65%).
• 81% of those who have ever attended a school rated their experience as at least good,
about on par with findings from all prior studies.

Web Based Instruction

• Only 15% of respondents have ever purchased or participated in online golf
instruction, with 31% of those having direct communications/interaction with
professionals/coaches.
• 73% of those who have had online golf instruction felt it was at least somewhat helpful
(12% said it was very helpful).
• While very few people had experience with having their swing analyzed on video, over
half (53%) of total respondents are at least somewhat interested in pursuing the
concept, with 12% very interested.
• Among those who have tried online golf instruction, Revolution Golf (15%) was used
most often, followed by Hank Haney University (10%).
• The average cost of online/web-based golf instruction was $57.
• 29% of total respondents are interested in using online instruction in the future, while
53% of those who have previously used the service said they were at least somewhat
likely to do so again.
Online Instruction Videos (like YouTube or other Golf Instruction Sites)
• 51% said they utilize online golf instruction video sites when they need help with their
swing, while 47% do so when looking for drills to try, and 35% when they are looking
for a quick fix.
• When asked to name a favorite online instruction (unaided), 75% of those who watch
golf instruction videos indicated they have no favorite, while Revolution Golf tops the
list as the most watched (5%), with Golf Channel/Golf Channel Academy (3%) second.
Clearly, this category has substantial upside, but minimal brand development to date.

Golf Teaching, Training & Practice Aids

• Alignment Aids (89%) are perceived as being the most effective at helping golfers
improve their game, followed by Electronic Swing Analyzers (84%), Portable Launch
Monitors (82%), Putting Aids (81%) and Golf Simulators (80%).
• 49% of total respondents indicated they would prefer a golf training aid that creates
muscle memory over 26% who would prefer to view their swings on video.
Traditional Teaching, Training & Practice Aids (Not including electronic or digital aids)
• While traditional teaching and training aids have been around for as long as anyone
can remember, every year there are new and improved products which appeal to the
golfer’s never ending desire to improve. New Digital, Wireless, Electronic products
and services have received a lot of the press and attention as they come down in price
to appeal to a broader cross segment of the population. However, a well-made, well
thought out traditional training and practice device still resonates with many golfers.
• 62% of all respondents indicated they have ever purchased a golf training or practice
aid, about the same as in 2010 (63%), but significantly above the first time this
question was investigated in 2004 (55%).
• On average, if someone has purchased at least one training/practice aid, they have
purchased an average of three. 43% of those who have ever purchased a training aid
indicated they use at least one of them regularly, indicating that they are perceived as
effective and helpful.
• The average price paid for a teaching/training aid was $51, lower than past studies
($61 and $64). .
• Respondents who have ever purchased a golf training/teaching aid were asked what is
the most they have ever paid and just as the mean price paid has declined, so has the
mean for the most paid, with the 2016 average being $95, $3 lower than last wave and
$12 lower than 2007. The consistency of these results would suggest that any
swing/training aid priced above $99 needs a truly Unique Selling Proposition that can
be easily explained and used.

Traditional Teaching, Training & Practice Aids (con’t)

• When asked to identify the best training aid they have ever purchased (unaided), 5%
indicated Medicus, 5% said Orange Whip and 4% said other putter training tools, with
no other product above 3%. The lack of ability to name other brands indicates how
fractured this segment truly is.
• Serious Golfers are most likely to buy teaching/training aids from either an Off Course
Specialty Shop (32%) or an Online Golf Retailer (32%), followed by a Sporting Goods
Store (26%) or direct from the manufacturer website (23%). Higher handicaps are
more likely than lower handicaps to buy their training aids in a Sporting Goods Store or
from an Infomercial as compared to lower handicaps are more likely to shop at the Off
Course Shop, the Online Golf Retailer, or direct from the manufacturer website.
• Most Serious Golfers still trust their own judgment (65%), for guidance when
evaluating a training/practice aid, with the local golf pro (41%) second and
friends/playing partners third (35%).
• Over half of all respondents who have ever purchased a training aid indicated they
believe it was at least good, while only 6% said it was excellent, slightly higher than
last wave, but not significantly different from 2007, suggesting that overall golfers have
mediocre satisfaction with the category.
• 43% of respondents indicated they are currently using a training/teaching aid regularly,
slightly higher than last wave (38%), but in the same range as prior waves (41%-45%).
• Among respondents who currently use training & practice aids, Orange Whip (14%)
is the most used, followed by a generic “weighted club” (10%), Momentus (6%),
Medicus (5%) and “Other putting trainers” (5%).

Digital Wireless Swing Analyzers

• While digital swing analyzers have been around for several years, they still remain a
relatively new technology without a broad base of users due to cost and complexity. In
this most recent study, only 14% have used a “motion capture device” at least
sometimes, with only 3% using one very often. For that reason, it is difficult to draw
many conclusions regarding the business of Digital Wireless Swing Analyzers.
• SkyCaddie Sky Pro has the highest awareness (36%), which may well be a reflection
of the strength of the “SkyCaddie” brand name, followed by Arccos Golf (33%), Game
Golf (15%), Zepp Golf (14%), Swing Byte (13%) and Garmin TruSwing (13%). Clearly,
this category has significant upside as golfers become more aware of the benefits of
the devices; however, to fully capture the imaginations (and wallets) of golfers the
devices will need to become easier to use.
• Only 9% of all respondents have purchased a digital wireless swing analyzer,

suggesting there is a wide open playing field available for competitors to make
inroads.
• Zepp Golf (27%) was the most purchased swing analyzer, followed by Swing Byte
(23%), Game Golf (15%) and Sky Caddie Sky Pro (15%).
• The average price paid for a wireless swing analyzer was $159, with 39% paying more
than $150 and 25% paying $100 or less.
• Direct from the manufacturer website (30%) is the most common channel for
purchasing a swing analyzer, followed by Online Golf Retailers (20%), Other Online
Retailers (i.e. amazon.com, overstock.com, etc.) (14%) and Off Course Specialty
Shops (10%).
• 60% of those who have purchased a digital swing analyzer consider their experience
to be at least good, with 18% rating it as excellent, while 13% rated it as poor or very
poor.
• 37% of those who have not bought a digital swing analyzer said they are at least
somewhat interested in buying one (2% very interested and 34% somewhat
interested), and are willing to pay on average $124.

Portable Launch Monitors

• Only 5% of respondents have ever purchased a portable launch monitor, and due to
the small size of the user base no deeper analysis of actual users/buyers can be
developed.
• Among those who have never purchased a portable launch monitor, 41% indicated
they would be at least somewhat interested (7% of those are very interested) and
willing to pay on average $183.
• The most popular data Serious Golfers are looking for from their digital wireless swing
analyzer or launch monitor include: swing path (81%), swing speed (80%) and face
angle at impact (73%).
• Lower handicaps are more interested than higher handicaps in swing speed, face
angle at impact, spin rate and smash factor, while higher handicaps are more likely to
be looking for swing tempo, down swing timing, and back swing timing.
Personal Golf Simulators

• Even fewer golfers have purchased a personal golf simulator (2%), so further analysis
on purchasers is not possible. While further detailed analysis of users and their
purchasing behavior is available within this report, the relatively small data set should
be used for direction only.
• Among those who have never purchased a personal golf simulator, 35% said they are
at least somewhat interested in buying one. These respondents would be willing to
pay up to $701.

Wearable Game Improvement Technologies (Not inducing Distance or GPS devices)

• Only 7% of all respondents have ever purchased some kind of wearable golf
technology that tracks golf stats. Once again, this is a concept that is still in the very
early stages of development and it is too soon to make any general insights into what
is happening in this product category.
• The average respondent, who has purchased wearable golf technology, spent about
$160.
• Serious Golfers are most likely to buy wearable golf technology direct from the
manufacturer’s website (29%) or from an Online Golf Retailer (20%) followed closely
by Off Course Golf Specialty Shop (19%).
• 73% of those who have purchased wearable golf technology say their experience was
at least good, with 30% saying it was excellent.
• Among those who have never purchased wearable golf technology, 32% are at least
somewhat interested with 3% of those very interested in buying. The average they are
willing to spend is $109.
• Given the relatively wide acceptance of wearable technology in the general population
via products like Fit Bit, it would make sense that this product category will have
substantial upside, however education and further product development will be crucial
to wide acceptance among the golfing public.

Golf-o-graphics
Demographic make-up of the full 1,570 respondents to the research study

Golf-o-graphics
Gender
2004 2007 2010 2016

Male 89% 89% 90% 91%
Female 11% 11% 10% 9%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
Consistent with studies of Serious Golfers conducted by Golf Datatech, roughly 9 of 10

respondents are male.
Age
2004 2007 2010 2016

Under 18 1% 0% 0% 0%
18-30 9% 5% 2% 4%
31-40 19% 20% 21% 10%
41-50 27% 28% 24% 27%
51-60 29% 33% 33% 31%
61-70 12% 12% 15% 17%
71+ 3% 3% 5% 11%
Mean: 47.0 47.6 48.9 52.3
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
The mean age for the current study was over 52 years of age, four years older than the 2010
study, but consistent with the aging of the golfing population.

Golf-o-graphics
Annual Rounds Played
2004 2007 2010 2016

15 or less 6% 7% 6% 6%
16-30 21% 19% 16% 18%
31-60 32% 32% 28% 30%
61-100 24% 23% 27% 24%
101-150 10% 11% 15% 14%
151+ 6% 7% 8% 8%
Mean: 62.6 65.0 71.8 69.7
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
The average respondent played about 70 rounds in the past year, about the same as in 2010
(72).
Handicap
2004 2007 2010 2016

5 or Under 11% 11% 11% 12%
6 - 10 21% 26% 24% 24%
11 - 15 27% 31% 30% 30%
16 - 20 18% 18% 20% 21%
21 - 25 11% 8% 10% 8%
26 - 30 6% 4% 3% 4%
31 - 36 3% 1% 1% 1%
36 or Higher 2% 1% 1% 1%
Mean: 15.0 13.4 13.5 13.1
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
The mean handicap for the survey was 13.1, slightly lower but within statistical norms
compared to 2007 and 2010.

Golf-o-graphics
Facility Played MOST OFTEN
2004 2007 2010 2016

Public 59% 57% 58% 59%
Private 18% 19% 22% 21%
Semi-Private 21% 22% 19% 18%
Resort 2% 1% 1% 1%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
Slightly more than 1 in 5 respondents play most of their golf at a Private Club, about the
same as 2010.
Combined Annual Household Income
2004 2007 2010 2016

Under $30,000 3% 1% 1% 1%
$31,000 to $50,000 10% 6% 6% 4%
$51,000 to $70,000 15% 11% 9% 10%
$71,000 to $90,000 15% 12% 12% 10%
$91,000 to $110,000 14% 15% 14% 11%
$111,000 to $130,000 6% 10% 8% 8%
$131,000 to $150,000 5% 7% 7% 9%
Over $150,000 12% 15% 16% 21%
Prefer not to answer 21% 23% 26% 25%
Mean: $90,645 $116.791 $112,443 $135,260
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
The average respondent has a combined annual household income of $135k per year,
substantially higher than in 2010 when the US population was still digging out from the
financial crisis of 2008-2009.

