A new study from KPMG published ahead of the 2010 Ryder Cup has found that professional tournament golf has proved 'resilient' despite the downturn.

During 2009, there were more than 670 professional tournaments in 57 countries, which saw more than 6,000 players compete for a share of prize money totalling €476m (£413m, US$654m). KPMG's study found that professional golf has a "strong potential" to grow in Asia and South America - two of the "rapidly emerging" markets, although the US and Europe continue to dominate.

The research found that golf's resilience has been boosted by the fact that many deals were struck before the downturn, while there has been a growing trend of public sector sponsors. Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG's golf advisor practice in EMA, said: "The combination of significant media attention in Asia due to the success of professional golfers from countries such as Korea, and an increasingly affluent middle class in populous Asian markets such as China and India, could unleash a huge drive in the sport

"Equally, South America and, more particularly, Brazil, which will host the 2016 Olympics, offers significant potential. The country's continued rapid economic development could, in time, be matched by new golf courses and golfers."