I just did a presentation for a bunch of our awesome clients in a swanky meeting room at the Hyatt. We love the companies that support us and we try to return the favor by providing them with research, data and insights. Sometimes we're even right!
Anyway, as the 2017 GIS begins in earnest, I thought I'd share what I told them because it's largely good news.
-- Maintenance budgets continue to grow (10 percent last year and 6 percent projected this year)
-- Smart facilities are investing in their courses via bunker and practice area renovations
-- The vast majority of industry suppliers and distributors report that sales to the golf industry were up again last year
-- The percentage of profitable courses continues to grow
-- The slow, steady contraction of the golf market continues as we close about 150 more courses a year than we open.
I also told them that I believe the business future of golf lies with superintendents. The person managing the largest, most important asset any golf facility owns will continue to grow in importance within more good operations.
Things are hardly perfect. Labor, water and simple understanding of the value of golf course maintenance will continue to be challenges. But, as always, I remain optimistic. Why?
Because this is a business driven by good, passionate people who love what they do and are committed to it. Period.
Over the next couple of days, whether you're walking the show flow in Orlando or back at home working or shoveling snow, try to remember to be grateful for the wonderful things – and people – this business gives us. Say thanks to all those suppliers and friends who make it possible.
Have an awesome show!
No more results found. Anyway, as the 2017 GIS begins in earnest, I thought I'd share what I told them because it's largely good news.
-- Maintenance budgets continue to grow (10 percent last year and 6 percent projected this year)
-- Smart facilities are investing in their courses via bunker and practice area renovations
-- The vast majority of industry suppliers and distributors report that sales to the golf industry were up again last year
-- The percentage of profitable courses continues to grow
-- The slow, steady contraction of the golf market continues as we close about 150 more courses a year than we open.
I also told them that I believe the business future of golf lies with superintendents. The person managing the largest, most important asset any golf facility owns will continue to grow in importance within more good operations.
Things are hardly perfect. Labor, water and simple understanding of the value of golf course maintenance will continue to be challenges. But, as always, I remain optimistic. Why?
Because this is a business driven by good, passionate people who love what they do and are committed to it. Period.
Over the next couple of days, whether you're walking the show flow in Orlando or back at home working or shoveling snow, try to remember to be grateful for the wonderful things – and people – this business gives us. Say thanks to all those suppliers and friends who make it possible.
Have an awesome show!