Fallout from the Foot & Mouth criss in the UK has hit golf hard claims the European Golf Industry Association. It is estimated lost turnover could amount be as high as 20-30%

A survey of EGIA members, over 50% being golf clubs and courses highlighted the following issues:

• All respondents have been impacted by the outbreak.
• 10% have had to completely close down their business.
• Manufacturing companies have been unable to make deliveries and uncertainty has caused loss of business.
• Overseas perception of the UK & Ireland as a complete "no-go" area for tourism has had a huge impact.

"The general view of our members is that, although they understand the need for caution, both they and their customers would welcome wider use of on-site precautions at golf courses such as disinfectant troughs to be used by visitors rather than total closure," said Jacqui Baldwin, executive secretary of the EGIA. "It should also be borne in mind that since September 2000 the golf industry has been affected by the fuel crisis, floods in November, snow during the Christmas and New Year holiday period and very cold and wet weather in February and March. If the consequences of the FMD outbreak continue into what should be a busy time of year for golf clubs this will be a further blow to an industry that is already facing difficulties."