Make golf affordable

For several years now Richard Mandell, golf course architect, has been the force behind a variety of symposiums on affordable golf on both the east and west coasts.  The most recent meeting was held at Dairy Creek Golf Course that is a part of the San Luis Obispo County golf course group.  How apropos that the meeting be held at a facility that is not only affordable but also a great example of sustainability for their many programs that will be covered a bit later.

Over 100 people participated in the two day event and it was a broad spectrum of golf course superintendents, golf professionals, golf course owners, builders, owners, management companies, architects and developers.  If golf is to make any progress and grow we all know how important it is to have all the key players sitting at the table in discussions like these.  Over the two days there were lively discussions from all perspectives.  I truly feel that most everyone walked away with hope for the future of golf by providing affordable golf for the masses to ensure its place in sports for decades and centuries to come.

Defining affordable
Richard Mandell started the day off with the question of what is the definition of affordable.  I jumped right in and stated my thought as “affordable is providing a service or product that the consumer finds value in for the experience they encountered”.  So affordable does not solely mean inexpensive but it means that a golfer will be satisfied and have their expectations met at a certain price point set by the golf course owner/operator.  Taking that a step further it is not just the golf course but the whole golfing experience.  Depending on the price that might include a variety of amenities such as driving range, practice putting greens, short game practice area, valet parking, locker facilities, food and beverage, etc.  The higher the price the more amenities are expected as well as a well-designed and conditioned golf course.

Golfers will fill the tee sheets based on their perception of value for the price of a round of golf.  Many people are happy to have a round of golf with a hot dog, beer and cart for $29.99.  They do not need or want all the other amenities listed above.  However, when you look at the higher end facilities that can charge $150-$500 a round it is imperative that they offer the best in amenities and obviously design, views and conditioning. 

While there are differences between private and public golf courses they both have the struggle of attracting customers at a specific price point.  Public golf makes up more than 75% of the golf courses in the USA and can vary from municipal golf courses to those owned by corporations, families and homeowner associations.  They all have their challenges and have had to make adjustments in the current economy.  Private golf courses have to operate with a limited number of golfers but they do receive financial support from membership dues……that is if their membership rosters are full……and that is not always the case today.

What affects the affordability of golf?
In the limited time that we had we covered a number of reasons for the affordability of golf.  I am sure there are more but this was a great start to help us all better understand what it takes to keep the game growing.

• Golf is not an easy sport to learn.  It takes equipment, it takes lessons, it takes understanding the rules, it takes coordination and it takes patience.
• Time is an issue for everyone.  We all know that it takes time to get to the golf course, warm up, practice, play a round and then have that drink when finished so it can take 4-6 hours at most facilities.  When choosing things to do this is a major time block that people would have to block out.
• We compete for the youth with sports like soccer that require less time, less skill, everyone plays and it costs $25 for a ball.  Many families are so involved in soccer that there is little time left for golf for both children and parents alike.
• Cost is a consideration for most.  In a tough economy it is difficult to put golf, or any recreation, ahead of the basic needs of any family. Just another reason golf gets put to the side for many who once played but now do not have the time or expendable income to stay in the game.

While it seems like all that we were focusing on was the negative that was not the case.  The good news is that a variety of sections of the golf industry have taken notice of declining golf rounds and have stepped up to the plate with some imaginative programs that will not only bring new players into the game but also incorporate lessons of life.  The PGA and the World Golf Foundation have embarked on Golf 20/20.  The First Tee teaches young people about the game and lessons in life.  Other programs like Get a Kid Hooked on Golf area also gaining strength.  Those are nationwide programs but individual facilities are doing their best to develop the players for the decade ahead.  I recently visited a golf course with 12 holes that gave the option of using a regulation size cup or a larger version.  Lots of young golfers playing that course for $10 a round.  All of those programs let people try the game and get involved and see what so many of us have seen that endear us to this game known as golf.

A few architects have developed short courses with 3, 6, 9 or 12 holes.  Sometimes this is due to space restrictions but it also is being done as learning academies to involve the novices, the elderly and those that just don’t have that 4-6 hour window to play a full length regulation course.