The social significance of golf in Finland in the year 2021 based on SROI analysis

Introduction There is growing demand among policy makers to understand the broader social impact of different recreational activities towards supporting policy interventions and promoting societal benefits through active lifestyles. Golf is a growing global sport and economic contributor, particularly among middle-aged and older adults, whose participants have high and increasing healthcare costs. Methods This study analysed the social return on investment (SROI) of golf in Finland in 2021 across two dimensions: (1) the financial flows generated by Finnish golf players’ spending across various economic sectors, and (2) the wellbeing and physical fitness promoted by golf participation and their broader effects on societal sectors such as healthcare services. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2022 among members of the Finnish Golf Union and its affiliated golf clubs ( n = 1,052) and a review of financial statements from ten golf courses. The SROI ratio of golf was calculated as total societal benefits from golf/total spending on golf. Results Golf generated substantial societal benefits in Finland. Total societal benefit comprised player wellbeing and joy (€330M), measurable economic contributions (€220M), and societal savings and added revenues (€80M), totalling €630M. With total player spending of €330M, the SROI ratio was 1.9. Applying Finland's Leontief coefficient (1.7) for sports and recreation services increased economic impact to €370M and total benefits to €770M, raising the SROI ratio to 2.4. Conclusion Golf participation generates substantial wellbeing and economic benefits at individual and societal levels, highlighting its potential as a health-promoting and economically significant recreational activity.