Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Tim Liddy on November 08, 2008, 08:49:02 AM

Title: BusinessWeek article "Dreams for Sale"
Post by: Tim Liddy on November 08, 2008, 08:49:02 AM
Good article on the state of our industry.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_45/b4107073278231.htm
Title: Re: BusinessWeek article "Dreams for Sale"
Post by: George Pazin on November 08, 2008, 10:14:57 AM
Thanks for the link, Tim.

I'd be curious if posters with more intimate knowledge could expand upon the last 2 sections: "Find the hidden costs" and "Push those sodas and shirts".
Title: Re: BusinessWeek article "Dreams for Sale"
Post by: Seth Berliner on November 08, 2008, 10:26:22 AM
Thanks for the link, Tim.

I'd be curious if posters with more intimate knowledge could expand upon the last 2 sections: "Find the hidden costs" and "Push those sodas and shirts".

There are a number of "hidden costs" that can drive your expenditures up.  What happens if you have an extremely dry summer and you are paying a hefty price for water?  That can also drive your electric costs up having to pump more water to the facility.  Just one example. 

F&B and golf shop sales can be a good money maker with the right plan.  A golf shop that has positive net sales can be an asset to the facility.  You have to have a good knowledge of the buying patterns of your clients and take advantage of invoice terms from vendors whenever possible.  Merchandise buying at a public facility and a private one are very different. 

Liquor sales should be able to float your F&B business depending on how much traffic you have.  Again, public and private facilities look at F&B in different ways.  If most private facilities could break even on F&B, they would be ecstatic.  Not so at a public facility where you may not have to offer as wide a range of options on your menu and can cater to the masses.

It's a difficult business but with the right management, location, and plan, it can be a profitable venture. 

Seth
Title: Re: BusinessWeek article "Dreams for Sale"
Post by: Mike Nuzzo on November 08, 2008, 10:27:37 AM
Deferred maintenance - especially with the irrigation system.

It would be very prudent to have a very qualified superintendent to assess the maintenance facility, practices and budgets.
Someone with a lot of practical experience - I have Don Mahaffey look at my renovation proposals.

Cheers