Driving revenue for your golf course doesn’t have to be a complex or daunting task. In this article, we will focus on five simple, actionable marketing tactics that can significantly boost your bottom line. These strategies have been successfully implemented by our managed marketing team across the country at different Teesnap courses, delivering impressive results and proving that with the right approach, increasing revenue is within reach for any golf course.
1. Utilize Refer a Friend Promotions
One of the easiest revenue-generating strategies is to implement a referral program, tapping into the power of word-of-mouth marketing. These campaigns are equal part retention efforts for existing pass holders and new customer acquisition efforts, both working simultaneously to ensure a brimming tee sheet. After all, golfing is better with friends and referral programs help make sure those rounds take place on your green.
With the help of our advisors, Lancaster Golf Club implemented a Refer a Friend campaign and saw an immediate impact. You can check it out here: Lancaster Golf Club | Refer a Friend Program
2. Host Off-Season Themed Events
Any golf operator knows that it’s easy to drive golfers to the green when the weather is warm and sunny. The real challenge is keeping golfers engaged and active during the shoulder and off-season. One creative way operators can address this challenge is to use inclement weather to their advantage. Hosting events centered around a winter theme is a great way to reach the most passionate players and keep them interacting with your course even when the temperature drops.
Christmas Lake in Minnesota was determined not to let the infamous Midwest winters get the best of them. When the weather turned colder soon-than they expected our advisors helped them put on a Nightmare Before Christmas Event. Players loved the opportunity to play alongside snow, and operators appreciated the revenue the event generated. You can check out the event here: Christmas Lake Golf Club | Nightmare Before Xmas Golf Event
3. Capitalize on Black Friday Spending Trends
This year 200 million people participated in Black Friday Sales with an astronomical $38 billion spent in retail in just four days (Forbes). This poses huge opportunities for Golf Operators as consumers have budgeted for higher levels of spending during this time. Thus, with proper preparation and subsequent marketing campaigns, courses can see significant returns in a short amount of time.
Our Teesnap marketing team helped courses like Chemawa across the country prepare tailored digital marketing campaigns. While most operators implement pro shop sales, one of the most effective sales strategies is to highlight gift card promotions, advertising it as the perfect gift for the “hard-to-buy-for” person in your family.
The impact was immediate, in just one day Teesnap courses on average generated more than $12,000. See one of our Black Friday campaigns here: Chemawa Golf Course | 2023 Black Friday Promotion
4. Host a Charity Event
Another creative revenue strategy is to host charity events or tournaments. These events attract larger audiences and create a sense of community. Partnering with local organizations and charities can bring new golfers to your course. These events merge the joy of golf with the power of doing good and are an excellent recipe for building rounds and community relationships.
One Iowa course Edmunson Golf Course wanted to give back to their community and organized an event to support the Lions Club, a charity that helps provide children with affordable eyewear. Thanks to events like these, Edmundson has seen record-breaking attendance at all of their club-sponsored events this season. Check out the event here: Edmunson Golf Course | Lions Scramble
5. Drive Profit Through Clubhouse Events
Another easy strategy to drive revenue is to utilize events to boost Food & Beverage (F&B) sales. By hosting engaging and entertaining events centered around food, courses can attract more visitors and keep them on-site longer, increasing spending on food and drinks. The goal is to help your course become the place to not only play but the place to be.
One course, The Ridge Golf & Gardens, decided to host an entertaining chili cook-off at their clubhouse. While they saw increased beverage sales, they were also shocked by the reception of customers who loved the creative idea and the ability to show off their cooking skills. Check out the event here: The Ridge Golf & Gardens | Chili Cook Off
Overview
While not every marketing tactic suits every brand, we wanted to showcase some of the creative ways we helped courses drive rounds, revenue, and relationships in 2023. Is there a tactic you’ve been wanting to try or a revenue goal you’re aiming for? Perhaps there’s a message you want to convey to your golfers, diners, or simulator players? We’ve got a treasure trove of ideas, coupled with strategic insights, data, talent, and time to bring your visions to life. Explore more about our comprehensive Golf Marketing Services or dive into our Jump Start program—a 60-day immersive experience designed to jump start the course’s marketing efforts.
Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and happy new year for everyone!
— Teesnap Golf Managed Marketing Team