Fall in sterling is hole in one for UK’s golf tourism industry
The drop in sterling has lured American golf tourists to some of the UK and Ireland's top resorts in their droves, according to holiday website Golfbreaks.com.
Sales to US-based customers between July and September increased 238 per cent on the previous three months, as the dollar exchange rate grew more favourable in the wake of the pro-Brexit referendum result.
US golf tourists poured the most cash into bookings for the Carnoustie, St Andrews Links and Kingsbarns resorts in Scotland, and Waterville and Tralee in the Republic of Ireland.
Read more: Fairway friends: Why golf is the best way to seal the deal
Golfbreaks.com chief executive Andrew Stanley said:
The acceleration of US golfers booking ahead for next year and locking in the cheaper prices has been phenomenal, which is also a good sign for those parts of the UK that rely on golf tourism.
Despite the weaker pound our UK business has also continued to grow throughout 2016 and has surpassed 2015's booking numbers.
The company launched its transatlantic service for US customers wanting to come to the UK and vice versa in the fourth quarter of last year.
Read more: Ryder Cup: How Europe and USA compare on key stats
Golfbreaks.com is in the process of raising £2m after launching a mini-bond earlier this month, which it will put towards establishing a position in North America's domestic golf travel market.
Last year, the group generated £55m from booking holidays for 200,000 golfing enthusiasts.
The government has already put plans in place, including a £40m investment fund, to build on the post-Brexit tourism boost provided by the slump in sterling.