The David McWilliams Podcast The Economics of Golf
25 snips
Sep 22, 2025 Donal Casey, the former CEO of Rory McIlroy, Inc., dives into the fascinating economics of golf. He discusses how the sport intertwines with geopolitics and economic dynamics, revealing surprises about its financial landscapes, including billion-dollar sponsorships and the disruptive rise of LIV Golf. Casey highlights Ireland's golfing success through accessible pathways, the pandemic-driven boom attracting younger audiences, and the significance of golf as a tool for soft power. He also addresses future trends, including the evolving landscape of women's golf and the implications of prestigious events like the Ryder Cup.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The High-Spending Golf Tourist
- Donal describes the classic Irish golf tourist itinerary spanning Portmarnock to Ballybunion over ten days.
- He notes these visitors pay without haggling and book top courses within a day when released.
Links Courses Are A Scarce Export
- Ireland and Scotland host a disproportionate share of world-class links courses, creating a supply constraint.
- That scarcity elevates desirability and allows premium pricing for international visitors.
Pandemic Sparked A Golf Boom
- COVID triggered a global golf boom by making outdoor, socially-distanced activity desirable.
- Memberships and casual play surged, reversing a decade-long gradual decline.