CURRENTLY
Extensive research has taken place by the R & A in “Golf around the world 2017” which shows that Golf is currently played in 208 counties. The top 20 golf countries account for 89% of the global supply, with the US alone claiming 45% of the world’s total golf courses. Europe has the second largest regional share with 22% of the world’s total, followed by Asia with 14% and Oceania with 6%. An issue that golf has is the time it takes to play, from leaving home, practising, playing a round, social drinks and driving home, most of the day has gone. So not appealing to golfers who are also parents, so golf is normally played by older golfers, whose children have grown-up.
Golf Clubs is the traditional market with over 33,000 golf courses in operation around the world, 25% of which are private and 75% being public golf courses. Normally 18 holes, with a practice ground and a putting green; golf clubs are often becoming golf resorts.
Golf Ranges are generally where beginners will go to learn to swing a golf club and to gain the confidence to progress to playing on golf courses. Golfers will regularly visit golf ranges to practise, to have lessons and to learn how far they hit each golf club.
Indoor Golf typically consists of several golf simulators, a practise range, a short game academy, a putting green, a golf store. Normally a seasonal business popular through-out the winter period, until the “Masters” when golfers will normally wish to play exclusively, outside on golf courses.
Golf Retailers sell golf clubs, apparel, shoes and accessories, located off-course, the three leading US golf retailers are Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golfsmith and Golf Galaxy. Suffering in recent years with Dick’s reducing its golf presence, Golf Galaxy closing stores and Edwin Watts closing down.
REQUIREMENT
Golf Facilities are played by both men and women, with an average age of 48 years old, the game needs to attract more junior members, so that the average age becomes closer to 35. Since the last Tiger Woods major win a decade ago the game has stalled; Golf needs to become a lot more FUN and Entertaining, to grow its future. It is very important that the Golf Industry become much more diverse worldwide and with the correct investment, it appeals to every age group.
Golf Clubs need to offer a wider range of golf facilities, allowing enjoyable games to be played in a shorter time frame, appealing to all ages groups. Enabling youngsters to have Fun within the club house, by playing interactive technology such as sports simulators, golf simulators, foot golf, disc golf, contest golf, miniature golf, Introducing them to Golf.
Golf Ranges need to offer additional interactive technology and raise catering standards, like one operator in the US, that has recently become very successful. Similar success can easily be achieved, even with much lower levels of investment.
Indoor Golf needs to radically change so it is no longer a seasonal business but is a year-round business, this can be very easily and affordable achieved. By becoming an Indoor Sports Centre, appealing to 30 times more customers year-round and not just seasonal golfers, so becoming a very profitable business.
Golf Retailers need to significantly diversify so that they are catering for all major sports and not just golf. Enabling customers to experience all their favourite ball sports, on the same in-store interactive technology, so turnover rises significantly.
SOLUTION
It is very important that all Golf Facilities invest in their own businesses, so that they are attracting the next generation of junior golfers, as well as keeping their existing members entertained and improving their golfing ability. Some golf facilities will have the ability to add additional outdoor short course attractions, such as Foot Golf, Disc Golf, Miniature Golf etc., the majority will not be able too.
By installing the 270° Surround HD or the Premium UHD Super Simulators a much wider range of golf is instantly catered for, cost effectively. Golfers and non-golfers being able to play on a much wider range of sports some that are Golf related and others related to more popular Ball Sports. Birthday Parties become a major attraction, with guests being able for to play exciting Sporting Challenges inside famous stadiums, with Contest Golf they can be introduced to Golf seamlessly.
With 25+ Sports Playable, on 525+ Game Challenges and within 1575+ different Sporting Venues. Youngsters become introduced to Golf who would not otherwise visit a golf facility, suddenly new junior golfers are developed. Creating the future golfers that golf club’s need, to bring the average playing age of the membership closer to 35.
Members will really enjoy playing Simulated Golf on famous courses around the world, or even having DV Lessons. As well as the ability to play Contest Golf, Foot Golf, Disc Golf and Miniature Golf; will guarantee an Exciting and Fun atmosphere.
RETURN OF INVESTMENT
Return of Investment it is very important for golf clubs, golf ranges, indoor golf and golf retailers, to invest wisely, seeking financial benefits as well as increasing their turnover. By investing in the unique Super Simulator technology, the return on investment is likely to occur inside a year. Players will really enjoy the experience, so there will have a major marketing benefits, as they will wish to share with friends and family on social media.
Golf Clubs will soon notice significant increases in bar takings, catering, new junior membership, simulator takings and well as store takings. The clubhouse is viewed as the fun place to be by the local community, whatever the weather.
Golf Ranges will quickly benefit from bar takings, catering, lessons, simulator takings and store taking increases. By being able to offer a much more entertaining theme, regular social events are guaranteed.
Indoor Golf will see a massive change, as by offering Sports their business is now year-round and they will be generating steady monthly income. The Indoor Golf Centre becomes and an Indoor Sports Centre, so instantly appealing to 30 times more clients.
Golf Retailers become Sports Retailers, offering all the major popular sports on the same simulator, so selling sports equipment, sports apparel, sports shoes, sports accessories year-round and doubling their turnover.
