A travel writing duo were spot on when they said that golf got sexier with the advent of Tiger Woods. In their new book, Golf Tourism (isbn 978-1-906884-01-7), University of South Carolina professor Simon Hudson and his wife, journalist Louise Hudson, include a profile of the legendary golfer as well as launching the introduction with an acknowledgment of his prowess and ineffable media appeal.

The book, published by Goodfellow, is a digest of everything pertaining to worldwide golf tourism from marketing and management to snake removal and Miss World advertising campaigns.

It's the first book of its kind, appealing to golf academics, researchers, students, industry professionals and also your everyday golf fanatic. Linking the most up-to-date stats with hands-on experiences at a multitude of golfing venues, the case studies transport you to such diverse destinations as Kashmir, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Far East. Kowtowing to the predominance of Britain, Europe and North America, Golf Tourism also analyzes best practises in event-staging, operations and impact mitigation.

The book describes the golf tourism market, from its humble beginnings to today's burgeoning industry. With an estimated 50 million golf tourists travelling the world to play on around 32,000 courses, it is the largest sports-related travel market. Golfers also spend more per capita than run-of-the-mill tourists.

Golf Tourism is the first text for both students and practitioners of this vast and growing worldwide industry. Each chapter begins with a Golf Tourism Spotlight section which focuses on the achievements of successful individuals or organizations in the international golf tourism industry, spanning the globe from Florida to South Africa, China, Australia, Jamaica and further.

Two Golf Tourism Snapshots per section comprise succinct, real-life examples which illustrate a particular concept or theoretical principle. Rounding off each chapter is a relevant and detailed Case Study designed to foster critical thinking, which illustrates actual business scenarios that stress several concepts found in the chapter.

A thorough, insightful and truly international investigation into this multi-billion dollar business, Golf Tourism is essential reading to learn more about one of the fastest growing areas of the tourism industry. It may not help your game, but it might inspire you to book an exotic golfing getaway.

To purchase the book, contact the publishers at: www.goodfellowpublishers.com

For more information about the book contact Dr Simon Hudson at the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, University of South Carolina, Tel: 803 777 2705; Email: shudson@hrsm.sc.edu; Website: www.tourismgurus.com