On the Chicago thread, there was a link to an article about Hillcrest closing, which I read. Following it were comments from readers, and I took note of this one:
Anthony M. wrote:
This should be no surprise, in general. Golf courses and clubs went through the same period of ecstatic growth, as in housing, that our entire nation experienced since 1990. It is unfortunate that some older clubs are dropping by the wayside. However, they are not as attractive to the next generation, as small as it has become for golf.
In addition, deals are global and fast. Younger business people do not want to spend 4 to 6 hours on the course and then a few more in the clubhouse to cultivate deals. They can get a lot more done over their iPads, Blackberrys and so forth in much less time.
Is this true, or are the country clubs still the place to cultivate business? They survived the reduced tax breaks back in the 80's that many predicted would result in their demise. But, can they survive the computer age and be relevant? Or can business survive being so non perosnal?
Like all things, some clubs must change the way they do business so that they can appeal to potential members and even current members. Notice I said some not all, as each club must decide for itself what service model it wants to be and how that will affect their business.
The previous model was bring in a client, golf, wine, dine, do some business on the course but, the times are a'changing, decision makers do not have the luxury of 6 hours of "in the dark" time playing golf and all the travel and meals that may surround that days activity. Couple that with a "no cell phone policy" and you are really asking for trouble in recruiting the modern younger potential member.
So, if a club wants to be a place where business gets done, embrace wifi and smart phones on the course and market yourself as being such. If you want to be blue blood old school golf, then be that way just know how that will affect your potential client base.
Case in point, our club has multiple wireless routers so I can sit and work on the laptop while eating or watching the course. (I'm not doing that now!). We do not have a cell phone policy, it's left up to each individual group of players and anyone abusing their fellow golfers would get the hint pretty fast.
We are also in the process of upgrading systems and internet/web/social media presence. A big part of that upgrade is member online management of their own activities. Tee times, dining reservations, etc. The pro shop and F&B will still call back and give the personal touch but it can't be ignored that today's members and tomorrow's future members are online and engaged that way.