Golf-o-graphics
Estimate Annual Spending on Golf Instruction and Training Aids (lessons, golf
schools, videos/DVDs, instructional books, training aids, mobile apps, and
related swing analyzer and electronic technologies, etc.)
2007 2010 2016

Less than $100 52% 58% 60%
Around $200 19% 15% 16%
Around $300 8% 8% 8%
Around $400 4% 4% 3%
Around $500 6% 6% 4%
Around $600 2% 2% 2%
Around $700 1% 1% 1%
Around $800 1% 1% 1%
Around $900 0% 0% 0%
Around $1000 3% 2% 2%
More than $1,000 5% 3% 3%
Mean: $282 $234 $229
Base: 1692 1586 1570
Respondents to this study estimate that they spent an average of $229 annually on products
to help their golf game, slightly below 2010 ($234) and well below 2007 ($282). To put this in
context, a typical Golf Datatech respondent spent about $780 on golf equipment over the
past year.
Cross Tabs
2016 Results by Handicap
10 & 21 &
Under 11 to 15 16 to 20 Higher
Mean: $249 $217 $193 $259
Base: 564 468 324 214
In a unique twist, higher handicaps actually spent more ($259) than the lowest handicaps
($249), with those in the middle spending significantly less.

Research Results
On the Business of
Game Improvement Tools
The following pages represent the full survey data broken out by category and trended to
previous research results where appropriate.

Research Results
How important is your score/handicap to your enjoyment of the game?
2016
At Least Important 77%
Very important 24%
Important 53%
Neither important nor unimportant 16%
Not very important 5%
Not important at all 2%
Base: 1570
77% of respondents to the 2016 survey (first time it was asked) indicated their
score/handicap is at least important to their enjoyment of the game, with 24% saying it is very
important.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
At Least Important 89% 81% 65% 57%
Very important 38% 22% 11% 10%
Important 51% 59% 54% 47%
Neither important nor unimportant 8% 15% 24% 28%
Not very important 2% 3% 8% 9%
Not important at all 1% 1% 2% 6%
Base: 564 468 324 214
As one would expect, the lower the handicap the more likely a golfer is to say their
score/handicap is important to them.

Research Results
If you are playing poorly, which of the following are you likely to do?
(Select ALL that apply)
2016
Nothing, just keep playing 16%
Practice more 70%
Take a lesson with a PGA Professional 28%
Watch instructional videos online 21%
Read golf publications for instruction 21%
Watch Golf Channel instruction shows 18%
View instructional videos on YouTube 15%
Use a physical swing training aid 14%
Take and review digital video of your swing 13%
Take an online golf lesson 3%
Send video of your swing to your instructor 2%
Base: 1570
1 in 6 respondents indicated they are not likely to do much of anything when their game goes
south and they start playing poorly, while 7 in 10 will increase the level of their practice and
28% indicated they would likely take a lesson from a PGA Professional.

Research Results
If you are playing poorly, which of the following are you likely to do?
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Nothing, just keep playing 14% 15% 20% 20%
Practice more 76% 72% 64% 58%
Take a lesson with a PGA Professional 29% 26% 27% 28%
Take and review digital video of your swing 19% 12% 9% 7%
Read golf publications for instruction 18% 24% 25% 21%
Watch instructional videos online 17% 23% 26% 23%
Use a physical swing training aid 16% 17% 11% 8%
Watch Golf Channel instruction shows 14% 21% 21% 21%
View instructional videos on YouTube 12% 15% 19% 15%
Send video of your swing to your instructor 3% 1% 1% 0%
Take an online golf lesson 2% 3% 3% 5%
Base: 564 468 324 214
While the two lowest handicap segments are much more likely to practice more when they
are playing poorly, about 1 in 7 are still likely to do nothing…just keep playing.
When it comes to taking digital videos and analyzing them alone or with the help of someone
else, lower handicaps, who also have much more knowledge of their swing and game, are
most likely to use the technology.

Media Preferences
&
Game Improvement

Media Preferences & Game Improvement
Which of the following golf publications do you believe has the BEST
instructional articles for your game? (Select only ONE)
2007 2010 2016

Golf Digest 49% 51% 49%
Golf Magazine 28% 35% 28%
Golf Tips 6% 5% 3%
Golf Illustrated 3% 2% 2%
Golfweek 1% 1% 2%
SI Golf Plus 0% 0% 0%
Golf World 0% 0% --
Golf for Women 6% -- --
PGA Tour Partners 2% -- --
None of the above 5% 6% 16%
Base: 1384 1231 1570
Respondents who read golf magazines selected the single publication that provides the best
instructional articles for their particular game, and consistent with past results Golf Digest
(49%) was the overwhelming publication of choice, about on par with the prior two waves.
Golf Magazine was in second at 28%, down from 2010’s level (35%), but level with 2007.
It is important to note that the percentage who say they believe None of the above do the
best job has spiked from 6% to 16% since the last wave, reinforcing the notion Golf Datatech
sees regularly that fewer and fewer Serious Golfers are committed to getting a lot of their golf
information from traditional golf publications.

When do you typically go online to read golf instruction articles? (Select ALL
that apply)
2016
I don't typically go online to read golf instruction articles 47%
When I'm looking for drills 26%
When I need help will my swing 20%
When I'm looking for a quick fix 15%
When I need help with my short game 12%
When I need help with my putting 9%
When I need help getting out of a bunker 7%
Other 9%
Base: 1570
Asked for the first time in 2016, 47% of respondents said they don’t go online to read golf
instruction articles, while 26% do so to look for drills, and 20% when seeking out a swing fix.

When do you typically go online to read golf instruction articles? (Select ALL
that apply)
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
I don't typically go online to read golf
49% 46% 47% 45%
instruction articles
When I need help will my swing 16% 22% 24% 22%
When I need help with my putting 10% 8% 7% 8%
When I need help getting out of a
6% 8% 7% 9%
bunker
When I need help with my short game 10% 13% 12% 15%
When I'm looking for a quick fix 12% 16% 15% 18%
When I'm looking for drills 28% 27% 24% 19%
Other 10% 9% 7% 7%
Base: 564 468 324 214
Higher handicaps are slightly more likely to go looking for online help with their swing, while
the lowest handicaps are more likely to seek out drills.

Approximately, how often do you watch golf instruction on the Golf Channel?
2004 2007 2010 2016

At Least Once a Week 36% 35% 29% 27%
Daily 6% 5% 3% 2%
A few times a week 21% 18% 16% 17%
Once a week 9% 11% 9% 8%
A few times a month 21% 23% 24% 24%
Once a month 8% 11% 14% 13%
Almost Never 12% 19% 23% 27%
Never 23% 12% 10% 8%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
As more and more options to see golf instruction become available, Serious Golfers are less
likely to turn to the Golf Channel to see them, with the percent of lower handicaps who watch
at least once a week dropping from 36% in 2004 to only 27% in 2016.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Daily 2% 1% 2% 3%
Once a week 9% 8% 11% 4%
Once a month 13% 14% 11% 15%
Almost Never 27% 26% 31% 26%
Never 8% 6% 7% 17%
Base: 564 468 324 214
As one might expect, lower handicaps are most likely to seek golf instruction from the Golf
Channel.

Teaching Professionals
&
Golf Lessons
The following section provides Serious Golfers’ opinions of

Teaching Professionals and their own habits regarding Golf Lessons.

Teaching Professionals & Golf Lessons
Have you ever taken golf lessons from a teaching professional?
2004 2007 2010 2016

Yes 73% 76% 78% 80%
No 27% 24% 22% 20%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
8 in 10 respondents say they have ever taken a golf lesson from a teaching professional, up
for the third consecutive wave, rising from 73% in 2004, when it was first asked, to 80% this
wave.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Yes 83% 80% 78% 78%
No 17% 20% 22% 22%
Base: 564 468 324 214
Lower handicaps are slightly more likely to have ever taken a lesson from a Pro.

How important is it to you that your lessons are from a golf professional who is
a member of the PGA of America or LPGA?
2007 2010 2016

At Least Important 67% 67% 71%
Very important 35% 35% 34%
Important 32% 32% 38%
Neither Important nor unimportant 21% 20% 20%
Not important 6% 6% 5%
Not important at all 6% 7% 3%
Base: Ever taken a golf lesson 1281 1233 1263
The importance of a golfers’ teaching pro being part of the PGA or LPGA has risen from 67%
(at least important) in 2007 and 2010 to 71% in 2016, with those saying it is very important
dropped slightly to 34%.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
At Least Important 72% 73% 74% 64%
Very important 38% 33% 34% 25%
Important 34% 40% 39% 40%
Neither Important nor unimportant 19% 21% 19% 24%
Not important 6% 3% 5% 7%
Not important at all 3% 3% 3% 5%
Base: Ever taken a golf lesson 467 375 254 167
Those with handicaps above 20 are far less likely to believe it is important to have a PGA or
LPGA professional give them their lessons.

Cross Tab
The following crosstab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of those who think it is Very
Important or Important that their golf lessons are from a golf professional who is a member of
the PGA of America or LPGA compared to those respondents who think it is Not Important or
Not Important at all. Respondents that said Neither Important nor Unimportant were not
included in the analysis.
Importance Golf Pro is a PGA or LPGA

Member
Not
Very Important/Not
Important/Important Important at All
Gender 2016 2016
Male 89% 92%
Female 11% 8%
Mean Age 53.3 50.6
Mean Handicap 12.8 13.6
Mean Annual Rounds 73.6 67.6
Facility Play Most Often
Public 55% 58%
Private 25% 21%
Semi-Private 19% 20%
Resort 2% 1%
Combined HH Income $145K $139K
Est. Annual Amount Spent $283 $174
on Golf Instruction/Aids
Base: 903 105
Note: Some low bases, for direction only
Those who are more likely to believe it’s important to get lessons from a member of the
PGA/LPGA are more likely to be an older, better player who spends more on Golf
Instruction/Training Aids.

When was the last time you took golf lessons from a teaching professional?
2007 2010 2016

More than 5 years ago 21% 24% 26%
4 - 5 years ago 9% 9% 10%
2 - 3 years ago 15% 16% 16%
Within the past 13-24 months 16% 16% 17%
Within the past year 40% 35% 32%
Less than half of respondents who have ever taken a golf lesson, did so within the past two
years, while about one-third have done so with the past year.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
More than 5 years ago 26% 26% 27% 25%
4 - 5 years ago 7% 10% 11% 15%
2 - 3 years ago 14% 16% 18% 16%
Within the past 13-24 months 15% 16% 19% 18%
Within the past year 39% 32% 24% 27%
10 & under handicaps are most likely to have taken a lesson in the past year.

