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Five essential tips for golf course owners

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Golf has come a long way since its start in the Middle Ages, when it was called colf and was played with wooden clubs and a leather ball. It has since become a popular sport with many, as well as a sport associated with businesspeople and casual networking.

But ardent golfers will be quick to tell you that the key behind a great game are not just well laid-out greens and fairways. While golf, like many outdoor endeavours is taking a hit in the digital age, it still attracts enough players that opening and running new courses can still be profitable, for owners willing to make extra effort. If you own a golf course, below are a few ideas for making it stand out among your patrons.

1. Invest in marketing

Don’t assume, as in Field Of Dreams, that “if you build it, they will come.” These days, it’s important to have innovative marketing systems working for you to help make players aware of new courses and why they should be played. The company foreUP, for example, cleverly uses one of the game’s biggest distractions to its advantage by offering a mobile app that players can use to locate courses, tee times, and other features. Anything you can do to help your course stand out from others will be to your advantage.

2. Design greens and fairways for the new face of golf

Once primarily a “man’s game,” many more women have now taken up the sport. However, female golfers are generally interested in shorter games, so consider designing shorter courses to accommodate them. Also, don’t forget potential handicapped players by providing easier access to fairs and greens, and allowing players to use (and access) specially designed golf carts.

3. Don’t forget the kids

What better way to drag kids away from those glowing screens and into fresh air than by incentivising them to play golf? As you develop programs for your new course, don’t forget ones at “junior golfer” levels. Remember, introducing children early to golf often results in adults with a lifelong passion for the game. And don’t just limit these efforts with younger golfers to the summer. One British course struck PR gold by working with a town council to offer free lessons to hundreds of local schoolchildren.

4. Free can be profitable

In order to attract new players, and get them to come back, try offering “freebies” like free rounds, free clinics, and free professional help on the range. If your course is well maintained enough, you’ll be able to keep new players and motivate them to invite their friends to play with them.

5. Take care of both the course and its players

Well-maintained greens and fairways are essential to returning players. Pay special attention to mowing schedules and drainage. And don’t just worry about food and drink for the actual golf course. The quality of food and drink served at a course club can affect whether or not players return, as does the merchandise sold at its pro club. Don’t be afraid of diversity, but pay attention to favorites, and keep them available.

While golf courses have had their ups and downs in recent years, interest in the sport certainly continues. It can be a sound money decision to open new courses, provided that owners are willing to try new techniques in promoting this popular game.

Do you have experience in this field? Do you have any more tips for golf course owners? Tell us yours below.

Photo: Krzysztof Urbanowicz / Flickr

Dixie SomersFive essential tips for golf course owners

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