One would think that 2020 was a terrible year for almost all golf clubs. As I look at US statistics, then I see a boom in play that started in the summer continued through the end of the…
It is no secret that private clubs, like many businesses, are experiencing some significant degree of financial pain, and most likely will be for the foreseeable future. While there is no playbook for how clubs should conduct business…
Has there ever been any universal concern that has monopolized the attention of the whole planet? Definitely, not! This is a first of its kind, an incomparable and historical situation that, has brought the world to a halt.…
The American Hotel and Lodging Association predicts some 45% of all hotel jobs have been eliminated or will be eliminated in the next few weeks. They forecast a 30% drop in hotel occupancy over a full year would…
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affluent purchasers prefer larger, more private indoor spaces as they devote more time to their residences. They are again embracing the gated community and private club model, including country, yacht, and golf clubs.…
The Centurion Club started with the promise in 2013 that fewer rules and regulations would allow members to enjoy a new type of lifestyle club, which encourages an entrepreneurial spirit to thrive. The Centurion Club offers various membership…
In an interview three years ago, I spoke with Robert A. Sereci, the GM/COO of Medinah Country Club, regarding how private golf clubs were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of their business impact. Word has just…
Volatility in consumer behavior is at an all-time high. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed many needs and preferences. It is worth understanding that our indoor golf customers are laser-focused on value too. The demand for service, experience, and…
I first heard about Ombria Resort in the Algarve in 2018 at the conference of the Portuguese National Golf Industry Council, where I participated as a speaker. Since then, many things from Ombria Resort's plans have been realized…
Japan is the world's second-largest golf country with nearly 2500 golf courses (+ many more driving ranges) and 10.5 million golfers. Despite this, it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Because of their own fault? It's also worth…
What innovative club membership offers do the Champion Hills have? It is imperative to understand the recent trends of remote work, golf club usage patterns, and lifestyle changes (e.g. demand for sustainable golf club operations). Pre-pandemic customer preferences…
Costa Navarino has always tried to impress us. Just think of their 4 golf courses, five-star hotels, luxury private residences, etc. As a father of a three-year-old son, I am of course primarily interested in family programs and…
The 15th Annual European Golf Business Conference (14-16 February 2023, Cascais, Portugal) is almost here. It will cover and discuss these golf business challenges below. In the continuation, you will find why these topics are so important, timely,…
Give golfers a great golf club membership experience and they will never leave you and spend more money in your golf club. Great! This is what every golf club is striving for. So why are so many golf…
I hear from more and more places how big problem mental health is in workplaces including golf clubs. More employees are leaving their jobs for mental health reasons, including those caused by workplace factors like overwhelming and unsustainable…
The golf industry has a strong predisposition toward offering in-person services. Could technology change the way that golf businesses operate? Over the last two years, the global workforce has witnessed a significant increase in working remotely. Many employees…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen so many major golf events and golf tournaments either canceled or in best cases postponed. Just to give you an exact number from 2020: 11 golf tournaments were canceled on the…
Two years ago, I already mentioned how important digital transformation is for golf clubs in order to maintain competitiveness, enhance employee productivity, and serve guests more efficiently (see also customer experience & personalization). The main motivations of businesses…
Insider Intelligence found in 2022, worldwide retail e-commerce sales will exceed $5 trillion for the first time, accounting for more than a fifth of overall retail sales. In 2022, worldwide retail sales are poised to grow 5% year-over-year…
Last October, Jason Straka was elected president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the organization’s 75th Annual Meeting in Cleveland. Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design won this renovation project for the Belleair Golf Club’s 2…