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News Commentary Opinion
You Must Play It As It Lies
By CAROLYN MCCOOL
By CAROLYN MCCOOL
The first rule of golf is, “play it as it lies.”
This rule is true in the golf business as well as the game, especially
today. Change is a constant in life, but roller coaster changes appear to
be the norm for the golf industry, at least for a while. The economy and
the golfer’s time are the factors determining if or will he or she tee it up.
“The demographics of golf are changing, especially age wise and use
wise,” cites Gene Mattare, Director of Golf at Saucon Valley Country Club
in Bethlehem, Penn., site of last year’s U.S. Women’s Open. “The
economy is driving much of it. The consumer is rethinking how he or she
will spend money and if golf membership will be something to be
included in that money.”
Years ago it was a no-brainer. A player had time and money and wanted
to play. Today time is scarcer and money not as plentiful. Some
households have two parents working and children in school, running to
this activity and the next. Some will have to retire later to have the money
needed to live the life they planned.
This leaves little time for club membership and with uncertainty about
family expenses, club life is considered optional to family life now. The
nice upscale public course is not looking so bad to many, even at near a
hundred dollars to play. The idea is you can play when you want to pay,
and then leave the responsibilities of dues and problems to someone
else.
The private club, as well as other golf course establishments, has a lot
of competition for member’s money and time. There are nice dining
venues nearby and varieties of entertainment options which vie for the
club’s money.
This rule is true in the golf business as well as the game, especially
today. Change is a constant in life, but roller coaster changes appear to
be the norm for the golf industry, at least for a while. The economy and
the golfer’s time are the factors determining if or will he or she tee it up.
“The demographics of golf are changing, especially age wise and use
wise,” cites Gene Mattare, Director of Golf at Saucon Valley Country Club
in Bethlehem, Penn., site of last year’s U.S. Women’s Open. “The
economy is driving much of it. The consumer is rethinking how he or she
will spend money and if golf membership will be something to be
included in that money.”
Years ago it was a no-brainer. A player had time and money and wanted
to play. Today time is scarcer and money not as plentiful. Some
households have two parents working and children in school, running to
this activity and the next. Some will have to retire later to have the money
needed to live the life they planned.
This leaves little time for club membership and with uncertainty about
family expenses, club life is considered optional to family life now. The
nice upscale public course is not looking so bad to many, even at near a
hundred dollars to play. The idea is you can play when you want to pay,
and then leave the responsibilities of dues and problems to someone
else.
The private club, as well as other golf course establishments, has a lot
of competition for member’s money and time. There are nice dining
venues nearby and varieties of entertainment options which vie for the
club’s money.
Dad use to make the country club decision, now the family enters into
the picture with their likes, wishes, and time. With all of today’s options,
from sporting or hobby activities to personal leisure and pleasure
activities, the golf course is facing new competition.
One positive thing for the golf consumer is the options he or she does
have. Incredible deals exist at country clubs these days. A private club in
the Northeast closed recently and a nearby local club offered former
members membership with no up-front membership fees. Prospective
members only had to pay dues like the present members. Other
courses are offering interest free memberships or the opportunity to pay
initiation fees over several years.
Though the consumer wins here, it is a loss or at least an adjustment for
the golf industry. Golf is best served when it is a win-win situation.
Golf has seen a lot of changes and some have been welcomed and
anticipated. Playing the business game “as it lies” is not always on level
turf these days. “Clubs must change,” said Mattare seriously. “Some will
last, but others will not.”
Still golf is a loved game and for the enthusiast a place to “play it as it
lies” will be found.
Editors Note: Carolyn McCool is a free lance writer, and creator of a
greeting card line "Sharing a Word Fitly Spoken." She is the mother of
college age twin sons, and currently resides with her husband in
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
the picture with their likes, wishes, and time. With all of today’s options,
from sporting or hobby activities to personal leisure and pleasure
activities, the golf course is facing new competition.
One positive thing for the golf consumer is the options he or she does
have. Incredible deals exist at country clubs these days. A private club in
the Northeast closed recently and a nearby local club offered former
members membership with no up-front membership fees. Prospective
members only had to pay dues like the present members. Other
courses are offering interest free memberships or the opportunity to pay
initiation fees over several years.
Though the consumer wins here, it is a loss or at least an adjustment for
the golf industry. Golf is best served when it is a win-win situation.
Golf has seen a lot of changes and some have been welcomed and
anticipated. Playing the business game “as it lies” is not always on level
turf these days. “Clubs must change,” said Mattare seriously. “Some will
last, but others will not.”
Still golf is a loved game and for the enthusiast a place to “play it as it
lies” will be found.
Editors Note: Carolyn McCool is a free lance writer, and creator of a
greeting card line "Sharing a Word Fitly Spoken." She is the mother of
college age twin sons, and currently resides with her husband in
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.