why golf courses fail

Here are 6 reasons your course and club may fail like this one did...

1. Behind-the-Times Marketing and Advertising Strategy. The traditional ideas behind how you get the word out to people has evolved in so many ways. ...
2. Overflow of Low Quality or Boring Pictures on Google or Social Media. ...
3. Unattractive or Outdated Website with Poor Search Results. ...

Full Answer

Why do so many golf clubs fail?

 · The disaster associated with failing community golf courses is the negative effect on residential property values - beginning from the rumor itself. It can be a domino-effect because falling home...

Why do golf courses close down?

 · The failure of golf course communities continues to be a massive problem nationwide, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal . With 1,200 golf communities nationwide, and golf declining as a past-time, many homeowners face declining property values and are saddled with heavy membership dues that they no longer can afford.

What are the most common golf mistakes that get you into trouble?

 · There’s no getting around the principal reason for a golf facility closing down – it’s simple economics; supply and demand. If there isn’t sufficient demand for a golfing facility, then it will steadily become unviable to a point where it simply doesn’t make sense for it to remain open. Golf’s popularity has always waxed and waned.

What makes the worst golf courses in America so bad?

 · Golf has declined because of the economy and working weekends, young people have not taken up golf because of cost and computer games it has nothing to do with dress code and changing rules. 3. Slow Play. This was a major …

Why country clubs are failing?

Golf and tennis, the traditional club pastimes, have lost popularity. Declining marriage and fertility rates mean fewer families joining. Young professionals, many burdened with limited incomes and high debt, balk at paying dues. And a yearning for broader community makes the clubhouse's exclusivity unappealing.

Are golf courses declining?

Since 2003, there has been a consistent annual decline in the number of golf players. There were 6.8 million fewer golfers in 2018 compared to 2003 — a loss of 22 percent. This resulted in a net reduction of 1,243 18-HEQ courses between 2005 and 2018.

Why is golf in decline?

The golden age of golf appears to have come and gone and the demographics population in general is getting older. The decline in golf is surely in part due to those who love the game getting too old to play it and dying off, leaving the numbers of golfers continuing to dwindle.

Do golf courses actually make money?

The most common income streams are green fees, membership fees, pro shop sales, and food and beverage sales. While increasing membership fees or green fees might seem like a good way to increase revenue, it might put off more golfers than the additional income earned.

Is golf a dying industry?

The number of golfers in the US continues to decline — there were approximately 26 million golfers in 2016 compared to almost 30 million in 2006; The number of golf courses in the US is declining — there were 15,372 courses in 2015 vs. a peak of more than 16,000 just a few years ago.

Is golf dying in popularity?

However, the popularity of golf was on the decline in the new millennium; between 2003 and 2018, golf saw a decline of over 6.8 million players and more than 1,200 course closures. Hopes for a turnaround in the golfing industry were shattered in March of 2020 with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Is golf a waste of money?

Remembering that the average round of golf takes 4 hours we can safely assume that 1.824 billion hours or 76 million days are wasted playing golf every year . The average golfer wastes around 76 hours or 3.2 days playing golf every year.

Is golf becoming more or less popular?

Golf surged in popularity in 2020 by nearly every metric, as people sought out the socially distanced outdoor activity amid the pandemic. More than 24.8 million people played golf in the U.S. in 2020, up more than 2% year-over-year and the largest net increase in 17 years, according to the National Golf Foundation.

Who is the most unpopular golfer?

Consider this, via Golf Today: "Rory Sabbatini is the most hated man in golf. So says the result of a survey by Sports Illustrated in which 25 percent of pros polled named the 32-year-old South African as their least favorite playing partner."

Is investing in a golf course worth it?

Golf course properties typically have great resale value, selling at two to three times that of an average home – which is a magnet for investors.

How much money does the average golf course make?

According to the National Golf Foundation's 2010 Operating & Financial Performance Profiles of 18-hole golf facilities in the U.S., private 18-hole golf clubs had average total revenue of $3,277,000 in 2009, but with total expenses of $3,204,500.

