As an owner of an affordable public course ($35 GF), most of the opinions expressed here are valid. I think Peter P brings up the most important point: maintenance. I have one of lowest maintenance budgets around, about $300K/year, and that just covers the basics--mowing, watering, fertilizing, aerating, etc. We have good greens, a decent routing, a beautiful location, but overall, we are pretty rustic and always have hundreds of items on our wish list for improvements. We only have 35K rounds per year and there is just so much you can do with our relatively small revenues. Our regulars love their course but would prefer that we keep it affordable above all else.
I’ve thought a lot about beefing up the strategy and adding more interesting features and even about a complete remodel (I’ve done a partial and built several new holes and greens). My conclusion is that I’ve attracted some new players and members, but it doesn’t really pencil out as a very good return on the investment and maybe no return at all in our market. Apart from our world class location, why do people choose to play here or at any other course in the area? I’m convinced that for the average golfer the answer is quite simple: they play where their buddies play. Many feel we have a better course and better players than at other area clubs, but every course has its loyal core of players who play there because they are comfortable and have made so many friends with whom to enjoy their golf.
The average golfer has many opinions about golf and golf courses. In my experience, very, very few understand anything about golf design or architecture. I’m being tactful in my choice of words because these golfers are my customers, friends, play golf for fun, and love the game unconditionally. Yet, the fact remains, 95% of golfers are totally ignorant about good design. They play for fun and that is way it should be. Its just a silly game, enjoy it.