On average, how many golf lessons do you take per year?
2007 2010 2016

1 - 2 per year 42% 41% 38%
3 - 4 per year 28% 31% 29%
5 - 6 per year 15% 13% 18%
7 - 10 per year 9% 8% 6%
More than 10 per year 7% 7% 8%
Mean: 4.2 4.3 4.8
Base: Took a lesson within past year 506 434 408
Among those who took lessons in the past year, the average respondent said they took 4.8
lessons, substantially higher than the prior two waves (4.2 and 4.3).
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
1 - 2 per year 39% 46% 26% 36%
3 - 4 per year 28% 29% 35% 27%
5 - 6 per year 22% 9% 24% 18%
7 - 10 per year 6% 7% 5% 4%
More than 10 per year 6% 9% 10% 16%
Mean: 4.4 4.6 5.3 5.9
Base: Took a lesson within past year 181 120 62 45
Note: Low bases, for direction only

Which of the following types of lessons have you taken in the past year?
2007 2010 2016

Full swing lesson 79% 76% 83%
Short game lesson (chipping/sand/wedge play) 35% 41% 41%
Combined lessons (long and short game) 25% 25% 32%
Putting lesson 20% 25% 26%
Playing lesson / strategy (on a course) 14% 17% 20%
None in the past year -- -- 0%
Base: Took lesson within past year 506 434 408
Among those that took a lesson within the past year, more than 8 of 10 took a full swing
lesson, up from 76% in the previous wave. In addition, about a third took a combined lesson,
up substantially from the last two waves (25% each).
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Full swing lesson 86% 85% 79% 73%
Short game lesson (chipping/sand/wedge play) 41% 33% 48% 51%
Putting lesson 29% 18% 26% 36%
Combined lessons (long and short game) 27% 40% 29% 31%
Playing lesson / strategy (on a course) 19% 15% 29% 27%
None in the past year 0% 0% 0% 0%
Base: Took lesson within past year 181 120 62 45
*Low bases, for direction only

How much do you typically pay for an hour-long golf lesson? (If you purchase a
“package of lessons” please estimate the hourly rate)
2007 2010 2016

$50 per hour or less 44% 50% 41%
$60 15% 15% 16%
$70 11% 10% 10%
$80 9% 7% 9%
$90 4% 3% 4%
$100 13% 9% 14%
$110 1% 1% 0%
$120 2% 2% 2%
Over $120 per hour 2% 3% 3%
Mean: $59 $56 $63
Among those who have ever taken a golf lesson, the typical respondent pays about
$63/hour, up from $56 in 2010.

How much do you typically pay for an hour-long golf lesson? (If you purchase a
“package of lessons” please estimate the hourly rate)
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Mean: $70 $60 $60 $55
Lower handicaps pay substantially more for their lessons.
By those who Took Lessons within the Past Year
2007 2010 2016
Mean: $69 $69 $73

Base: Lesson within past year 506 434 408
Among those who have taken a lesson within the past year, the average rate was $73, a full
$10 higher than the results for the full responding base.

How many times have you had your swing digitally recorded and analyzed by an
instructor?
2016
Never 27%
Once 20%
A couple times 27%
Several times 18%
Regularly 7%
At Least Several Times 25%
Base: Ever taken a golf lesson 1263
27% have never had their swing digitally recorded and analyzed, while 25% are at the other
end of the spectrum and have had it done several times or regularly.
How useful do you find this digital analysis of your swing?
2016
At Least Somewhat Useful 94%
Very Useful 53%
Somewhat Useful 41%
Not Very Useful 5%
Not Useful At All 1%
Base: Ever taken a golf lesson & had swing digitally recorded 917
94% of those who have had their swings recorded digitally found it to be at least somewhat
useful and 53% found it very useful.

Cross Tab
The following crosstab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of those who have never had
their swing digitally recorded and analyzed by those respondents who have done so to see
the similarities and differences.
Swing Digitally Recorded and

Analyzed
Never had Had Swing
Swing Digitally Digitally
Recorded Recorded
Gender 2016 2016
Male 92% 89%
Female 8% 11%
Mean Age 54.7 52.0
Public 62% 54%
Private 18% 25%
Resort 1% 2%
Base: 346 917
Those who have had their swing digitally recorded and analyzed tend to be:
• Younger (52.0 vs. 54.7 years old)

• Better players (12.3 handicap vs. 14.6)
• Higher Household Income ($154k/year vs. $113k)
• Spend almost 3x as much on Training/Instruction Aids ($321 vs. $116)

Which of the following best describes why you have never had a lesson from a
teaching professional? (Select ALL that apply)
2007 2010 2016

I'm self-taught and like it that way 38% 39% 50%
Too expensive 49% 53% 45%
I have friends/family members who help me out 16% 14% 15%
I get my lessons from articles, books, videos, etc. 19% 15% 14%
I don't care that much 6% 8% 8%
Too intimidating 10% 10% 5%
I don't need lessons 2% 2% 2%
Other 17% 16% 11%
Base: Never took lessons 411 353 307
Among those 307 respondents who have never had a lesson, 50% say they are self-taught
and 45% see them as too expensive.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
I'm self-taught and I like it that way 68% 48% 44% 21%
Too expensive 31% 46% 54% 60%
I have friends/family members who help
20% 16% 7% 17%
me out
I get my lessons from articles, books,
14% 17% 11% 13%
videos, etc.
I don't care that much 4% 8% 10% 13%
I don't need lessons 3% 3% 1% 0%
Too intimidating 1% 4% 6% 11%
Other 7% 14% 9% 15%
Base: Never took lessons 97 93 70 47
Note: Low bases, for direction only

Cross Tab
The following crosstab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of those who have never taken
a lesson by those respondents who have taken a lesson from a teaching professional in the
past year and with the past two years.
Golf Lessons
Never Took Lesson Took Lesson
Took Lessons Past Year Past 2 Years
Gender 2016 2016 2016
Male 98% 86% 87%
Female 2% 14% 13%
Mean Age 50.8 53.3 52.9
Mean Handicap 13.6 12.0 12.5
Mean Annual Rounds 60.9 84.5 79.7
Public 74% 45% 48%
Private 9% 34% 31%
Semi-Private 15% 19% 18%
Resort 1% 2% 2%
Combined HH Income $106K $168K $161K
Est. Annual Amt. Spent
$83 $507 $420
Base: 307 408 617
Those who have taken lessons in the past year are more likely to be lower handicaps, more
likely to be female, are slightly older, more affluent, and more likely to play their golf at a
Private Golf Club compared to those who have never taken a lesson.

Below is a list of teaching professional. Please select all of the names that you
associate as a TOP teaching professional in America. (Select ALL that apply)
2016
Butch Harmon 94%
Hank Haney 84%
David Leadbetter 83%
Dave Pelz 78%
Jim McClean 59%
Sean Foley 54%
Michael Breed 52%
Rick Smith 46%
Martin Hall 39%
Mike Bender 19%
Chuck Cook 15%
Todd Anderson 10%
None of the above 2%
Base: 1570
The perceived TOP 4 teaching professionals clearly separate themselves from the rest of the
pack, led by Butch Harmon (94%), Hank Haney (84%), David Leadbetter (83%) and Dave
Pelz (78%) all recognized more frequently than the remaining professionals.

Practice Patterns
This section investigates Serious Golfer’s frequency of practice, types of

practice as well as opinions of practicing patterns as a whole.

Practice Patterns
How often do you practice your full swing using real golf balls at a range or on a
golf course during the golf season?
2004 2007 2010 2016

Daily 4% 3% 4% 3%
Once a week 21% 20% 19% 18%
Once a month 9% 11% 10% 12%
Almost Never 10% 10% 11% 12%
Never 1% 0% 1% 1%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
52% of Serious Golfers indicated they practice at least once per week their full swing, the
lowest of any wave since 2004.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Daily 7% 1% 1% 0%
Once a week 18% 19% 17% 18%
Once a month 7% 13% 14% 15%
Almost never 5% 11% 20% 18%
Never 0% 1% 2% 4%
Base: 564 468 324 214
As one would expect, the better the player, the lower the handicap and the more they
practice.

Practice Patterns
How often do you practice your short game/chipping/sand game using real golf
balls at a practice facility or on the course during the golf season?
2004 2007 2010 2016

Daily 4% 4% 5% 4%
Once a week 19% 17% 18% 17%
Once a month 10% 9% 9% 11%
Almost Never 11% 12% 12% 12%
Never 1% 1% 1% 1%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
51% said they practice their short game/chipping/sand game at least once per week during
the golf season, a significant decline from 56% in 2010.
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Daily 7% 3% 1% 0%
Once a week 16% 18% 16% 17%
Once a month 8% 12% 15% 13%
Almost never 6% 12% 17% 19%
Never 0% 1% 2% 3%
Base: 564 468 324 214
Better players are even more likely to practice their short game more often than higher
handicaps.

Practice Patterns
When do you practice indoors into a net with a simulator?
2016
Never 77%
During the “off season” 18%
During the golf season 1%
Year round 4%
Base: 1570
77% of respondents never practice inside into a net with a simulator, while 18% do so during
the “off season” and 4% do it year round.
How useful do you find practicing or taking a lesson in a net with a simulator?
2016
At Least Somewhat Useful 87%
Very useful 23%
Somewhat useful 64%
Not very useful 13%
Not useful at all 0%
Base: Practiced indoors into a net with a simulator 366
Among those who use a net with a simulator to practice indoors, 87% said they find it to be at
least somewhat useful.

Practice Patterns
Please rate the following how much you agree or disagree with each statement.
I would play better if I practiced more.

2007 2010 2016
Totally Agree 61% 55% 48%
Agree 34% 39% 45%
Disagree 5% 5% 7%
Totally Disagree 0% 1% 1%
Base: 1692 1586 1570
Fewer 2016 respondents believe they would be better if they practiced more, down from 61%
in 2007 to only 48% in 2016.
I love to practice.
2007 2010 2016
Agree 48% 47% 46%
Disagree 22% 25% 26%
Base: 1692 1586 1570
There has been very little change in perceptions of how much golfers enjoy practicing.
Practice bores me.

2007 2010 2016
Agree 20% 24% 23%
Base: 1692 1586 1570
More respondents disagree with the statement; practice bores me, suggesting the majority of
Serious Golfers get some level of enjoyment from their practice time.

Practice Patterns
I don’t care enough about my score to practice frequently.

2007 2010 2016
Agree 9% 8% 12%
Base: 1692 1586 1570
Serious Golfers seriously want to get better…and understand the place of practice in
improvement.
Physical fitness is important to my golf game.

2016
Totally Agree 34%
Agree 59%
Disagree 7%
Totally Disagree 0%
Base: 1570
93% of respondents at least agree that physical fitness is important to their golf game. This
question has not been asked in prior studies.

Practice Patterns
Cross Tab
I would play better if I practiced more.
10 & 21 &
Totally Agree 49% 46% 49% 46%
Agree 41% 47% 46% 50%
Disagree 9% 6% 5% 4%
Totally Disagree 1% 1% 0% 0%
Base: 564 468 324 214
I love to practice.
10 & 21 &
Agree 45% 50% 47% 43%
Disagree 20% 27% 29% 36%
Base: 564 468 324 214
I don’t care enough about my score to practice frequently.
10 & 21 &
Agree 4% 12% 19% 22%
Disagree 36% 52% 45% 52%
Base: 564 468 324 214

Practice Patterns
Cross Tab
Practice bores me.
10 & 21 &
Agree 18% 25% 26% 32%
Disagree 48% 52% 47% 47%
Base: 564 468 324 214
Physical fitness is important to my golf game.
10 & 21 &
Agree 53% 62% 65% 59%
Disagree 6% 6% 9% 8%
Base: 564 468 324 214

Practice Patterns
In your opinion, what area of your game needs the MOST help or would benefit
the most from practice, lessons, or instructional aids and technologies?
2007 2010 2016

Iron play 27% 31% 27%
Driving the ball 19% 16% 19%
Putting 13% 12% 11%
Chipping 13% 12% 11%
Wedge game 11% 12% 9%
Sand game 6% 6% 6%
Mental game -- -- 6%
Fairway woods 6% 6% 5%
Course Management 6% 5% 5%
Base: 1692 1586 1570
Respondents continue to feel that they need the most help on their iron game (27%), similar
to prior results where it also was rated first, with driving the ball second (19%).