How does golf generate money?

Most of the purse money comes from the various television networks that broadcast PGA Tour events. As of 2012, television rights money provides 60 percent of each tournament's purse, according to an article in Forbes.

What is municipal golf course?

A municipal golf course is akin to a college — people seem to develop some of their strongest friendships there and even if they graduate to ritzier surroundings, they still hold a soft spot for it.

Can large cities afford to take the hit?

Those in socio-economically thriving communities can afford to take the hit. And often, large cities see this as a means to keep residents from fleeing to suburbs. But when the pandemic hit and budgets were smashed, the microscope returned, even in areas where the number of golf rounds skyrocketed.

What happens if a golf course is not developed?

If the property can’t be developed or there is considerable time between closure and development, the property can become an eyesore. As shown in the picture above, even when the property is maintained (not for golf) it’s no longer pretty. The community that all golf courses and clubs become loses its focal point.

Why do golf courses close?

Golf courses, especially member-owned clubs often close simply because the membership or club leadership resist change . There are certain fundamentals few clubs can survive without. Formerly an afterthought, practice facilities are now considered essential by busy potential members with limited time and new golfers.

How many golf courses have closed in the past 10 years?

I’ve always been intrigued by golf course and club closures. According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 1,200 courses have closed in the past 10 years (7.4% of the supply) and more than 700 (4.7%) in the past 5 years. Certainly, as someone who analyzes golf courses and clubs I understand market dynamics and the economics of the golf course and club business. Why this happens is intriguing. However, this topic is often one that is difficult to articulate in a general sense, not only because circumstances vary from club to club but also because it seems as though everyone has a theory.

Is golf expensive?

It's elitist and too expensive. There are plenty of ways to save money on golf, including booking discounted, off-peak tee times and finding deals on equipment. So golf can be affordable.

Should golf clubs give scholarships?

Among the suggestions offered by Golf Digest to increase participation in the sport, columnist Ron Sirak recommended that the USGA should fund caddie programs, and that private clubs should give four-year "scholarships" to junior players, with free lessons and playing privileges.

Is golf dying?

Tiger Woods. Skeptics insist that golf isn't dying. Not by a long shot . The sport's popularity, they say, is merely taking a natural dip after soaring to unjustified heights during the "golf bubble" brought on by the worldwide phenomenon that was Tiger Woods. After the infidelity scandals and, more recently, poor play and loads of injuries from Woods, fewer people are watching golf on TV, buying golf gear in stores, and, you know, actually going out and playing golf.

Is golf a difficult sport?

It's too difficult. Pretty much every other sport on the planet is more immediately rewarding than golf. Take a snowboard lesson in the morning, and by afternoon, you can make a few turns down the bunny trail without falling (much). Golf is renowned not only for being frustratingly difficult for beginners, but even longtime players "enjoy" it as a frustratingly difficult hobby.

Is golf affordable?

So golf can be affordable. It’s just that, by and large, the sport has a well-deserved reputation for being pricey—think $400 drivers, $250,000 club “initiation” fees, and too many gadgets to mention. The snooty factor goes hand in hand with the astronomical prices and atmosphere on the typical course.

How does failing golf courses affect property values?

It can be a domino-effect because falling home prices lowers assessments, which lowers property taxes collected by local counties and cities. For instance, if a neighborhood of 1,000 X $400 thousand dollar residences paying $2,500 annual property taxes drops 20%, then taxes drop to $2,000 and the city/county loses $500,000 in property tax revenue. It means those bone-jarring potholes won't get fixed anytime soon.

Why is golf declining?

Golf has been in a little decline for the past few years due to many factors, including greedy land developers, the lingering effects of two recessions in the past 20 years, and the increasing disparity between the rich and the disappearing middle class. This decline is not inevitable and may be turning around as we speak. Where I live we are surrounded by forests and mountain lions, etc. . It is nice to take off our hiking boots every now and then.

