A Better Muni Golf Clubhouse!

Community Golf Fan,

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There's an exciting new trend in the business of Municipal golf; the clubhouse of the future is emerging and pushing the boundaries toward a much more entertaining place to hang-out!

As you may know, the traditional golf clubhouse has followed the same basic design principles for the past 30 years. It's been focused entirely on the golfer checking in, maybe buying a sleeve of balls, grabbing a quick bite, and then heading to the first tee.

We’re seeing more and more however, that the design of a Municipal golf clubhouse is evolving into a social center that is reflective of its community, and the values most important to them.

Clubhouse trends include an increasing emphasis in the following areas:

• An atmosphere that focuses on family and friends
• A place for business meetings, lunches, and team-building
• Leveraged Indoor/ Outdoor social areas with overlap to non-golfing amenities
• Broader food & beverage options to drive guest diversity and increased revenue
• Fun and engaging golf simulators for all seasons, leagues, non-golfer intros to the game
• Community areas for local, non-golfing related events

Here are some examples to get ideas flowing:

The Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, AZ, has an indoor/ outdoor restaurant right near the practice green, which allows children to putt around during evening hours.

Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, NM, has an outdoor patio space with firepit, which often plays host to live music, as well as a walking trail that encompasses the property.

The Morning Joint at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ, is a great place to grab breakfast regardless of whether you’re hitting the course.

The best news is, your golf clubhouse doesn’t have to start from scratch to begin incorporating this type of environment! Many previously mentioned ideas can be implemented through cost effective renovations, and a more community-focused approach, all while still appealing to your main customer, the golfer!

Here's what you need to know:

• Emerging clubhouse trends mark a paradigm shift in how golf facilities are utilized.
• Municipal golf facilities are finding new approaches to be more community focused.
• Golf simulators are a fun and engaging way to introduce non-golfers to the game.
• Including non-golf amenities diversify a golf facility’s user base, increasing revenue.
• Municipal golf facilities don’t have to rebuild to become a more inviting place to visit!

Please remember, we’re around to answer any questions you might have on this topic, or anything else regarding your community golf course! You can send us an email by clicking here, or feel free to give us a ring at the number below.

Until next time,

Andy Staples, ASGCA