The Road Back: The Club at Renaissance’s “Hidden Secret” for Creating New Golf Excitement

In this episode of C+RB’s video series, Principal Owner Brian Rigsby, PGA, discusses how creatively incorporating a new “54” short course within the playing corridors of the Fort Myers, Fla. property’s 18-hole championship course has spurred increased member interest and activity and helped the club “get in line with what we need to be current.”

“The Road Back” video series from Club + Resort Business provides fresh insights into how club and resort properties are meeting the challenges posed by the pandemic and finding new and innovative ways to boost business levels and start their return to full operation.

Short courses have grown in popularity in recent years, as busy golfers are finding it increasingly difficult to carve out time for a regulation round. But how can a club introduce this option within its existing footprint, and without disrupting play, on a championship course?

The answer for The Club at Renaissance in Fort Myers, Fla. was to “hide” new tee boxes in the rough and other off-fairway locations on its existing par 4s and 5s and combine play from those tees with the existing par 3s, to create its new “54” course that provides an entertaining, less-intimidating option for many golfers while also offering new short-game challenges for top players.

In this episode, Principal Owner Brian Rigsby, PGA, discusses how the concept was conceived and executed, and how the new course is helping The Club at Renaissance “get in line with what we need to be current.”

(Viewing time: 13 minutes)

Previous episodes of “The Road Back” can be viewed at https://clubandresortbusiness.com/category/the-road-back/

Upcoming episodes will highlight how clubs are using new techniques for effective virtual communication with members and staff, and how one club executed a major golf course renovation in 2020 while overcoming the challenges posed by bad weather and the pandemic.

If you have a great idea or success story you’d like to see featured on a future episode of “The Road Back,” contact editor@clubandresortbusiness.com.