The nearly 100-year-old William Land Golf Course was threatened with closing when The First Tee of Sacramento announced it was ending its lease, but the city has reached an agreement with Morton Golf, which operates three other city courses, to take over its operation. Details of the agreement will be heard by City Council on…
Twelve-Hole Course Proving More Feasible in Crowded Central Illinois Market
While the future of the 18-hole Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana, Ill., which is already zoned for residential development, looks uncertain past the end of this year, Railside Golf Club in Gibson City, Ill. is discovering significant efficiencies—and added customer appeal—after downsizing to 12 holes. The vision of Atkins Group founder Clint Atkins…
Palm Desert (Calif.) CC’s 9-Hole Course to Be Developed
After lying completely dormant since 2014, the executive course is about to become condominiums, following a City Council vote to rezone the property for residential development. The financially troubled golf facility, which also had an 18-hole course, has been closed since developer PD Holdings purchased it out of bankruptcy in 2011. After lying completely dormant…
Keeping It Real
More properties are finding that by providing players with golf simulators that offer the next best thing to actually being elsewhere, they can generate tangible new revenue streams and member/guest benefits for their own locations.
Perfect Timing
To put a permanent face on its 50th anniversary celebration, Mission Viejo CC now proudly and prominently displays a customized post clock near its clubhouse and first tee.
Days That Pay Off Year-Round
Dressing up standard “Demo Days” with special features and benefits can add up to a win-win-win for all involved: equipment manufacturers, members and other attendees, and the clubs that host the events.
Sellout Performers
Some of the most valuable members of properties’ golf staffs have nothing to do with playing the game—but plenty to do with maximizing the sales power of the pro shop.
Beyond Face Time
Golf instruction has gone high-tech, as teaching pros find that the extra cost for new tools that go well beyond the capabilities of one-dimensional video can be justified by faster and more precise analysis of all that goes into a student’s swing.
Giving Seniors More Moments
Recognizing that the older generations won’t be able to play 18 holes on a full-length course forever, many clubs are expanding their range of recreational options offered to seniors, to greatly enhance the appeal for them to remain active, dues-paying members.
Signs of the Times
To generate additional revenue, Ben Geren Golf Course sold tee marker ads to local businesses on a one- or two-year contract basis.
Weather…Or Not?
To prevent lost rounds due to questionable forecasts, Ted Bishop, owner/operator of The Legends Golf Club, now produces an in-depth, more accurate weather blog of his own that is posted on the club’s website.
The “Short Answer” to Golf’s Woes?
Offering players a chance to discover and enjoy the game with less difficulty, cost and time can provide more choices, fun—and play.
As Much Science as Art
Golf instruction has moved well beyond just watching students bang buckets of balls on the range; modern technology now makes it possible to do a better job of analyzing, and fixing, swings—sometimes without even being at the same site.
Timely Delivery
In addition to needing to complete its new pro shop in a tight, tournament-to-tournament timeframe, The Sea Pines Resort’s Harbour Town Golf Links sought a partner that could maximize the impact of customers’ shopping trips throughout the expanded space.
Giving Events a Shot of Excitement
Combined golf-and-fishing competitions, “deck putting,” and tournaments with twists and attractions geared to charitable causes and special tributes are just some of the ways clubs and courses now seek to avoid having too much of the “same old, same old” on their annual calendars.