Allegations that golf is an elite sport ‘really defy reality', a passionate player has claimed. 

Once very much seen as a passion for the middle class, a recent survey has found that one in 10 play the sport at least once a year. 

It all means that golfers contribute an estimated €717 million to the economy annually, supporting some 15,600 jobs. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, law lecturer Larry Donnelly said he passionately believes golf is a sport for people of all backgrounds. 

“Despite the common perception, golf is most definitely not an elite sport,” he said. 

“It appeals to a broad mix; what I’m really passionate about… is a junior membership for one year is €180. 

“My son will play between 90 and 100 rounds of golf every year - that’s four hours. 

“And he’s getting that for less than €2 per four hours; I just cannot fathom how anyone would say that’s elite sport.” 

Donald Trump playing golf at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Co Clare. Picture by: PA Images.

Mr Donnelly continued that there are “so many benefits” to playing the sport. 

“Not only the fresh air, not only walking, not only getting off a screen,” he said. 

“But also building friendships for life; as my son approaches his later teenage years, that also means staying out of trouble. 

“He can go to the golf club for the whole day and that’s literally at the cost of €180 for a year.” 

A golf resort. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy

Mr Donnelly admitted that “of course” there are clubs that are “very expensive” and elite, while insisting that most offer membership at a far more reasonable price. 

“If you look at most golf clubs in Ireland, the fact is that most of them have plans where you can pay by the month,” he said. 

“They are not much more than a gym membership. 

“So, how anyone can say that it is totally elite, it really defies reality.”

Main image: People playing golf. Picture by: Alamy.com.