A new survey has found that the quality of the golf course is overwhelmingly the most important factor when people decide if they want to renew their membership.
According to Carr Golf, 90 percent of UK golf club members say that year-round course quality will impact their membership decision.
When asked to rank membership factors, course conditioning dominates at 55 percent, significantly ahead even of value for money (39 percent), tee time availability (39 percent), and price (22 percent).While current satisfaction among club members is high, with 78 percent of members satisfied or very satisfied with their membership, expectations are even higher. Nearly 90 percent expect good to excellent course conditioning year-round.
Ed Pettit, managing director of Carr Golf Maintenance, explains: “Many clubs are still grappling with inadequate equipment, resources and practices to deal with the challenges they now face. Clubs must invest in irrigation optimisation and water storage to manage summer stress, while mild and wet winters are increasing pressures on drainage and year-round playability.
“On top of this, the chemistries at the disposal of course managers are limited and less curative, making it extremely difficult to overcome disease outbreaks.
“For clubs to meet member expectations, manage evolving weather, and stay compliant with environmental regulations, a comprehensive agronomic programme isn’t optional, it’s essential.”
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