Golf Clubs Need to Adopt Creative Thinking if They Are to Thrive

Like it or not, we can probably expect to see more golf courses closing in 2025.

There are all sorts of reasons why clubs close their doors for good - land sold to make way for housing developments, falling membership, owners deciding that they have simply had enough.

Our recent article about course closures certainly got you thinking. It seems pretty obvious that for courses that are facing proper challenges, some lateral thinking might be required.

Greater Collaboration Between Clubs

This was particularly thought provoking... 

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"I have, for many years, wondered why golf clubs do not collaborate more with each other, particularly when courses are close to each other. 

"The cost of plant and machinery, much of which lies idle for much of the time, suggests to me that there would be some merit in clubs sharing machinery and greenkeepers. In the same vein every one of the 149 homes in my village has a lawnmower which might be used once a week at most for half of the year! It makes no financial sense."

On the face of it, this makes perfect sense on every possible level, but can you imagine any clubs having the nous to make it work? 

And, of course, there are some practical issues. Would there have to be some job losses? Which course would take priority? Would it really be practical for two courses to share equipment and greenkeeping staff? 

"It also seems to me that clubs could merge to allow members of each club to play the other. Golfers tend to spend more money in the clubhouse of courses other than their own clubs so there is a financial benefit here.

"I recognise the political and economic difficulties of what I suggest but golf requires more imagination. It will be a more attractive proposition (to young golfers and to younger married people with children who are financially stretched) if more variety was on tap."

Reciprocal Tee Times

I have been a member of several clubs that had deals in place with neighbouring courses, whereby we were entitled to free rounds, particularly when the course to which we were aligned had maintenance programmes in place. There were some restrictions on tee times but other than that it was like being a member of two clubs. And it is quite true that we would generally spend more time - and money - in the clubhouses of the second club. Do not ask me why that should be the case because I really couldn’t tell you. Maybe it was because the surroundings were different.

"Too many clubs are charging far too much money to visitors, it is money they don't need but what they charge simply tells me that they don't want or need my money but if I am silly enough to pay it they will gladly bank it. A little more interest in the promotion of golf rather than self interest and exclusivity would help."

Ah that old chestnut again. It is absolutely true that many golf clubs are vastly overpriced when it comes to green fees for visitors. But we can all vote with our feet. I absolutely refuse to pay £100+ for a round of golf unless it is at a course that is on my wish list. Clubs that overcharge are effectively telling visitors that they do not want their business - and the chances are that those are the very clubs that will be unwelcoming. If you are considering paying a green fee the first thing to check out is how difficult it is to find a decent tee time - I firmly believe that if they are restricting visitors in terms of tee times then they are effectively telling you that they do not want your business. Are there are special offers for fourballs? Are there are special pay-and-eat deals? No? My advice would be to steer clear. 

Ensure a Welcoming Atmosphere

"I am currently on holiday in Australia and close to a number of reasonably priced courses, all of which appear to be busy (and welcoming). Golf in the UK could learn a lesson here."

I have played a fair bit of golf in Australia and, from my experience, it is a totally different game. First and foremost, it is affordable. The courses I have played have made me feel welcome. And the sport is played differently - people have fun. It may well be something to do with the climate. Whatever, there is a complete absence of "stuffed shirts" when it comes to playing golf Down Under.

What is Value For Money?

"I was a frequent visitor to a resort with a golf course nearby. The golf clubhouse also provided food at a very reasonable price and visited the restaurant many times. But I only played the golf course once because they charged £32 a round midweek, even though the course was under-utilised. 

"Had they been much more reasonable, I would have played it many times. In their effort to make it more exclusive they probably alienated a lot of golfers."

What this illustrates is that we all have different ideas of what represents value for money. I think £32 for 18 holes is extremely reasonable, and I would have no issues paying such a sum. My guess is that most golfers would share this view. However, it does raise another issue. I have played a LOT of golf in the UK and have stayed in many stand-alone hotels with golf courses located nearby. And what I simply cannot understand is why so many hotels fail to get together with those courses to set up reciprocal deals whereby if you are staying in the hotel you get a) preferential tee times, and b) cheaper green fees. To me, it is an absolute no-brainer.

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