If you own and run your own golf course, then you don’t need to be told that golf is definitely a business and a competitive one at that. Players looking to join a club are looking for the best play experience possible, and if one clubhouse won’t give them what they’re looking for, you can bet another one will. It’s imperative that your club stand apart from the competition in all the best ways. The following are some great strategies to start with.
1. Elevate the Whole Experience
Although the quality of the game play at a given facility is very important, you shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking it’s all that matters. Players will ultimately be doing lots of other things at your club. They’ll be dining there and shopping there. If your facility offers instruction resources, players will be learning there as well. Exceptional customer service given with a smile and a healthy dose of the personal touch really goes a long way, so make sure you’re focusing enough energy in that arena.
2. Know the Big Three
Long-time golf club owners know there’s a lot that goes into running a successful course, but the biggest focus should always be on the big three — the game itself, food, and fitness. Your course needs to be beautiful and fair, but also enough of a challenge to keep things interesting. Your food offerings need to be high in quality and offer plenty of variety. Lastly, your fitness and learning resources not only need to be thorough, but properly in step with current standards. If you need help with any or all of these areas, consider hiring a golf club consulting expert to help.
3. Manage Your Budget Wisely
Knowing how to run a wonderful club without breaking the bank is, of course, a must for any golf course owner. However, truly successful owners are just as adept at knowing where to spend money as they are at understanding how to save it. Make sure you’re funneling enough time and energy into your budgeting process. When you do make changes to the way your club operates, carefully monitor how (and where) the changes affect your bottom line. Adjust your plan of action accordingly.
A great golf course isn’t just an awesome place to go when you want to get in a couple of rounds with friends on the weekends. It’s also a successful business in every sense of the word. How is your club doing from that angle?