New statistics published by the European Golf Association show that golf is continuing its growth across the continent.

But the stats make less happy reading for the golf industry in the British Isles, where the severe fall-off in interest seen in the past four years is continuing, in terms of numbers of club golfers and golf courses.

In Germany alone seven new golf courses were opened last year, and 24,150 new club players registered. This trend is mirrored in countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.

These contrasting movements illustrate an effect that has been continuing in the golf market for a number of years: The old established golfing countries are battling to retain their leading position in the international market, while in the new markets of the future – above all in Central, Western and Southern Europe – the trend is upwards.

The statistics were released in conjunction with the Golf Europe trade show, which takes place in Munich from 26-28 September. Armin Wittmann, the exhibition’s director, said: “In times of change such as these, the sector needs an established platform. Thanks to the high level of competence of its exhibitors and the broad international scope of the event itself, Golf Europe is precisely the fair that the sector needs in times like these.”