The preliminary findings of the Great British Bunker Study, a report compiled by bunker specialists EcoBunker Ltd with the endorsement of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), have pinpointed substantial challenges that demand the attention of discerning golf clubs aiming to exceed the expectations of their guests and members.
EcoBunker audited 32 courses, evaluating bunker management, maintenance efficiency, and design quality.
Here are the key insights that I have found to be most beneficial for club managers from the Great British Bunker Study:
- Over 90% of respondents identified sand contamination as a primary concern. This is primarily attributed to the erosion of traditional natural bunker edge materials but can also occur from the soil underneath the bunker where an adequate bunker liner is not in use.
- The study estimates that approximately 9% of bunkers are superfluous, contributing neither to gameplay nor strategy.
- The study found that where clubs had adjusted bunker locations to improve visibility from tees and fairways, their members had reported a more engaged and satisfying experience.
- Where bunkers offered a strategic challenge without being overly punitive, enjoyment and interest in the game increased. Design changes may include reshaping bunkers for better visibility, reducing overly large bunkers, and removing or relocating bunkers that no longer serve a strategic purpose.
- Consistency in sand depth and purity, along with the stability and aesthetics of bunker faces, has been noted as a significant concern.
- Many golfers favor traditional, simple bunker shapes over elaborate designs, emphasizing the importance of maintenance over aesthetic complexity.
- The recent prevalence of heavy rainfall significantly impacts bunker maintenance. This is particularly noticeable in sand contamination from traditional bunker faces. Quality bunker liners, appropriate drainage, synthetic bunker walls, and edging reduce difficulties presented by climatic events.
- Inconsistent sand depth is reported to impact playability and golfer satisfaction negatively. The report highlights the need for consistent bunker conditions across the course.
- Golf courses are increasingly focusing on sustainability and cost-efficiency in bunker maintenance. Courses report lower long-term costs and environmental impact by reducing the number of bunkers, using durable materials such as synthetic revetted edging, and adopting efficient maintenance practices.
Further analysis of the individual bunker audits will be completed in the coming months, followed by a final report on the Great British Bunker Study findings.
Content marketing tips for B2B marketers
The allocation of funds to content marketing is anticipated to increase in 2024. According to a survey conducted by the Content Marketing Institute, 45% of B2B companies are inclined to increase their expenditure on content marketing, surpassing the figures from 2023.
B2B marketers trust video content in marketing communication, considering it a pivotal tool in their endeavors. 89% of consumers want more videos from brands in 2024 (Source).
I recommend using testimonial and explainer videos with clickable links to your website.
Thought leadership content – sharing innovative ideas and unique perspectives – also stands out as particularly advantageous to them. I have crafted such content for esteemed clients, including Club Caddie Software.
Remember to add interactive features (think polls, quizzes, games, videos, and so forth) if you still want to share your information in PPT format (I received this study’s summary in PDF without clickable links and contact information).
Such features will increase the number of content views compared to customers leveraging traditional, static content and generate more website traffic.
Mediafly found
“Interactive content sees 52.6% more engagement than static content, with buyers spending an average of 8.5 minutes viewing static content items and 13 minutes on interactive content items.”
This year, Bernhard and Company came up with a clever solution to make their brochure more interactive by using QR codes.
Let’s explore together ways to enhance the effectiveness of your content marketing efforts:
- Email – mikibreitner@gmail.com
- Mobile – +36 30 279 0054
- https://golfbusinessmonitor.com/work-with-me