Why should a FG include a source of golf course expertise in the group?

The FG should include a source of golf course expertise in the group to obtain the best grasp on all the issues and costs associated with keeping the golf course alive and well. The key is to gather the facts about the golf course as though it has already dropped its keys on your lap.

How many people are needed to build a 36 hole golf course?

By that estimate, the subject 36-hole golf course needs a 50,000 population on its doorstep to support itself.

What about buying out the current ownership and converting failing golf courses into community gardens with a senior, daycare,

What about buying out the current ownership and converting failing golf courses into community gardens with a senior, daycare, and youth center? The properties would be of much better service to the surrounding area and would likely be less costly to maintain (not to mention greener because the grass would be garden space instead of water-dependent grass). Also, consider the recent downturns in the entire U.S. economy. Most of us cannot afford to pay the high fees to use the courses in our area, much less put up the extra funds to maintain and operate them.

What issue does a feasibility group need to learn?

One issue a feasibility group needs to learn is the true cost to operate a golf course.

How many people live in 36 holes of golf?

Based on the number of golf courses serving a 2.2 million population area, the each of the subject's 36-holes has over 32,000 population to draw from. Therefore, depending on normal economic factors, etc., The subject 36-hole golf course should be relatively buoyant. However, the long term future of the golf courses is not assured. Today's golf business 'economy' suggests that this is the time to plan a perpetual future - before it flips upside down!

Why are golf courses closing?

Forty years after developers started blanketing the Sunbelt with housing developments built around golf, many courses are closing amid a decline in golf participation, leaving homeowners to grapple with the consequences. People often believe a course will bolster their property values. But many are discovering the opposite can now be true—and legal disputes are erupting as communities fight over how to handle the struggling courses.

What happens to the value of a golf course when it closes?

When a golf course closes, the value of homes in an associated subdivision typically drop 25 percent— but may decline 40-50 percent if a legal battle ensues, the Journal reports. Developments are selling lots, once valued at a quarter million, for a dollar.

How many golf courses closed in 2017?

More than 200 golf courses closed in 2017 across the country, while only about 15 new ones opened, according to the National Golf Foundation, a golf market-research provider.

Why is golf closing down?

There’s no getting around the principal reason for a golf facility closing down – it’s simple economics; supply and demand. If there isn’t sufficient demand for a golfing facility, then it will steadily become unviable to a point where it simply doesn’t make sense for it to remain open.

What happens if there isn't enough demand for golf?

If there isn’t sufficient demand for a golfing facility, then it will steadily become unviable to a point where it simply doesn’t make sense for it to remain open.

Why did Deangate Ridge GC close?

Deangate Ridge GC in Kent closed last April as landowners Medway Council supported the land’s inclusion within the Medway Local Plan as a housing allocation.

What clubs are closing in 2018?

There have been other examples of clubs closing in 2018 as they are no longer financially viable, among them Cranbrook GC in Kent, Fishwick Hall GC in Preston and Maywood GC in Derbyshire.

What is the main contributing factor to golf facility closure?

As the main contributing factor to golf-facility closure is money then it’s the proprietary clubs that face facts first.

Why did Mack Golf stop trading?

This was because all eight were operated by a company called Mack Golf, which ceased trading owing to “unavoidable financial difficulties”.

Why did Hastings and St Leonards GC close?

Hastings and St Leonards GC in East Sussex is another club that closed owing ostensibly to an “extreme decrease in trade”. But members and owners had different views on the closure.

Why has golf declined?

Golf has declined because of the economy and working weekends, young people have not taken up golf because of cost and computer games it has nothing to do with dress code and changing rules. 3. Slow Play. This was a major theme running throughout the survey once again.

Is club membership too expensive?

Club membership is too expensive for a once a week golfer and very difficult to get Saturday or Sunday tee times.

Is golf becoming unaffordable again?