Practice Patterns
In your opinion, what area of your game needs the MOST help or would benefit
most from practice, lessons, or instructional aids and technologies?
Cross Tabs
10 & 21 &
Iron play 26% 29% 31% 17%
Driving the ball 17% 20% 19% 24%
Putting 16% 9% 7% 7%
Chipping 10% 12% 12% 10%
Sand game 9% 4% 6% 6%
Mental game 8% 6% 6% 4%
Wedge game 7% 11% 8% 10%
Fairway woods 4% 5% 5% 12%
Course Management 2% 4% 6% 9%
Base: 564 468 324 214
Higher handicaps are more likely to indicate they are interested in driving the ball better,
while lower handicaps are more likely to believe iron play is their greatest opportunity.

Physical Wellness & Fitness
This new set of questions focuses on the Serious Golfer

and their physical wellness and fitness habits as it pertains to their golf game.

Which of the following physical problems affect your ability to play golf as
frequently as you would like? (Select ALL that apply)
2016
Lower Back 32%
Knee 15%
Arthritis 12%
Shoulder 11%
Tendonitis 7%
Feet 6%
Neck 5%
Hip 5%
Wrist 4%
Hand 3%
Upper Back 3%
Ankle 2%
Finger 2%
Other 4%
Base: 1017
Note: This data was sourced from a Study done for the 2017 PGA Show, sponsored and funded by Reed
Exhibitions.
Over half of Serious Golfers (similar Golf-o-graphics to this study) said they have physical
issues that affect their ability to play golf as frequently as they would like. Among those with
physical problems, lower back issues are most common (32%), followed by knees (15%),
arthritis (12%) and shoulder (11%).

How do you typically deal with these physical problems while playing golf?
2016
Take pain medication 66%
Stretch/work it out myself 49%
Ignore them 33%
Rest 18%
Play less than I would like 17%
Other 6%
Base: Have physical problems that impact game 542
Exhibitions.
The most common method for dealing with these physical problems while playing golf include
taking pain meds (66%) and stretching/working it out on myself (49%).
Have you ever sought medical attention for these physical problems?
2016
Yes 80%
No 20%
Base: Have physical problems that impact game 542
Exhibitions.
8 in 10 respondents who say they have medical issues that impact their game have sought
out medical attention to try and deal with them so they can play pain free.

How often do you participate in any type of physical fitness activity (golf or non-
golf)?
2016
At Least Once a Week 84%
Daily 31%
Couple times a week 47%
Once a week 6%
Couple times a month 5%
Once a month 1%
Rarely 9%
Never 1%
Base: 1017
Exhibitions.
84% of respondents participate in any type of physical activity at least once a week, with 47%
do it a couple of times a week and 31% do so daily.

Which of the following physical activities, do you participate in at least weekly?

2016
Walking (Briskly) 56%
Stretching 55%
Lifting weights 40%
Other types of aerobic exercise 26%
Running/Jogging 19%
Biking 17%
Yoga 8%
Pilates 2%
Other 16%
Base: Participate in Physical Activity at least weekly 850
Exhibitions.
The most common physical activities that Serious Golfers participate in beyond golf at least
weekly include brisk walking (56%), stretching (55%) and lifting weights (40%).

How interested are you in having a physical fitness program designed to help
you play better golf?
2016
At Least Somewhat Interested 78%
Very interested 22%
Somewhat interested 55%
Not very interested 18%
Not interested at all 4%
Base: 1017
Exhibitions.
78% of Serious Golfers are at least somewhat interested in having a physical fitness program
designed to help them play better, with 22% very interested.
What type of exercise components would you like to see included in a fitness
program that helps your golf game/swing? (Select ALL that apply)
2016
Stretching exercises specifically for Golf 87%
Muscle strengthening exercises for Golf 86%
Strength and agility training 58%
Yoga/Pilates for core muscle development 34%
Stamina 31%
Other 1%
Base: 789
Exhibitions.
Stretching (87%) and muscle strengthening (86%) exercised specifically for golf are the areas
where Serious Golfers are most interested, followed by strength and agility training (58%).

Which of the following best describes how you incorporate physical fitness into
your approach to the game of golf? (Select all that apply)
2016
I spend a little time stretching before a round 59%
I warm up my swing a little before a round 47%
I do specific exercises to increase my overall flexibility 33%
I do cardio workouts to improve my fitness 31%
I warm up my swing up thoroughly before a round 28%
I thoroughly stretch before a round 24%
I incorporate some golf specific workouts into routine fitness program 21%
I barely warm up my swing before a round 12%
I have a regular golf fitness routine 12%
I do yoga as part of my golf fitness routine 6%
Base: 1570
59% of respondents indicated they spend a little time stretching before a round, while 47%
take the time to warm up their swing before a round, 33% do specific exercises to increase
flexibility and 31% do cardio workouts to improve their overall level of fitness.

Golf Schools
The following pages examine the frequency and experiences attending Golf Schools.

Golf Schools
Have you ever attended a golf school?
2004 2007 2010 2016

Yes 16% 18% 20% 25%
No 84% 82% 80% 75%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
1 in 4 Serious Golfers indicated they have attended at least one golf school in their golfing
lives, substantially higher than in any of the previous waves of this study.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Yes 24% 27% 23% 28%
No 76% 73% 77% 72%
Base: 564 468 324 214
The distribution by handicap is relatively equal, ranging from 23% (16 to 20) to 28% (21+
handicaps).

Golf Schools
How many times have you attended a golf school?
2004 2007 2010 2016

Once 64% 67% 61% 56%
2 - 3 times 31% 24% 30% 33%
4 - 5 times 3% 5% 6% 6%
More than 5 times 2% 4% 3% 5%
Mean: 1.7 1.7 1.8 2.0
Base: Attended a golf school 299 297 323 396
The vast majority of respondents who have been to a golf school have only attended one,
however that percentage has been declining over the past nine years, dropping from 67% to
only 56% in this most recent wave.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Once 59% 54% 56% 52%
2 - 3 times 32% 35% 33% 33%
4 - 5 times 7% 5% 5% 7%
More than 5 times 3% 6% 5% 8%
Note: Very small base, for direction only

Golf Schools
When did you last attend a golf school?
2016
More than 5 years ago 72%
4 - 5 years ago 10%
2 - 3 years ago 8%
Within the past 13-24 months 4%
Within the past year 6%
Base: Attended a golf school 396
While the percentage of golfers who have been to a golf school has increased, the
percentage that went a long time ago is fairly large (72% over 5 years ago).

Golf Schools
How much do you typically spend on a single golf school visit (omitting any
travel expenses)?
2007 2010 2016

Less than $500 32% 32% 41%
$500 - $750 22% 26% 20%
$751-$1,000 19% 15% 14%
$1,001-$1,250 9% 11% 7%
$1,251-$1,500 6% 7% 8%
$1,501-$1,750 3% 3% 3%
$1,751-$2,000 2% 2% 4%
$2,001-$2,500 4% 2% 2%
$2,501-$3,000 3% 1% 2%
Over $3,000 1% 2% 1%
Mean: $850 $804 $793

Base: Attended a golf school 297 323 396
Among those who have ever been to a golf school, the average amount typically spent on a
single golf school visit, is just under $800, only slightly below the 2010 result, but well below
the 2007 result.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Mean: $930 $762 $697 $663
Lower handicap players are more likely to spend more on golf schools than those with higher
handicaps.

Golf Schools
When selecting a golf school, which of the following criteria are important to
you? (Select ALL that apply)
2016
Location of school 79%
Cost 69%
Reputation of instructor 65%
Golf course/facilities 53%
Weather in the area 34%
High tech swing analysis tools 31%
Lodging (if you travel) 27%
High quality video 19%
Attendance/appearance by the lead instructor (often the “name” 17%
on the school)
Innovative shot tracking equipment 17%
Things to do in the area beyond Golf 8%
Base: Attended a golf school 396
When evaluating a golf school to potentially attend, the location is at the top of the list (79%),
followed by cost (69%) and the reputation of the instructor (65%).

Golf Schools
Overall, how would you describe your past golf school experience?
2004 2007 2010 2016

At Least Good 83% 80% 82% 81%
Excellent 38% 38% 39% 29%
Good 45% 42% 43% 52%
Fair 12% 14% 15% 17%
Poor 3% 5% 2% 2%
Very Poor 2% 2% 1% 0%
Among the respondents who have attended a golf school, 81% rate their experience at least
good, with 29% saying it was excellent. While the percentage rating their experience as at
least good has stayed relatively level through the years, the percentage saying it was
excellent was down significantly in this most recent wave (29% vs.39% last wave).

Golf Schools
Overall, how would you describe your past golf school experience?
Cross Tab
By How Many Times Attend Golf School

2-3 More than
Once Times 4 Times
Excellent 20% 35% 52%
Good 54% 53% 39%
Fair 23% 11% 9%
Poor 3% 1% 0%
Very Poor 0% 1% 0%
Base: 220 132 44
As one would expect, golfers who have excellent experiences at Golf Schools are more likely
to attend frequently.

Golf Schools
Cross Tab
The following crosstab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of those who have never
attend a golf school by those respondents who have attend a golf school.
Attend Golf School

Never
Attended Attended
Gender 2016 2016
Male 93% 87%
Female 7% 13%
Mean Age 51.5 54.8
Public 63% 50%
Private 18% 28%
Resort 1% 2%
Base: 1174 396
Key Attributes of Golf School Attendees and Never Attended:
• Serious Female Golfers are far more likely to have attended a golf school (13% of
Attendees are Female compared to only 7% of those who have never attended)
• Golf School Attendees are older (Mean age of 54.8 compared to 51.5 for never
attended)
• Attendees play a lot more often (81 rounds vs. 66 rounds)
• Attendees more likely to be Private Club Players (28% vs. 18%)
• Attendees have a much higher Average Household Income ($156k vs. $129k)
• Spend more than twice as much on Golf instruction/Training Aids ($372 vs. $181)

Web Based Golf Instruction
&
Online Instruction Videos
A new line of questioning investigates purchase and usage of
Web Based & Online Instruction Video Viewership.

Have you ever purchased or participated in online golf instruction?
2016
Yes 15%
No 85%
Base: 1570
Just under 1 in 6 respondents have purchased or participated in an online golf instruction

program.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Yes 14% 15% 16% 21%
No 86% 85% 84% 79%
Base: 564 468 324 214
Usage of online golf instruction skews slightly toward the higher handicap range.

Please provide the names of ALL online golf instruction you participated in or
have purchased access? (Unaided)
2016
Revolution Golf 15%
Hank Haney University 10%
Darrell Klassen 2%
Graves Golf 2%
PGA.com 2%
V1 2%
Mike Bender 2%
Golf Channel Golf Academy 2%
Tathata 2%
Michael Breed 1%
Butch Harmon 1%
Jim McLean 1%
Sean Foley 1%
Bobby Clampett 1%
Shawn Humphries 1%
Dave Pelz 1%
Golf Fix Finder 1%
Swing Surgeon 1%
RG Golf 1%
Various YouTube Videos 1%
Other 16%
Don't recall name 34%
BASE: Participated/purchased online golf instruction 243
34% of respondents don’t recall what program/system they used for online golf instruction,
suggesting the category is highly fragmented and the sites have yet to clearly identify/brand
themselves to the Serious Golfer, never mind among the Casual player.
Revolution Golf is the site/program used most frequently (15%), followed by Hank Haney
University (10%), with no other site above 2%.

