State of Golf...

Golf has been affected just like everything else in the country.  Although we didn't feel it as much as we initially first thought, we did take a hit.  Other factors such as the weather have figured in to some of the shortfalls that courses have felt.  Something that I learned a long time ago was you are only as smart as your competitor down the street.  If you competitor runs a crazy discounted special of some kind, do you jump on board and do the same or do you try to hold your ground?  It is crazy kind of game that we play.  It can be downfall to your business.

Many people forget that we are a business.  We get the calls for free golf donations or merchandise donations and although it may be that we can do that, we must maximize our revenues.  Giving things away can not pay the bills.  We do want to be well received in the community.  But to get a letter from the Hog Farms of South Dakota Scholarship Fund, c'mon!

Love the Golf Business!  Most days we just coast along and everything goes well, but others, wow!  You must wear so many different hats in the golf business.  Did you know we are supposed to know what the weather is supposed to be like in 2 weeks at 10am.  I didn't get that lesson during PGA business school but I have learned on my own over time.  We also must speak different languages, learn everyones name, carry the green beans out to a table, know everything there is to know about golf clubs and on and on.  But you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way.  And the other PGA professionals that I know feel the same way. 

Thanks for making our lives so interesting.