Golf P.E.I. and its 18 member courses are hoping to build on last year's record season by capitalizing on the 'buy Canadian' movement, which encourages more Canadians to golf domestically instead of in the U.S., partly due to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. The province saw over 446,000 rounds played in 2024, a 12.3% increase from 2023.
Golf P.E.I. hopes 'Buy Canadian' leads to another record year for Island courses
Belvedere Golf ClubPrince Edward IslandGolf P.E.I.Jeff AffleckSam MacphailEnvironmentTariffsSportsGolf
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Golf P.E.I. and its 18 member courses are hoping to build on last year's record season by capitalizing on the 'buy Canadian' movement, which encourages more Canadians to golf domestically instead of in the U.S., partly due to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. The province saw over 446,000 rounds played in 2024, a 12.3% increase from 2023.
- 1 During COVID: The game of golf maintained and grew in popularity.
- 2 2023: Over 446,000 rounds played in P.E.I. (baseline for comparison).
- 3 2024: Over 446,000 rounds played in P.E.I., a 12.3% increase from 2023; over 200,000 paid rounds for the first time in the province's history.
- 4 First week of April (recent): Belfast Highland Greens opened for the season.
- 5 May 14 (recent): Dundarave opened for the season.
- 6 Last Wednesday (recent): The parking lot was full at Charlottetown's Belvedere Golf Club.
- 7 Present: Golf P.E.I. hopes to build on last year's record season.
- Prince Edward Island golf operators anticipate another record-breaking year for golf tourism.
- The 'buy Canadian' trend is expected to continue benefiting domestic tourism.
- Potential federal government action on bridge tolls could further boost visitor numbers to the island.
What: Golf P.E.I. and its 18 member courses are hoping to achieve another record year by attracting more Canadian golfers who are choosing domestic trips over those to the U.S., influenced by the 'buy Canadian' movement and U.S. trade policies.
When: Last year (2024) was a record season for golf in P.E.I. The current season saw Belfast Highland Greens open in the first week of April and Dundarave on May 14. Last Wednesday, Belvedere Golf Club's parking lot was full. The 'buy Canadian' movement gained momentum in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war.
Where: Prince Edward Island, Canada. Specific courses mentioned include Belfast Highland Greens, Dundarave, and Belvedere Golf Club in Charlottetown. Other Canadian cities mentioned are Moncton, Fredericton, and Halifax.
Why: Canadians are increasingly opting to keep their money in Canada due to the 'buy Canadian' mentality, which has been bolstered by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. Additionally, the popularity of golf, which surged during COVID, has been maintained.
How: By promoting Prince Edward Island as a premier golf destination for Canadians. The industry also hopes to benefit from potential federal government reductions in tolls for the Confederation Bridge and Northumberland ferry service, making travel to the island more appealing.