I finally read the entire white paper. And, I think the comments of Kyle are the most in tune with my own thoughts. I have been a cheerleader for the Wild Horse model since I first drove in there to have a look in 1998. I myself tried to organize an almost identical effort here in Wisconsin in the early 90s. I didn't succeed for reasons that are different than the market conditions that existed to allow Wild Horse to succeed. But, that is off the topic of affordable golf, when it comes to the marketting of the effort. But, the capitalization model we followed was so closely comparable to Wild Horses, that it is spooky to read the two offering documents.
That said, my home 'at home' in Wisconsin course is an impressively affordable and well run county owned faciltiy. I sent Richards pdf white paper to our pro and super. They have been doing it 'right' in the affordable arena, and balancing their management practices generally along many of the white paper's bullet points of observation of what promotes affordable golf minus extravagant unnecessary distractions, yet high quality profitably amenities. Yes, I know all the arguments about the 'unfair' competitive advantage muni's have, but our course serves a strata of dedicated muni players that fits our community. We have successful mom and pop golf operations in this same market, and a couple of private and semi-private clubs at varying membership price points. Near as I can tell, about 10 out of 12 courses in immediate area are surviving because they all seem to know their customers and what they really want. The two that may not, are one recently bankrupt and now Indian casino bought facility, that still may not make it on its own without the gaming subsidy because the original series of ownership totally overbuilt and over estimated on a grand scale not in tune with the area, and the other is an advanced aged owner who I think is just tired.
The real aspect I take away from the white paper on the affordable AND sustainable notion is the efforts that must be made to keep the pipeline full of new golfers. Our own county facility recently got a grant from First Tee and is going to build what should be an outstanding facility for youngsters and adults to practice, with three practice holes and a separate driving range. the key will be to get the youth out there and interested. And, to get their families in a custom of sharing the golf experience. While that will take place at the county owned facility, it can be a feeder for the entire market, if it is successful.
"People want to play more, not pay more" - Tim Weiman. Put family golf in the right price range, and I think you are on the right track, even if the facility has to give something away, inorder to build on an upcoming market in a few years to be sustainable. Otherwise, like Mark Macormick once told the Golf course owners assoc., "everytime you see a heast go by, you are loosing your customers base".