I think the question has arisen in you too whether a major international competition – like the 2021 AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie Golf Links – could affect the perception of golf. Apparently, it can.
The 2021 AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie Golf Links led to increases in positive local perceptions surrounding the sport, a new impact report has found.
Sports scientists from Abertay University carried out independent surveys both before and after the championship in August 2021, taking in views from people across Angus, Dundee, Perth & Kinross, and Fife.
Here are the main findings of the study:
- 67% increase in the number of people who said they would consider participating in golf more often following the staging of the prestigious event on the world-famous course in Carnoustie Golf Links.
- 20% increase in the number of people who agreed that women golfers can inspire others, and a 16% increase in those who agreed women golfers should be viewed as elite athletes.
- 13% increase in the number of survey participants who said they viewed Carnoustie Golf Links as an asset to the local community was also revealed, in addition to a 6% increase in the number of people who viewed short form golf (9 holes or less) as important.
The online surveys were open to the public, conducted by Dr. Graeme Sorbie and Professor David Lavallee, both academics with the Division of Sports Sciences Abertay University in Dundee.
Both surveys took in roughly 300 respondents each, with the pre-event survey running July 6 to August 17 and the post-event survey running August 25 to September 18.
My comments – Carnoustie Golf Links
The sample size is really crucial for getting accurate and statistically significant results. If the team at Abertay University in Dundee knows that Carnoustie has got 11 394 inhabitants + using a 5% margin error + 95% confidence level, then the sample size should be 372.
If they work with a 99% confidence level, then the sample size should have been 627.
Sustainability
It is certain that if the community feels/see the various benefits (e.g. social, financial, etc.) of a golf tournament – like the 2021 AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie Golf Links – and the golf club tries to integrate itself into the local community’s life then people will think favorably about golf.
This is why wise to
- involve the local community as much as possible +
- hire local people +
- encouraging volunteers from the local community to help with habitat restoration work and other activities +
- give green space for the non-golfing community +
- providing an education role.