After reading a few threads which discuss clubhouses, practice facilities, etc. it seems to me that there are some people at GCA with a fair amount of knowledge (or, at least strong opinions) about golf clubs and how they run.
So I ask you, what is the right formula for running a successful golf operation? It seems like there are a lot of operations which are trying too hard to "broaden their client base", by offering more and more to those whose interest really isn't in the golf (ie tennis, curling, real estate, restaurants, conferences, etc).
If I were planning to create a new golf course, where should I spend my money? Is it best for me to spend it on good land, great designer and a superintendent that can maintain the course as the designer intended?
What should the priorities be? What should be in/what should be out? And will what's in be able to balance the books?
I've often wondered, because I see a lot of courses with rising green fees - yet there's still so many floundering operations...how to be successful?