In 1989, a group of six golf course operators realized that to grow their own businesses, they needed to grow the golf industry as a whole on PEI. Together, they formed Golf PEI, an industry association devoted to the promotion and development of golf on PEI. Since that time, Golf PEI has grown to eighteen members representing golf courses across the province. Working toward a common vision with commitment, sound management, and some good luck, these operators have established PEI as a golf mecca for visitors across the country and around the world.
PEI’s provincial government has also played an important role in bringing PEI golf to the forefront. A decade ago, with support from Golf PEI and its members, the government made golf a core element of its tourism marketing strategy and new courses were developed across the province. Glasgow Hills, Anderson’s Creek, the Eagles Glenn, Fox Meadows and others gave golfers the variety of courses they were looking for, and business was soon booming. In addition to new courses and services, a focused promotional plan where Golf PEI members showcased their courses at golf shows throughout Canada and the United States has given the PEI golf product exposure to new markets and travel organizers. Topping that with local and regional and advertising and publicity and it’s not difficult to see why PEI golf is top of mind for people who love the game.
The financial spin-off from the golfing industry on PEI is significant. Of the estimated $100 million generated for the PEI economy, almost 80% is non-golfing consumption. Restaurants, retailers, accommodations, entertainment venues, tourism operators and others all benefit directly from the influx of people who came to PEI to play golf.
To further its success, the PEI golf industry is committed to continually developing the game, the product, and the public’s awareness. Golf PEI now has its own online and direct call reservation centre to book play at any member course. Standard or customized packages including accommodation, transport and other services are now available. This dedication has paid off -- recently 10 of PEI’s golf courses were rated among the top 100 courses in Canada, as per The Globe and Mail’s golf publication, ‘Globe Golf’ -- no small accomplishment for Canada’s smallest province.
There’s no doubt, things have come a long way for golf on PEI. From the sidelines to frontrunner, Golf PEI is living proof of what a group of committed Islanders can do when they put their minds to it.