Have the online golf instruction included direct interaction with golf
professionals or coaches? In other words, could you communicate with them
via email, Face Time, video, chat?
2016
Yes 31%
No 69%
Base: Participated/purchased online instruction 243
Among those who have used online golf instruction, 31% had direct interaction with golf
professionals/coaches, communicating and interacting with them via email, Face Time, video,
chat.
In your opinion, how would you describe the results of your online golf
instruction with regards to helping your golf game?
2016
At Least Somewhat Helpful 73%
Very helpful 12%
Somewhat helpful 61%
Neither helpful or not helpful 14%
Not very helpful 11%
Not helpful at all 1%
Base: Participated/purchased online golf instruction 243
Only 12% of those who have used online golf instruction consider it to be very helpful with
regards to helping their golf game, with 61% saying it was somewhat helpful, suggesting the
results are OK, but not exceptional.

How much did the online/web-based golf instruction cost?
2016
Less than $20 32%
$20-$40 18%
$41-$60 15%
$61-$80 9%
$81-$100 14%
$101-$120 3%
$121-$140 1%
$141-$160 2%
$161-$180 1%
$181-$200 3%
Over $200 2%
Mean: $57
Base: Participated/purchased online golf instruction 243
Typical online/web-based golf instruction averaged about $57, with 50% costing $40 or less
and 12% costing $101 or more.

How likely are you to participate in online golf instruction in the future?
2016
At Least Somewhat Likely 29%
Very likely 3%
Somewhat likely 26%
Not very likely 49%
Not likely at all 22%
Base: 1570
29% of the full survey indicated they were at least somewhat likely to participate in online golf
instruction in the future, suggesting that for this category to grow substantially it will need to
change this paradigm.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
At Least Somewhat Likely 29% 29% 28% 26%
Very likely 4% 2% 2% 3%
Somewhat likely 26% 27% 26% 23%
Not very likely 46% 51% 49% 55%
Not likely at all 24% 20% 22% 19%
Base: 564 468 324 214

How likely are you to participate in online golf instruction in the future?
Cross Tab
By Past Participation
Have
Have Not
At Least Somewhat Likely 53% 24%
Very likely 12% 1%
Somewhat likely 41% 23%
Not very likely 38% 52%
Not likely at all 9% 24%
Base: 243 1327
Those who have participated in online golf instruction are more than twice as likely, as those
who have not, to say they are at least somewhat likely to participate in online golf instruction
in the future. Getting Serious Golfers to initially try online instruction is crucial to growing this
segment of the business.

Cross Tab
The following crosstab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of those who have never
participated/purchased in online golf instruction by those respondents who have
participated/purchased.
Online Golf Instruction

Never
Participated/ Participated
Purchased /Purchased
Gender 2016 2016
Male 91% 95%
Female 9% 5%
Mean Age 52.0 54.2
Facility Play Most Often 60%
Public 21% 58%
17%
Private 18%
2%
Semi-Private 23%
Resort $135K 1%
Combined HH Income $219 $137K
Est. Annual Amount Spent on 1327
$288
Golf Instruction/Aids
Base: 243
The relatively low bar for participation in online golf instruction makes it more available to
“average” Serious Golfers, thus the differences between those who have tried it and haven’t
are relatively minor. Suzanne: except the # of rounds are very different, not sure if worth
noting

When do you typically watch instruction videos on YouTube or other golf

instruction websites? (Select ALL that apply)
2016
When I need help with my swing 51%
When I'm looking for drills 47%
When I'm looking for a quick fix 35%
When I need help with my short game 26%
When I need help with my putting 17%
When I need help getting out of a bunker 16%
To compare my swing to professionals 8%
Base: Watch Instruction videos 802
Among those who watch instruction videos, respondents typically watch when they need help
with their swing (51%), 47% when looking for drills and 35% when looking for a quick fix to
their golfing problems.

What is the name of your favorite YouTube or golf instructional website?

(Leave blank if you do not have a favorite) (Unaided)
2016
No Favorite 75%
Revolution Golf 5%
Golf Channel/Golf Channel Academy 3%
Hank Haney 2%
Michael Breed / Golf Fix 2%
Mark Crossfield 1%
Me and My Golf 1%
pga.com 1%
Rick Shiels 1%
Other 9%
Base: Watch golf instruction 802
The online golf instruction business remains highly fragmented, with 75% of those who say
they watch them indicating they have no favorite. Revolution Golf is the site mentioned as
the favorite by the most respondents, however only 5% selected it, with Golf Channel/Golf
Channel Academy second (3%).

How often do you send video of your swing to an instructor for analysis?
2016
At Least Sometimes 2%
Very often 0%
Sometimes 2%
Not very often 4%
Hardly every 7%
Never 86%
Base: 1570
Only 14% of total respondents have any experience with sending video of their swing to an
instructor for analysis.
How interested are you in sharing a video of your swing and having it analyzed
by a golf professional that can provide feedback?
2016
Very interested 12%
Neither interested or disinterested 16%
Base: 1570
While very few people have experience with having their swing analyzed on video, over half
(53%) of total respondents are at least somewhat interested in pursuing the concept, with
12% very interested.

Cross Tab
The following crosstab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of those who are Very or
Somewhat Interested in sharing a video of their swing and having it analyzed by a golf pro to
provide feedback by those respondents who are Not Very or Not Interested at All. Neither
Interested nor Disinterested was not included in this analysis.
Interest in Sharing Video of Your

Swing with Golf Pro
Not Very/Not
Very/Somewhat
Interested at
Interested in
All in Sharing
Sharing Video
Video
Gender 2016 2016
Male 92% 90%
Female 8% 10%
Mean Age 51.2 54.2
Public 61% 60%
Private 19% 22%
Resort 1% 2%
Est. Annual Amount Spent on $244 $212
Golf Instruction/Aids
Base: 828 486
There was very little difference between those who are interested in using/sharing video of
their swing with a golf professional vs. those who are not interested.


When thinking of training/teaching aids, how effective do you feel each of the
following types of practice aids are in helping a golfer improve their game?
SUMMARY TABLE
2016
At Least
Effective
Alignment Aids 89%
Electronic Swing Analyzers 84%
Portable Launch Monitors 82%
Putting Aids 81%
Golf Simulators 80%
Weighted Swing Trainers 72%
Swing Arc Aids 59%
Grip Aids 58%
Hinged Swing Trainers 57%
Wearable Stat Trackers 55%
Impact Bags/Bean Bags 46%
Swing Jackets 26%
Among those who had an opinion, bases vary see individual questions
Alignment Aids are perceived as being the most effective by 89% of respondents with an
opinion, followed by Electronic Swing Analyzers (84%), Portable Launch Monitors (82%),
Putting Aids (81%) and Simulators (80%). At the other end of the spectrum and getting
approval by less than half of respondents were Impact Bags/Bean Bags (46%) and Swing
Jackets (26%).

Hinged Swing Trainers

2016
At Least Somewhat Effective 57%
Very effective 8%
Somewhat effective 49%
Neither effective or ineffective 19%
Not very effective 17%
Not effective at all 7%
Base: Among those who had an opinion 1001
Weighted Swing Trainers

2016
Very effective 15%
Putting Aids
2016
Very effective 24%

Alignment Aids
2016
Very effective 43%
Impact Bags/Bean Bags

2016
Very effective 8%
Swing Jackets
2016
Very effective 5%

Grip Aids
2016
Very effective 12%
Swing Arc Aids

2016
Very effective 12%
Portable Launch Monitors

2016
Very effective 47%

Electronic Swing Analyzers

2016
Very effective 43%
Wearable Stat Trackers

2016
Very effective 16%
Base: Among those who had an opinion
976
Golf Simulators
2016
Very effective 35%

Which of the following would you prefer in a golf training aid?
2016
Using a device that creates muscle memory 49%
Viewing your swing on video 26%
Viewing a computer model of your swing 14%
Using a device that creates visual memory 11%
Base: 1570
When given a defined list of options regarding what they might seek in a golf training aid,
49% said they would prefer a device that creates muscle memory, while 26% lean toward
viewing their swing on video, and 14% viewing a computer model of their swing.

Traditional
(NOT inducing electronic or digital aids)
Suzanne: pretty sure incuding above should be including, but who
knows maybe there are inducing electronic aids 

Have you EVER purchased a golf training or practice aid? (For example,
equipment designed to assist with swing training, putting assistance, etc. not
including electronic or digital training aids)
2004 2007 2010 2016

Yes 55% 59% 63% 62%
No 45% 41% 37% 38%
Base: 1848 1692 1586 1570
62% of respondents indicated they have purchased a golf training or practice aid at some
point in their golfing life, about the same as last wave (63%).
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Yes 68% 62% 56% 58%
No 32% 38% 44% 42%
Base: 564 468 324 214
As one would expect, the lower handicap players are more likely to utilize training or practice
aids.

Approximately, how many golf training/practice aids have you ever purchased?
2004 2007 2010 2016

One 31% 18% 16% 15%
Two or three 48% 52% 53% 56%
Four or five 13% 18% 19% 17%
Six or more 8% 12% 12% 11%
Mean: 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0

Base: Ever purchased a golf
1009 1002 1005 977
training/practice aid
Since 2007, the results of this question have been consistent, with the average respondent
purchasing 3 training/practice aids during their life Suzanne: change during their life to so
far?.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
One 14% 13% 18% 22%
Two or three 52% 62% 56% 60%
Four or five 19% 15% 19% 11%
Six or more 15% 10% 7% 7%
Mean: 3.4 3.1 2.9 2.8
381 291 180 125
Lower handicaps purchased more training aids/practice devices.

On average, how much have you paid for a golf training/practice aid?
2004 2007 2010 2016

Less than $10 3% 1% 1% 2%
$10 - $20 13% 6% 8% 8%
$21 - $30 15% 9% 13% 12%
$31 - $40 14% 7% 9% 11%
$41 - $50 11% 12% 14% 17%
Over $50 44% -- -- --
$51 - $60 -- 7% 10% 12%
$61 - $70 -- 6% 5% 5%
$71 - $80 -- 7% 6% 7%
$81 - $90 -- 5% 3% 4%
$91 - $100 -- 18% 18% 15%
$101 - $125 -- 13% 6% 5%
$126 - $150 -- 3% 2% 1%
Over $151 -- 6% 5% 1%
Mean: $64 $61 $51
1009 1002 1005 977
The average cost of a golf training/practice aid is $51, a drop of $10 since the last wave when
the mean was $61.

To the best of your recollection, what is the MOST you have ever paid for a golf
training/practice aid? (Unaided)
2004 2007 2010 2016

$0 - $20 13% 7% 7% 6%
$21 - $40 18% 12% 13% 17%
$41 - $60 14% 13% 17% 20%
$61 - $80 14% 12% 11% 13%
$81 - $100 25% 25% 26% 25%
$101 - $300 15% 29% 23% 18%
$301 or more 1% 1% 2% 1%
Don’t recall 1% 0% 1% --
Mean: $80 $107 $98 $95

1009 1002 1005 977
Respondents who have ever purchased a golf training/teaching aid were asked what is the
most they have ever paid for it, and just as the mean price paid has declined, so has the
mean for the most paid, with the 2016 average being $95, $3 lower than last wave and $12
lower than 2007.
The consistency of these results would suggest that any swing/training aid priced above $99
needs a truly Unique Selling Proposition that can be easily explained and used.

