Practice Range Renovation and Hole Change Cancel The title field is required!

1. Mark Dennison

   

   0 posts
   
   8/26/2011 5:08 AM

   I have a new pro on hand who has proposed to the Board to renovate our present practice range, (very minimal-160 yard shots max.) take out a hole to accomodate the new range facility, and develop a new hole. I'm not in any way shape or form against the idea, but for you that have seen this happen at your facilities, did you see an increase in revenue, membership, etc.?
   
   My pro's idea is to have a split tee, one side for drivers and utility clubs, another side for irons, and then a short game area using the present green that would be taken out of our current 18 holes.
   
   I'm at a small low-end private club with 250 members. These folks presently pay $1600 for full golf membership. Obviously if this comes to fruitation, dues will have to go up, and these folks bitch when beer prices go up.
   
   My pro thinks a state of the art practice facility will increase membership numbers dramatically and thus revenue. With the state of the game/economy in general, I'm thinking that this may not be the right time for such an venture. Your thoughts?
   
   Mark Dennison
   Christiana Creek CC
   Elkhart, IN

   
   
   
   
2. Neidhardt John J

   
   8/26/2011 6:08 AM

   Ask yourself this..... Practice facilities and LESSONS generate revenue for what individual?

   
   
   
   
3. Wahlin Scott B

   
   8/26/2011 7:08 AM

   jneidhardt said: Ask yourself this..... Practice facilities and LESSONS generate revenue for what individual?

   
   
   Wouldn't it be nice if we could have our own side business while we were at work? I was thinking about becoming a masseuse and giving messages in the clubhouse. Let's get rid of one of the holes and put a spa on the end of the clubhouse! I can tell by your post that your membership is only interested in beer, golf and a good hot dog.

   
   
   
   
4. Neidhardt John J

   
   8/26/2011 7:08 AM

   Maybe we could be paid to visit and consult members with their home lawns while at work. Same Thing !

   
   
   
   
5. Michael Coy

   

   0 posts
   
   8/26/2011 10:08 AM

   We built a new practice facility last year and revised one of the holes on the course. They said it would increase membership numbers and revenue. I have not seen any increase in membership numbers, but membership use of the facility is out the roof. Make sure you tell them that they will need to increase your budget dollars for labor, chemicals, ferts, irrigation etc etc etc. They dont think about that part usually. The facility needs much more attention and manpower than one would think. Hopefully you don't have to do all cool season in the transition zone.
   
   Michael Coy
   Louisville KY

   
   
   
   
6. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   8/26/2011 10:08 AM

   While I agree with a lot of the comments, let's not forget to look at the big picture. If it can increase rounds or new members, due to lessons, it will benefit the club as well.
   
   But I also agree with Scott, it sounds like your current membership wants their golf, beer and hot dogs.
   
   It comes down to return on investment, how soon would the new range pay for itself and the new hole? Let the pro come up with the revenue he expects (revenue for the club in members, range balls and rounds) and you come up with the cost to do it, then compare it to like facilities in your area and see if it's worth it.
   
   Heck go over to Tri-State (oh I mean Trine) and see how much their practice facilities get used, and that's with college golf teams, when I was there we only had just a couple of serious golfers who practiced a lot, I would be curious as to how much more traffic the new facility has created.

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
7. Dennis Cook

   

   1 posts
   
   8/30/2011 6:08 AM

   We did the same thing 12 years ago and our membership is still declining. The draw for memberships is the golf course and the clubhouse. I have yet to hear someone say they joined a club because they had a nice driving range.

   
   
   
   
8. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   8/30/2011 1:08 PM

   turfy49431 said: I have yet to hear someone say they joined a club because they had a nice driving range.

   
   "Or because of the cheeseburgers", but the old Greenhurst Country Club in Auburn IN. it was a close second behind the golf course (that's the cheeseburgers, not the range).

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO