Attract recently retired baby boomers with experienced golf course management programs. With the increase of new golf courses since 2001, club programs must compete with adjusting prices and employing guerrilla marketing. But retaining customers starts with the golfing experience and the course itself. Renovate and upgrade to keep up with new public courses offering country club surrounding for a day fee price.

Focus on environmental impact is also changing the look of golf course throughout the US. Design and development focuses on the use of water, space and even soil. Private clubs can provide longer spaced rounds and more recreational and practice spaces. But public courses can offer an urban retreat. Consider updating maintenance equipment or looking into conservation renovations.

Whether you are expanding your course or acquiring a new property, review these options for today’s golf courses:

1. Finance your renovations and acquisitions with a golf course financier.

2. Use specialized golf software to implement better golf club management.

3. Work with golf course management companies to retain golfers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider golf course financing from a specialized provider

A provider specializing in golf course finance is experienced about revenue streams and debt requirements for golf course equipment and courses. While banks look at a golf course as risky real estate, an experienced provider has the performance numbers of golf retail operations and can offer a better deal.

I recommend: Clubhouse Capital provides acquisitions and sales for real estate or golf course investments along the East Coast and can also arrange financing. Textron Financial specializes in golf course mortgages and equipment financing and offers experience from the Trump National Golf Club to Trillium Wood.

Make more money with software at your golf courses

Whether you run private golf courses or public golf courses, golf software applications for handicapping, tournament management or tee time reservation can save time and enhance your club image. Golf professionals produce solutions-based programs for better course management. Look for easy-of-use and simple configurations as well as room for your company to grow.

I recommend: ForeTees offers a Tee Time Reservation System for private golf clubs online, making it maintenance free. SportsWare Ltd.’s products provide specific support for unique events, a complete and USGA-compliant in-house handicap system and a comprehensive Golf Tournament Management Program.

Consider golf course management companies for managing golf courses and golf course design

Look for golf course management programs to help with design and management. Companies with specialized experience can give your club a professional image and offer your patrons industry standards that will keep them returning.

I recommend: Meadowbrook Golf offers specialized services from project design and development to operational management, and has established industry standards for its clubs. American Golf Corporation manages 110 premier courses across the US and offers network services as well as community development programs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get the latest trade news on golf courses from specialized publications and professional associations.