Game On, Muni Golf!

Community Golf Fan,

Among the various silver linings that will ultimately come out of this pandemic, one will definitely be the return of golf. Here are a few of the latest facts and stats from Golf Datatech and the National Golf Foundation, which should be encouraging for every municipal stakeholder overseeing a golf facility:

• Golf had its best summer on record (20+ years)
• July saw a 20% increase from July 2019
• 500K NEW junior golfers projected through 2020
• Youth and Beginner club sets are selling at all-time highs
• Golf in the US is on par for a 4%+ increase from last year
• 98% of Golf Courses are Open

Conversely, a simple google search of “Recreation + Closed” brings up result, after result, after result, of municipal recreation facilities across the country that remained shuttered. With all of this in mind, we at Staples Golf believe it’s worth shifting financial resources for improving course conditions, and for course marketing to capitalize on golf’s renewed enthusiasm, at least for the time being.

As we’ve emphasized in the past, the game of golf is ideal for getting outside and for connecting with nature, which have many physical and psychological health benefits. We can’t think of a more ideal time to promote physical and metal health than during a global pandemic, where social restrictions remain prevalent.

Interestingly, we're actually seeing small projects being implemented during this time, such as tee renovations and bunker upgrades. It looks like some clubs and courses jumped on the early pandemic closures for such projects to ensure a bit of productivity, but few predicated golf would come roaring back so soon! Marketing dollars seem to be shifting towards golf as well, as competition is back in full swing.

What you need to know:

• Hands down, golf is making a comeback
• Unfortunately, other municipal recreation options remain in limbo
• Opportunities to increase golf revenues are NOW
• It's a good time to tackle smaller projects around the course
• There's no reason to not increase spending on course marketing materials

Staples Golf is open for business and ready to help your course improve its bottom-line during these unprecedented times. Now more than ever it’s important for our community golf facilities to consider their options!

Until next time, please take care of yourself and each other!

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Andy Staples, ASGCA

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