Golf in Dubai most expensive in region

BUDAPEST – KPMG’s Golf Benchmark Survey Summary Report reveals that average revenues for golf courses in the Middle East are three to four times higher than similar golf course businesses in Europe.

As World No 1 Tiger Woods prepares to tee off in the Dubai Desert Classic, part of the European Tour’s lucrative Desert Swing, the annual report by KPMG Golf Advisory Services in EMA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) found that revenues of 18-hole golf courses in the Middle East average EUR 5.3 million (US$7.8m), three to four times more than golf courses in Europe.

Courses in Dubai are proving especially successful, with revenues averaging just under EUR 7 million, dwarfing other top-five golf locations – Portugal and the Netherlands (EUR 1.8 million); Spain (EUR 1.5 million); and Ireland (EUR 1.3 million).

Golf in the Gulf, however, is also the most expensive anywhere in the EMA region. On average 18-hole weekend green fees in the Middle East cost EUR 107 (US$158), more than double the average EUR 50 paid in Great Britain and Ireland.

The UAE, where rapid development is underway with an estimated 20 new golf courses in the planning, design or construction phase, is also the most expensive country for an 18-hole weekend green fee, EUR 121 (US$178) followed by popular golf tourist destination Portugal, EUR 78, and upcoming golf destinations Cyprus and Turkey, both EUR 76.

The least expensive courses to play golf (average 18-hole weekend green fee) are located in South Africa (EUR 30, US$44), and Eastern Europe (EUR 37).

“Golf in the Middle East continues to drive forward, setting new and extraordinarily high standards for the international golf business,” said Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s specialist Golf Advisory Services Team in EMA.

“The influx of expatriates from traditional golfing countries such as the UK, Ireland and Australia, and the interest of international golf tourists, continues to fuel the golf boom.

“Dubai, in particular, has led the way in positioning itself as a global destination for golf.”

Nearly 1,500 golf courses across the EMA region submitted key data from 2006 results for the Golf Benchmark Survey, which is designed to help golf course owners and operators to compare their own business against high, average and low performers in their geographic markets.

All regional reports, plus the comparative Summary Report, are now available for download, free of charge, from: www.golfbenchmark.com