All aspects of golf are becoming increasingly unaffordable again. Green fees, equipment, lessons, membership and golf breaks all became value for money again approximately 5-7 years ago which increased participation. However, with the increasing demand, the prices have been increasing.

Is overcrowding a problem with golf clubs?

This isn't an issue seen by all golf clubs and arguably a nice problem to have. But are some golf clubs just too busy which long-term will be to the detriment of memberships and repeat visits? If you are paying a premium price for a product you want to be able to access on your terms and overcrowding is often the root cause of long rounds!

Is there a divide in golf?

In a world that is becoming more divided, this continues to be one of the biggest issues faced by golf. Golfers of contrasting ages quite clearly want a different product, club and non-club members also make that choice for specific reasons, and there slowly appears to be a divide in courses.

Should you allow 6 holes in golf?

Very important to allow people to play 6/9/12/18 holes as they feel like doing and facilitate pricing accordingly. All new courses should be designed in loops of 6 or 9 holes and the opportunity made available to play 6 or 9 holes at certain times and be charged accordingly. Existing courses should offer and publicise 6 or 9 hole options more. Not everyone wants to spend all day at the golf course, or can afford full green fees regularly.

Is smart jeans smarter than golf?

This was definitely an area of less concern than in previous surveys, but it was still noted in relation to access to clubs and events in smart jeans, which are often seen to be smarter than some golf attire, and trainers which are often required due to health issues.

What is the maintenance of a golf course?

Then there are capital expenditures to make improvements to the golf course. Maintenance equipment like water pumps and lawn mowers have maintenance needs of their own as well.

What makes a good golf experience?

The driving factor for most golfers having a good experience is the condition of the course and the price paid for the round.

How hot is a golf ball in 115 degrees?

You’re 214 feet below sea level golfing in 115-degree heat. At that point, your golf game becomes about efficiency. No practice swings, and make a few movements as you can. Gameplay can be difficult with ground temperatures hot enough to melt a golf ball.

Why do pro players hate Zurich Classic?

There’s a reason why that players have avoided the Zurich Classic. The flat and unimaginative design leaves players feeling like they’re uninspired during play.

Do golf course designers have an easy job?

Golf course designers don’t have an easy job. They have a piece of land to work with, elements like wind and water to contend with, and they have to design a great golf course.

Do you need GPS to play golf?

The layout overlaps, which can make finding the fairways and tees very confusing. You’ll need to bring a GPS with you to get around.

Is there a golf cart at Kinloch Golf Course?

If it’s your first time there, be prepared. First is that there are no golf carts. That’s right, play golf the old fashioned way – with caddies.

What happens if you lose your balance in golf?

If you make your perfect golf swing and you lose your balance you could ruin a perfect golf shot.

Why is my golf bag not consistent?

1. Inconsistent Set Up. Good posture is the key to balance and good solid contact. Being in proper posture for each and every club in your bag will almost always lead to being more consistent in contact and direction.

How to make better decisions in golf?

This is a lesson that all golfers can learn. Try to under-react to your bad shots and just go get the ball and try again, or adjust your gameplan to be a little more conservative if you continue to struggle. Remaining calm can help you make better decisions and help your shots stay in play.

How many clubs can you carry in a golf bag?

You can carry up to 14 clubs in your bag and they are all a different length. That alone leads to insistency with many golfers. Taking a real practice swing allows you to get used to the length club you are swinging and if the ball is on the ground, also gives you the opportunity to have that club brush the grass.

Why do you have to adjust your ball position when you pop your driver up?

You then make the adjustment, because you know your tendencies and make yourself better as you go throughout your round.

Why is it important to remain calm in golf?

Remaining calm can help you make better decisions and help your shots stay in play. It is also makes you a golfer that others will enjoy.

How to be consistent in golf?

Being in proper posture for each and every club in your bag will almost always lead to being more consistent in contact and direction. A good goal would be to be bent forward from your hips so your hands hang directly below your shoulders as your hands will return to where they hang naturally.