Golf Course Architecture - Issue 65, July 2021

51 there will be younger. They will be less seasonal too, which should be a good thing.” That said, a lot of architects are optimistic about the short-term future, according to a recent survey. The European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) asked its members about the effect of the pandemic on turnover in 2020, compared to 2019 levels. Forty-eight per cent said their turnover had remained the same or was higher. Those with projects in the Middle East, Eastern or Central Europe, were more likely to have experienced a positive effect. Looking to the future, 86 per cent felt the golf course design industry would stay the same or grow (51 per cent and 35 per cent respectively). To support this positive outlook, members were asked to consider their expected turnover in the coming six, twelve and twenty-four months, in comparison to 2019. In six to twelve months, 57 per cent expected turnover to remain at the same level or be higher, with members more optimistic about projects in Northern, Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. Optimism for turnover to remain static or be higher, increased to 66 per cent of members when looking to 24 months ahead, with most positivity for projects in the Middle East, Africa and North America, followed by Central and Eastern Europe. When asked about the challenges they face in the next twelve months, unsurprisingly, with projects scattered around the globe, members put travel at the top of the list. Over half of the respondents had concerns relating to safe travel, restrictions on the ability to meet clients face-to-face to progress works, and constraints on looking and bidding for future projects. Other key challenges included: golf clubs not proceeding with projects and being hesitant to invest for the future; and ensuring a Covid-safe workplace for employees. A handful of members cited the enviable challenge to some of how they would manage an increase in workload. Only two members cited Brexit as a challenge in the next twelve months. “This survey shows that a feared long-term negative impact from the “ Healthiness is in, and thus golf fits nicely, especially with the work from home trend” Photo: Istockphoto/EduardoRM