Where is the golf market headed?

[BowmanvilleJim]

I have noticed a growing trend that I like in the golf industry around the GTA. There are more and more discounts being offered and not just at the low end courses. Even though the price of golf is getting up there you can find good deals if you shop around and are willing to play outside of the peak core hours.

Additionally many private clubs are offering discounted memberships and / or trial memberships.

What's your view?

[golfingoalie]

Too many courses, not enough clients...especially at the higher end courses...I think the industry in the GTA is not booming right now, which is good for us golfers looking for a game at a reasonable price.

[hogannut]

In 2000 when I was working at Spalding and the CEO from the States came here for a meeting. During his speech he showed us stats that new golf course construction was doubling new player involvement. He said in 5-10 years many golf courses will be empty, or close to it. I can still remember thinking to myself "ya maybe in the States or whatever but here in GTA this won't happen". Now remember this was when everyone and their mother was taking up golf because of the Tiger Woods phenomenon. Pretty much every company was having corporate tournaments, and people were having to learn how to play, at least for business reasons.

Since then the corporate tournaments have lost some of their appeal, mostly due to costs, you can rent a hall and have a staff party for much less than a golf tournament, and you aren't "forcing" employees to do something they really don't want to do. I know of many companies who's golf tournaments now are for the people who only play golf.

Then many of the new players lost interest due to time commitments to play, cost of the equipment, green fees, etc and the frustration level a new player can experience learning how to play.

So now, many of these new facilities particularily the high end facilities are feeling the pinch. To many courses, not enough players = lots of green fee deals and less volume overall. Mid price courses don't feel it as much because the majority of these players are true golfers who want to play as much as possible and would rather play a less manicured course for less money but play more rounds, and I'm one of those players!

[Bellyhungry]

- High end courses with sound long term business plan and run by professionals will continue to adapt and thrive. I will put Angus Glen, Eagle's Nest and Copper Creek in this category
- Budget minded golf courses who offer solid golf experience for the cost-conscious will always thrive

The golf courses in trouble are those without a vision and don't know what they want to be. They also don't know who their target market is, and their business operations is sketchy and inconsistent.

What happens to the golf industry is not that much different than in any other industry.

[Big Shooter]

New Golf Course, NOT in a very populated area?
Just say NO to a Big Clubhouse... :)

[nearace]

New Golf Course, NOT in a very populated area?
Just say NO to a Big Clubhouse... :) bond head comes to mind,free shirt,free range,tee gift ,gps,high end course in bradford,priceless:confused:

[Big Shooter]

bond head comes to mind,free shirt,free range,tee gift ,gps,high end course in bradford,priceless:confused:

ahhhh, but they ARE getting the Corporate crowd!