Shape Up Your Community Golf Clubhouse!

Community Golf Fan,

We at Staples Golf believe that a well designed, quality golf course will always be your number one revenue driver, but another equally important aspect of successful golf operations, is a clubhouse that offers a great overall sense of place and entertainment. Most municipal golf course staffs have to make the best with what they've got, but that doesn’t mean improvements, both large and small, shouldn’t be pursued.

Here are a few areas of a clubhouse, if improved upon, will impact your course’s ability to attract more patrons and separate yourself from the field:  

Sense of Arrival

This first aspect of a clubhouse may seem a little abstract, but the feeling one gets immediately upon entering a facility is proven to have major impacts on how the facility is perceived. Mature landscaping, simple, and thoughtful hardscaping, the facade of the building, and even the front door, all matter in setting your facility's tone. If your course is serious about attracting new players, it’s incredibly important to get this right.

Are there certain aspects regarding your facility’s sense of arrival that could use some sprucing up?

Food, Drink, & Simulators

According to ongoing studies conducted by the NGF, "off-course" participation continues to climb. Not all clubhouses can offer a full restaurant/ bar, nor transform their operation into a TopGolf or DriveShack, but understanding that less-traditional models of golf  offerings do lead to increased traditional rounds is important. Adding a golf simulator would bring a fun and interactive way for your customers to learn and practice their game, and perhaps even allow your course to expand current hours of operation (which means more revenue!).

Would your clubhouse benefit from integrating a more non-traditional golf offering?

Outdoor Activity

With this item, we’re looking to move beyond playing a round of golf. Developing a sense of community in and around the clubhouse includes an atmosphere that feels lively during business hours. Seating areas including fire-pits and couches, expanded access to F&B through patios, or a relaxed, accessible putting green for everyone, fosters a cheerful atmosphere. Expanding leisure space by the driving range is also a great way to allow players to just hang out, and of course, settle any on course bets with their buddies!

Are there areas at your course that could promote a more social environment?

Event Space

Most municipal clubhouses are on the smaller side and don’t really have the ability to host events with large groups of people. However, there are likely opportunities to expand outdoors to accommodate community events. Especially during times of beautiful weather, hosting farmers markets, craft fairs, or concerts, are great ways to get your community involved at your facility. A “great lawn” is perfect for these types of events for smaller style clubhouses looking to make the most of their situation.

Does your golf property have an area that could be cultivated into an outdoor event space?

Health Options???

Walking your golf round rather than taking a cart, is an opportunity the golf industry continually botches for marketing itself as a healthy hobby. In fact, according to The Walking Golfer, walking 18 holes of golf will lead to burning nearly 1,500 calories! Encouraging health and wellness at the clubhouse is obviously a tall order, as golfers come to the course to golf! However, health and wellness programming can still be integrated on property, as Great Life has continually proven through their unique golf/ fitness model. Conditioning classes such as pilates, yoga, or boot camps could be opened up to local instructors, and the pro-shop could even run specials for walking rates to encourage additional exercise (call it thecardio-rate!).

Are there opportunities to add some fun cardio options for those of us that could use some more activity?

Here's What You Need To Know:

- Dilapidated and unsightly structures ought to be renovated
- Non-traditional golf models lead to more traditional rounds
- Additional out door seating, fire-pits, or other auxiliary areas should be considered
- The game of golf can be a great hobby for staying in shape!

By making a list of clubhouse and other facility improvements, the first step toward creating a more inviting environment at your course is already done!

Timing is Everything

We realize that more often than not, everything comes down to timing, so when you're ready for us, we'll be ready for you and your golf course!

Please remember, we present webinars at no charge to stakeholders who oversee facilities looking to improve. If that's of interest to you, please tell us about your golf course byclicking here.

Sincerely,

Andy Staples, ASGCA