In your opinion, what is the name of the BEST training/instructional aid you
have ever purchased? (Unaided)
2004 2007 2010 2016

Medicus 17% 13% 13% 5%
Orange Whip -- -- 1% 5%
Other putting trainers 4% 2% 1% 4%
Momentus 12% 8% 4% 3%
Other swing trainer 5% 3% 2% 3%
Weighted club 3% 3% 2% 3%
Alignment Stick -- -- 1% 3%
Other electronic aids -- -- -- 2%
Inside Approach 4% 3% 2% 1%
Driving net 2% 1% 1% 1%
Dave Pelz Training Aids 2% 1% 0% 1%
Leadbetter Training Aids -- 3% 2% 0%
Videos/books 3% 2% 2% 0%
Speed Stick -- 2% 1% 0%
Kallassy’s Swing Magic 4% 1% 0% 0%
Grip trainer 2% 0% 0% 0%
Base: 1009 1002 1005 977
No other trended mentions greater than 2%
This question was unaided and asked of the respondents who have purchased a
teaching/training aid. While the question stressed teaching and training aids only (omitting
electronics and digital aids), some respondents still saw fit to list those and those responses
are combined.
Medicus and Orange Whip (5%) each had the most mentions, with Medicus down
dramatically from prior levels (13% in 2010) and Orange Whip up substantially (1% last
wave).

From which of the following outlets have you ever purchased a

training/teaching aid? (Select ALL that apply)
2004 2007 2010 2016

Off Course Golf Specialty Shop 38% 41% 39% 32%
Online Golf Retailer (Like tgw.com, -- -- -- 32%
golfgalaxy.com)
Sporting Goods Store (Like Dick’s, 20% 25% 23% 26%
Academy)
Direct from Manufacturer website -- -- -- 23%
Television Infomercial 28% 29% 29% 17%
Online Auction Site (Like eBay.com) -- -- -- 12%
Other Online Retailer (Like amazon.com, -- -- -- 12%
overstock.com.)
Catalog 19% 20% 16% 11%
On Course Golf Pro Shop 8% 10% 11% 10%
Teaching pro 6% 8% 8% 8%
Online Infomercial (Like YouTube) -- -- -- 8%
Internet 35% 45% 48% --
Other 10% 6% 9% 6%

1009 1002 1005 977
Off Course Specialty Stores and Online Golf Retailers (32% each) were the channels where
most golfers go to purchase their training/teaching aid, followed by the Sporting Goods
Channel (26%) and direct from the manufacturer website (23%). Because several of these
answers are new to the 2016 study, not a lot of conclusions can be drawn from the trending.

From which of the following outlets have you ever purchased a

training/teaching aid? (Select ALL that apply)
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Off Course Golf Specialty Shop 36% 33% 29% 19%
Online Golf Retailer (Like tgw.com, 35% 32% 29% 27%
golfgalaxy.com)
Direct from Manufacturer website 28% 21% 22% 16%
Sporting Goods Store (Like Dick's, 18% 30% 33% 27%
Academy)
Online Auction Site (Like eBay.com) 14% 11% 7% 11%
Television Infomercial 13% 19% 18% 23%
Other Online Retailer (Like amazon.com, 12% 13% 14% 9%
overstock.com.)
Catalog 10% 12% 8% 12%
On Course Golf Pro Shop 10% 12% 6% 10%
Online Infomercial (Like YouTube) 8% 10% 6% 8%
Teaching Pro 8% 7% 6% 11%
Other 6% 6% 5% 10%
Base: 381 291 180 125
Higher handicaps are more likely than lower handicaps to buy their training aids in a Sporting
Goods Store or from an Infomercial, while lower handicaps are more likely to shop at the Off
Course Shop, the Online Golf Retailer, or direct from the manufacturer website.

When evaluating a golf training/practice aid for purchase, whose advice do you
trust for guidance? (Select ALL that apply)
2004 2007 2010 2016

My own judgment 70% 60% 69% 65%
Local golf pro 39% 38% 42% 41%
Friends or playing partners 30% 38% 37% 35%
Nationally recognized teaching pro 26% 26% 25% 26%
Golf publications 22% 30% 27% 21%
Tour professionals (PGA, LPGA, 20% 19% 18% 15%
European Tours, etc.)
Golf Shop personnel other than
12% 8% 10% 9%
teaching pro
YouTube Videos -- -- -- 7%
Infomercials (TV) 8% 12% 11% 6%
Television ads 5% 7% 9% 5%
Golf Equipment Manufacturers -- -- -- 4%

1009 1002 1005 977
Most Serious Golfers still trust their own judgment (65%), for guidance when evaluating a
training/practice aid, with the local golf pro (41%) second and friends/playing partners third
(35%).

Overall, how would you describe your experience with any of the
training/teaching aids you have tried?
2004 2007 2010 2016
At Least Good 54% 51% 46% 53%
Excellent 7% 6% 5% 6%
Good 47% 45% 41% 47%
Fair 36% 40% 45% 42%
Poor 8% 7% 8% 5%
Very Poor 2% 1% 1% 1%

1009 1002 1005 977
Over half of the respondents who have ever purchased a training aid, indicated they believe
it was at least good, while only 6% said it was excellent, slightly higher than last wave, but not
significantly different from 2007.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
At Least Good 62% 52% 39% 46%
Excellent 6% 7% 2% 5%
Good 55% 44% 37% 41%
Fair 35% 43% 53% 46%
Poor 3% 4% 7% 7%
Very Poor 1% 1% 1% 2%
Base: Ever purchased a golf 381 291 180 125


Do you currently use any training/teaching aids regularly?
2004 2007 2010 2016

Yes 41% 45% 38% 43%
No 59% 55% 62% 57%

1009 1002 1005 977
43% of respondents indicated they are currently using a training/teaching aid regularly,
slightly higher than last wave (38%), but in the same range as prior waves (41% - 45%).
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Yes 49% 44% 41% 28%
No 51% 56% 59% 72%
Base: Ever purchased a golf 381 291 180 125

Lower handicaps are more likely than higher handicaps to be currently using a training aid
regularly.

Overall, how would you describe your experience with any of the
training/teaching aids you have tried?
Cross Tab
By Currently Use Any Training/Teaching Aids Regularly

Yes No
At Least Good 77% 34%
Excellent 11% 2%
Good 66% 32%
Fair 22% 57%
Poor 1% 7%
Very Poor 0% 2%
Base: Ever purchased a golf training/practice aid 420 557
77% of those who are currently using a training aid regularly say it is at least good, compared
to only 34% of those who are not using one at present.

What training/teaching aids do you currently use regularly? (Unaided)
2004 2007 2010 2016

Orange Whip -- -- 2% 14%
Weighted club (non-specific) 8% 2% 8% 10%
Momentus 24% 22% 10% 6%
Medicus 19% 20% 13% 5%
Other putting trainers 7% 9% 8% 5%
Other swing trainer 8% 13% 8% 4%
Alignment Sticks -- -- 8% 3%
Eye-Line -- -- 2% 3%
Swing Jacket/Vest 2% 1% 1% 3%
Speed Whoosh by Momentus -- -- -- 3%
Putting Arc -- 3% 3% 2%
Speed Stick -- -- 3% 2%
Tour Striker -- -- 3% 2%
Grip trainer 3% 0% 2% 2%
Indoor putting green -- -- -- 2%
Putting Mirror -- -- -- 2%
Impact Bag 3% 1% 2% 1%
Dave Pelz Training Aids 2% 1% 0% 1%
Inside Approach 8% 5% 2% 0%
Groovie Swing Trainer (MG Golf) -- -- 3% 0%
Leadbetter Training Aids -- 6% 3% 0%
Driving net 4% 2% 1% 0%
Matzie trainers/Assist 2% 0% 1% 0%
Kallassy's Swing Magic 6% 0% 0% 0%
Base: Currently use 410 448 379 420
No other trended mentions greater than 2%
Orange Whip (14%) is the most used training aid currently, followed by a generic weighed
club (10%), Momentus (6%), Medicus (5%) and other putting trainer (5%).

Cross Tab
The following cross tab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of respondents who do not
purchase golf training/practice aids against those respondents who have purchased a golf
training/practice aid.
Training, Teaching & Practice Aids

Never Purchased Purchased
Gender 2007 2010 2016 2007 2010 2016
Male 87% 91% 90% 90% 89% 92%
Female 13% 9% 10% 10% 11% 8%
Mean Age 47.0 47.2 52.8 48.1 49.5 52.1
Mean Handicap 14.5 14.1 13.8 12.7 13.2 12.6
Mean Annual Rounds 59.9 65.9 65.3 68.6 75.2 72.4
Public 60% 63% 62% 56% 55% 58%
Private 16% 17% 19% 21% 25% 21%
Semi-Private 23% 20% 16% 22% 19% 20%
Resort 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1%
Combined HH Income $112K $111K $124K $120k $121K $142K
Base: 690 581 593 1002 1005 977
Those who buy training aids tend to be slightly better players with lower handicaps, play more
rounds, and have higher household incomes than those who have never purchased.

Digital Wireless Swing Analyzer
New questions examine Digital Wireless Swing Analyzers,
designed for capturing and analyzing the golf swing.

How often do you use a motion capture device (a device that captures
movements for analysis) to record information about your swing?
2016
At Least Sometimes 14%
Very often 3%
Sometimes 11%
Not very often 8%
Hardly every 13%
Never 65%
Base: 1570
14% of respondents have used a “motion capture” device at least sometimes to record
information about their swing, while 3% use it very often, suggesting that even though this
arena has had a lot of competitive activity over the past few years, the number of golfers
actually using the devices remains very limited.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
At Least Sometimes 19% 13% 9% 10%
Very often 4% 2% 2% 1%
Sometimes 15% 11% 7% 9%
Not very often 10% 9% 7% 5%
Hardly every 13% 15% 12% 7%
Never 57% 63% 73% 78%
Base: 564 468 324 214
As one would expect, lower handicaps are much more likely to use the devices.

Which of the following swing analyzers are you aware of? (Select ALL that
apply)
2016
SkyCaddie SkyPro 36%
Arccos Golf 33%
Game Golf 15%
Zepp Golf 14%
Swing Byte 13%
Garmin TruSwing 13%
ClubHub 7%
3Bays GSA 6%
Swing Smart 5%
GolfZone V.1 4%
iTrainer 3%
Epson M-Tracer 2%
Golf Sense 3D 2%
Blast Golf 1%
Other 2%
Base: 1570
SkyCaddie Sky Pro has the highest awareness (36%), which may well be a tribute to the
strength of the “SkyCaddie” brand name, followed by Arccos Golf (33%), Game Golf (15%),
Zepp Golf (14%), Swing Byte (13%) and Garmin TruSwing (13%).
Clearly, this category has a significant upside as golfers become more aware of the benefits
of the devices, however to fully capture the imaginations (and wallets) of golfers the devices
will need to become easier to use.

Have you ever purchased a digital wireless swing analyzer? Not including
Distance Measuring Devices or GPS Tracking Devices and Stat Trackers.
(Digital wireless swing analyzers are defined as electronic devices that transmit real-
time swing data and analysis to your mobile device using high-speed wireless motion
capture technology.)
2016
Yes 9%
No 91%
Base: 1570
Only 9% of respondents have purchased a digital wireless swing analyzer, suggesting there
is a wide open playing field available for competitors to make inroads.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Yes 14% 7% 8% 4%
No 86% 93% 92% 96%
Base: 564 468 324 214
The lower the handicap the more likely they are to have tried a digital wireless swing
analyzer.

Approximately how many digital wireless swing analyzers have you EVER
purchased?
2016
One 75%
Two or three 25%
Four or five 0%
Six or more 0%
Base: Purchased a digital wireless swing analyzer 146
Among those who have purchased a digital wireless swing analyzer (small base, for direction
only), 75% have purchased just one. Considering that this technology is relatively new and
fairly complex to use, it is not surprising that multiple purchases by a single golfers is
uncommon.

Which of the following swing analyzers have you purchased?

2016
Zepp Golf 27%
Swing Byte 23%
Game Golf 15%
SkyCaddie SkyPro 15%
3Bays GSA 13%
Arccos Golf 10%
Swing Smart 5%
Golf Sense 3D 5%
Garmin TruSwing 3%
Blast Golf 2%
GolfZone V.1 2%
ClubHub 1%
Epson M-Tracer 1%
iTrainer 1%
Other 8%
Zepp Golf (27%) was the most purchased swing analyzer, followed by Swing Byte (23%),
Game Golf (15%) and Sky Caddie Sky Pro (15%).

On average, how much have you paid for a swing analyzer(s)?
2016
Less than $50 4%
$51 - $60 1%
$61 - $70 2%
$71 - $80 3%
$81 - $90 1%
$91 - $100 14%
$101 - $125 12%
$126 - $150 23%
$151 - $175 11%
$176 - $200 13%
$201 - $225 3%
$226 - $250 4%
$251 - $275 1%
$276 - $300 2%
Over $300 5%
Mean: $159
Respondents who purchased a digital wireless swing analyzer paid on average $159, with
39% paying more than $150 and 25% paying $100 or less.

From which of the following outlets have you ever purchased a swing analyzer?
2016
Direct from Manufacturer website 30%
Online Golf Retailer (Like tgw.com, golfgalaxy.com) 20%
Other Online Retailer (Like amazon.com, overstock.com.) 14%
Off Course Golf Specialty Shop 10%
Online Auction Site (Like eBay.com) 9%
Sporting Goods Store (Like Dick's, Academy) 6%
On Course Golf Pro Shop 4%
Television Infomercial 3%
Online Infomercial (Like YouTube) 3%
Teaching Pro 3%
Catalog 0%
Other 16%
Direct from manufacturer website is the most common channel for purchasing a swing
analyzer (30%), followed by Online Golf Retailers (20%), Other Online Retailers (i.e.
amazon.com, overstock.com, etc.) (14%) and Off Course Specialty Shops (10%).

Overall, how would you describe your experience with your swing analyzer(s)?
2016
At Least Good 60%
Excellent 18%
Good 42%
Fair 27%
Poor 9%
Very Poor 4%
60% of those who have purchased digital swing analyzers consider their experience to be at
least good, with 18% rating it as excellent, while 13% rated it as poor or very poor.

How interested are you in purchasing a swing analyzer?
2016
Very interested 2%
Base: Those who have not purchased 1421
37% of those who have not bought a digital swing analyzer said they are at least somewhat
interested in buying one, with only 2% very interested and 34% somewhat so.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
At Least Somewhat Interested 38% 40% 34% 30%
Very interested 3% 3% 1% 2%
Somewhat interested 35% 38% 33% 28%
Not very interested 36% 36% 34% 38%
Not interested at all 26% 24% 31% 32%
Base: Those who have not purchased 486 434 296 205
Purchase interest is skewed toward the 15 & Under handicaps.

How much would you be willing to pay for a swing analyzer(s)?
2016
Less than $100 43%
$101 - $125 13%
$126 - $150 16%
$151 - $175 5%
$176 - $200 12%
$201 - $225 2%
$226 - $250 2%
$251 - $275 1%
$276 - $300 2%
Over $300 3%
Mean: $124
Base: Those who have not purchased & are interested 521
Among those who have not purchased, but said they were potentially interested, are willing to
pay an average of $124 for a swing analyzer. Suzanne: interesting that those who have
bought paid $159, while those who could be interested would want to spend significantly
less…opportunity for lower priced devices? Maybe geared towards higher handicaps
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Mean: $144 $126 $104 $92
Base: Those who have not purchased
184 175 101 61
& are interested
Note: Low bases, use for direction only
Lower handicaps would be willing to pay significantly more than those with higher handicaps.

Cross Tab
The following cross tab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of respondents who did not
purchase a wireless swing analyzer against those respondents who have purchased a
wireless swing analyzer.
Wireless Swing Analyzer

Never
Purchased Purchased
Gender 2016 2016
Male 91% 92%
Female 9% 8%
Mean Age 52.7 48.7
Public 61% 49%
Private 20% 27%
Resort 1% 1%
Est. Annual Amt. Spent $196 $555
Base: 1424 146
Note: Some low bases, for direction only
Those who have purchased a swing analyzer are significantly younger, have much lower
handicaps, are more likely to belong to a Private Club, have much higher Household Incomes
and spend substantially more on Instruction/aids.

Portable Launch Monitor
Portable Launch Monitors are also a new technology reaching beyond Teaching and Fitting
Professionals and are investigated for the first time.

Have you ever purchased a portable launch monitor?

(Portable Launch Monitors are different than a Swing Analyzer as they use radar
technology and do not typically attach to your equipment.)
2016
Yes 5%
No 95%
Base: 1570
Only 5% of respondents have ever purchased a portable launch monitor.
Approximately, how many portable launch monitors have you EVER

purchased?
2016
One 85%
Two or three 13%
Four or five 1%
Six or more 0%
Base: Purchased a portable launch monitor 75
Note: Low base, for direction only
Of those who have ever purchased a portable launch monitor, 85% have purchased only
one.

What brand (or brands) of portable launch monitors have you purchased?
(Unaided)
2016
Voice Caddie Swing Caddie 24%
Ernest Sports Products 20%
Trackman 7%
Swing Speed Radar 4%
Flight Scope 4%
Sky Golf 4%
Zelocity 3%
Other 7%
Don't recall/Can't Remember 29%
Base: Purchased portable launch monitor 75
Voice Caddie’s Swing Caddie (24%) was the most purchased portable launch monitor,
followed by Ernest Sports Products (20%).

On average, how much have you paid for a portable launch monitor?
2016
Less than $100 15%
$101 - $150 16%
$151 - $200 20%
$201 - $250 15%
$251 - $300 11%
$301 - $400 5%
$401 - $500 3%
Over $500 16%
Due to the wide range or pricing on launch monitors, no mean is calculated
With only 75 of the 1570 respondents having ever purchased a portable launch monitor, it’s
not possible to draw any conclusions from the data.

From which of the following outlets have you ever purchased a portable launch
monitor? (Select ALL that apply)
2016
Other Online Retailer (Like amazon.com, overstock.com) 13%
Catalog 5%
Teaching Pro 5%
Other 11%
Because the base for this question is extremely small, we do not suggest using the data for
more than direction.
Purchasing directly from the manufacturer website is the method of choice (31%), followed by
an Online Golf Retailer (20%).

Overall, how would you describe your experience with your portable launch
monitor?
2016
At Least Good 73%
Excellent 27%
Good 47%
Fair 13%
Poor 8%
Very Poor 5%
73% of those few golfers who have purchased a portable launch monitor considered their
experience to be at least good, with 27% saying it was excellent.

How interested are you in purchasing a portable launch monitor?
2016
Very interested 7%
Base: Have NOT purchased a portable launch monitor 1495
Among those who have never purchased a portable launch monitor, 41% indicated they
would be at least somewhat interested, with 7% very interested.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Base: Have NOT purchased a
527 449 312 207
portable launch monitor
10 & Under handicaps are much more likely to be interested in buying a portable launch
monitor, while those above 20 being the least likely to be interested.

What is the most you would be willing to pay for a portable launch monitor?
2016
Less than $100 21%
$101 - $150 23%
$151 - $200 21%
$201 - $250 15%
$251 - $300 8%
$301 - $400 3%
$401 - $500 4%
Over $500 4%
Mean: $183
Base: Interested in purchasing a portable launch monitor 619
Among those who have never purchased, but would be interested in a portable launch
monitor, the average respondent is willing to pay an average of $183.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Mean: $209 $173 $158 $123
Base: Interested in purchasing a
292 171 104 52
portable launch monitor
Lower handicaps, who are also more likely to be interested, are willing to pay substantially
more for a portable launch monitor.

What data is important to you in a digital, wireless swing analyzer or launch

2016
Swing path 81%
Swing speed 80%
Face angle at impact 73%
Spin rate 58%
Swing tempo 56%
Shaft angle at impact 48%
3D view of swing path 36%
Smash factor 32%
Down swing timing 25%
Back swing timing 23%
Base: Own or interested in owning swing
analyzers/launch monitors 865
The most popular data Serious Golfers are looking for from their digital wireless swing
analyzer or launch monitor include swing path (81%), swing speed (80%) and face angle at
impact (73%).

What data is important to you in a digital, wireless swing analyzer or launch

Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Swing speed 85% 77% 77% 66%
Face angle at impact 80% 67% 70% 64%
Swing path 78% 83% 86% 78%
Spin rate 75% 53% 44% 28%
Shaft angle at impact 51% 45% 48% 43%
Swing tempo 50% 59% 62% 60%
Smash factor 45% 26% 20% 9%
3D view of swing path 35% 35% 39% 40%
Down swing timing 22% 24% 26% 38%
Back swing timing 21% 22% 22% 38%
Base: Own or interested in owning
376 250 153 86
swing analyzers/launch monitors
Lower handicaps are more interested than higher handicaps in swing speed, face angle at
impact, spin rate and smash factor, while higher handicaps are more likely to be looking for
swing tempo, down swing timing, and back swing timing.

When evaluating a digital swing analyzer or portable launch monitor for

purchase whose advice do you trust for guidance?
2016
My own judgment 34%
Local golf pro 25%
Nationally recognized teaching pro 12%
Golf publications 11%
Friends or playing partners 7%
Tour professionals (PGA, LPGA, Champions, European Tours, etc.) 5%
Golf shop personnel other than teacher 2%
Golf equipment manufacturers 2%
Television ads 0%
Infomercials 0%
Base: Own or interested in owning swing analyzers/launch monitors 865
When evaluating a digital swing analyzer or launch monitor (among those who own or
interested in buying one), most respondents said they would trust their own judgment first
and foremost (34%), followed by their local golf pro (25%).

When evaluating a digital swing analyzer or portable launch monitor for

purchase whose advice do you trust for guidance?
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
My own judgment 39% 32% 31% 29%
Local golf pro 24% 28% 25% 22%
Nationally recognized teaching pro 11% 12% 15% 16%
Golf publications 9% 12% 12% 13%
Tour professionals (PGA, LPGA, 7% 3% 4% 6%
Champions, European Tours, etc.)
Friends or playing partners 6% 8% 9% 5%
Golf shop personnel other than
2% 2% 1% 3%
teacher
Television ads 1% 0% 0% 0%
Golf equipment manufacturers 1% 1% 2% 5%
Infomercials 0% 0% 1% 1%
Base: Own or interested in owning
376 250 153 86
swing analyzers/launch monitors
Lower handicaps, which have much more confidence in their own abilities to know what
works and what doesn’t when it comes to their golf equipment, are the most likely to say my
own judgment when evaluating a swing analyzer or portable launch monitor.

Personal Golf Simulator
Personal Golf Simulators are investigated for the first time as some have come down in price
significantly, from what they once were, however purchasers still remain a very elite group.
For that reason, very little analysis can be done on purchasers at this time; however this
chapter also investigates future purchase intent.

Have you EVER purchased a personal golf simulator?
2016
Yes 2%
No 98%
Base: 1570
Only 2% of respondents have ever purchased a personal golf simulator.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Yes 3% 2% 2% 2%
No 97% 98% 98% 98%
Base: 564 468 324 214

What brand (or brands) of personal golf simulators have you purchased?
(Unaided)
2016
OptiShot 68%
Flight Scope 5%
TrackMan 3%
Other 5%
Don't recall/Can't Remember 18%
Base: Purchased personal golf simulator 36
Note: Low base, use for direction only
OptiShot was the most purchased personal golf simulator (68%), however the number of
respondents who have bought is very small.

On average, how much did you pay for a personal golf simulator?
2016
Less than $100 5%
$101 - $200 24%
$201 - $300 18%
$301 - $400 18%
$401 - $500 11%
$501 - $1000 8%
$1001 - $5,000 8%
$5001 - $10,000 5%
More than $10,000 3%
Mean: $1,399
Base: Purchased a personal golf simulator 38
Note: Low base, use for direction only
The average respondent spent nearly $1400 on their personal golf simulator. Suzanne: 76%
spent less than $500, may be worth noting this is very skewed by the 8% that spent over
$5000…geez that’s crazy!

From which of the following outlets have you purchased a personal golf
simulator? (Select ALL that apply)
2016
Other Online Retailer (Like amazon.com, overstock.com.) 5%
Catalog 3%
Teaching Pro 0%
Other 5%
26% of respondents bought their simulator directly from the manufacturers website, while
18% purchased from an Online Golf Retailer and 11% bought from an Online Auction Site or
from a Sporting Goods Store.

Overall, how would you describe your experience with your personal golf
simulator?
2016
At Least Good 66%
Excellent 29%
Good 37%
Fair 26%
Poor 3%
Very Poor 5%
Among the few respondents who have purchased a golf simulator, 66% thought their
experience was at least good, with 29% saying it was excellent.

How interested are you in purchasing a personal golf simulator?
2016
At Least Somewhat Interest 35%
Very interested 6%
Base: Have NOT purchased personal golf simulator 1532
Among those who have never purchased a personal golf simulator, 35% said they are at
least somewhat interested in buying one.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Base: Have NOT purchased
546 458 319 209
personal golf simulator
As one would expect, lower handicaps are much more likely to be interested in buying a
simulator than higher handicaps.

In your opinion, what is the most you would pay for a personal golf simulator?
2016
Less than $100 12%
$101 - $200 24%
$201 - $300 17%
$301 - $400 8%
$401 - $500 12%
$501 - $600 5%
$601 - $700 0%
$701 - $800 1%
$801 - $900 1%
$901 - $1000 8%
$1001 - $2000 6%
$2001 - $3000 1%
$3001 - $4000 1%
$4001 - $5000 1%
$5001 - $10,000 1%
More than $10,000 1%
Mean: $701
Base: Interested in purchasing a personal golf simulator 531
Respondents would be willing to pay up to $701, among those who are interested in
purchasing a personal golf simulator.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Mean: $857 $628 $696 $282
Base: 219 163 97 52
Lower handicaps are willing to pay much more.

Wearable Game Improvement Technologies
This section, reported for the first time, asks respondents purchase habits
and interest in Wearable Game Improvement Technologies,
not including Distance or GPS Devices.

Have you ever purchased wearable golf technologies that track your golf stats?
(Not including Distance Devices and GPS Devices)
2016
Yes 7%
No 93%
Base: 1570
7% of respondents have ever purchased some kind of wearable golf technology that tracks
golf stats.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Yes 8% 7% 5% 5%
No 92% 93% 95% 95%
Base: 564 468 324 214
Lower handicaps are slightly more likely to have purchased wearable golf technology.

On average, how much have you paid for wearable golf technology?
Less than $50 7%

$51 - $60 2%
$61 - $70 2%
$71 - $80 3%
$81 - $90 2%
$91 - $100 10%
$101 - $125 6%
$126 - $150 16%
$151 - $175 7%
$176 - $200 21%
$201 - $225 6%
$226 - $250 8%
$251 - $275 2%
$276 - $300 6%
Over $300 3%
Mean: $160
Base: Purchased wearable golf technology 107
The average respondent who has purchased wearable golf technology spent about $160.

From which of the following outlets have you purchased wearable golf
technologies? (Select ALL that apply)
2016
Other Online Retailer (Like amazon.com, overstock.com) 16%
Sporting Goods Store (Like Dick’s, Academy) 10%
Catalog 4%
Teaching Pro 0%
Other 11%
Serious Golfers are most likely to buy wearable golf technology direct from the
manufacturer’s website (29%) or from an Online Golf Retailer (20%) followed closely by Off
Course Golf Specialty Shop (19%).

Overall, how would you describe your experience with your wearable golf
technology?
2016
At Least Good 73%
Excellent 30%
Good 43%
Fair 21%
Poor 5%
Very Poor 2%
Low bases, use for direction only
73% of those who have purchased wearable golf technology say their experience was at
least good, with 30% saying it was excellent.

How interested are you in purchasing wearable golf technology?
2016
Very interested 3%
Base: Have NOT purchased 1463
Among those who have never purchased wearable golf technology, 32% are at least
somewhat interested and 3% are very interested in buying.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Base: Have NOT purchased 520 433 307 203

In your opinion, what is the most you would pay for wearable golf technology?
2016
Less than $50 12%
$51 - $60 5%
$61 - $70 5%
$71 - $80 7%
$81 - $90 3%
$91 - $100 29%
$101 - $125 11%
$126 - $150 10%
$151 - $175 2%
$176 - $200 8%
$201 - $225 3%
$226 - $250 3%
$251 - $275 0%
$276 - $300 0%
Over $300 1%
Mean: $109
Base: Interested in purchasing wearable golf technology 468
Among those interested in buying wearable golf technology, the average they are willing to
pay is $109.
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Mean: $118 $107 $99 $100
Base: Interested in purchasing
166 141 105 56
wearable golf technology

What data/activity is important to you in wearable golf technology?

(Select ALL that apply from each list)
Golf Related Data

2016
Swing speed 71%
Classic stats (GIR) 60%
Swing path 59%
Face angle at impact 53%
Swing tempo 44%
Shaft angle at impact 36%
Spin rate 35%
Total swings 26%
3D view of swing path 25%
Down swing timing 19%
Smash factor 18%
Back swing timing 17%
Base: Purchased or Interested in purchasing wearable golf
575
technology
Swing Speed (71%) is first and foremost what data golfers, who have purchased or interested
in purchasing wearable technology, are interested in understanding, followed by classic stats
(60%) and swing path (59%).


Golf Related Data
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Swing speed 77% 69% 72% 60%
Classic stats (GIR) 69% 60% 52% 49%
Swing path 55% 60% 67% 51%
Face angle at impact 53% 49% 56% 55%
Spin rate 48% 31% 28% 13%
Swing tempo 42% 44% 48% 40%
Shaft angle at impact 35% 36% 38% 33%
Total swings 27% 24% 28% 24%
Smash factor 25% 19% 12% 4%
3D view of swing path 25% 26% 22% 22%
Down swing timing 15% 22% 16% 31%
Back swing timing 14% 19% 15% 27%
Base: Purchased or Interested in 210 176 122 67
purchasing wearable golf technology


Health & Fitness Related Data
2016
Steps/distance walked 77%
Calories burned 50%
Heart rate 49%
Multi-sport monitoring 24%
Sleep patterns 16%
Base: Purchased or Interested in purchasing wearable golf technology 575
Cross Tab
10 & 21 &
Steps/distance walked 79% 80% 70% 78%
Heart rate 52% 43% 47% 54%
Calories burned 51% 51% 51% 45%
Multi-sport monitoring 23% 24% 22% 33%
Sleep patterns 15% 18% 14% 18%
Base: Purchased or Interested in
210 176 122 67
purchasing wearable golf technology

Cross Tab
The following cross tab analysis compares the Golf-o-graphics of respondents who have not
purchased a wearable golf technology against those respondents who have purchased a
wearable golf technology.
Wearable Golf Technology

Never
Purchased Purchased
Gender 2016 2016
Male 92% 91%
Female 8% 9%
Mean Age 52.7 48.1
Public 59% 63%
Private 21% 22%
Resort 1% 2%
Base: 1463 107
Note: Some bases are low, for direction only

Addendum
Golf-o-graphics of 2017 PGA Show Research Study questions on

Golfographics
Online study conducted in November 2016
1,017 Total Respondents from Golf Datatech Database of Serious Golfers
92% Male / 8% Female
50.8 Mean Age
65.2 Annual Rounds Played
13.6 Average Handicap
21% Play Private Courses Most Often
$143,875 Combined Household Income


2017 Game Improvement Survey

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

2017 Game Improvement Survey

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

An Exclusive Syndicated Research Study By

Instruction, Schools, Practice Routines, Fitness Programs,

Published February 1, 2017

Golf Datatech, LLC

Study Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 2

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 3

Unaided Answers - Some questions allow respondents to type in a response unaided.

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 4

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 5

Teaching Pros & Golf Lessons

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 6

Practice Patterns of Serious Golfers

• Interestingly though, only 6% totally agree that practice is boring to them.

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 7

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 8

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 9

Web Based Instruction

• The average cost of online/web-based golf instruction was $57.

Online Instruction Videos (like YouTube or other Golf Instruction Sites)

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 10

Golf Teaching, Training & Practice Aids

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 11

Traditional Teaching, Training & Practice Aids (con’t)

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 12

Digital Wireless Swing Analyzers

• Only 9% of all respondents have purchased a digital wireless swing analyzer,

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 13

Portable Launch Monitors

Personal Golf Simulators

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 14

Wearable Game Improvement Technologies (Not inducing Distance or GPS devices)

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 15

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 16

2004 2007 2010 2016

Consistent with studies of Serious Golfers conducted by Golf Datatech, roughly 9 of 10

2004 2007 2010 2016

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 17

Annual Rounds Played

2004 2007 2010 2016

2004 2007 2010 2016

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 18

Facility Played MOST OFTEN

2004 2007 2010 2016

Combined Annual Household Income

2004 2007 2010 2016

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 19

2007 2010 2016

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 20

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 21

How important is your score/handicap to your enjoyment of the game?

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 22

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 23

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 24

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 25

2007 2010 2016

Base: 1384 1231 1570

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 26

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 27

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 28

2004 2007 2010 2016

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 29

The following section provides Serious Golfers’ opinions of

GOLF DATATECH, LLC 30