Episode Details

Welcome to the Experience in Golf Clubhouse Design podcast, where we uncover the fascinating world of golf clubhouse design and its profound influence on member lifestyles. Hello, golf design enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into an insightful article from the May/June 2025 issue of Golf Inc. Magazine. The piece, titled "Swinging Toward Profit," is written by Chris Lewis and Michelle Weyenberg. It discusses how golf clubs are increasingly investing in entertainment and technology to attract members and boost revenue. Let's get into the article. "Swinging Toward Profit" (By Chris Lewis and Michelle Weyenberg, Golf Inc. Magazine, May/June 2025) The times, they are a-changin'. Rapidly, in fact. Gone are the days when private golf clubs could simply offer one key amenity — golf — and stay financially flush. Now they must provide an assortment of amenities, and that includes innovative technology for golf instruction and entertainment. In May, The Foothills Golf Club in Ahwatukee, Arizona, unveiled "The Bunker," a 2,100-square-foot golf lounge with two golf simulators featuring E6 Connect Software. Simulators can be reserved for $50 per 60-minute session with Bunker Membership options available ranging from $129-$199 per month. "The Bunker is more than just a simulator room, it's a bar, restaurant and event space with a fun atmosphere," said Jeremy Strauss, PGA and general manager. It's really no surprise for renovations and additions like these. Golfers are becoming younger. According to the National Golf Foundation, 71% of all post-COVID growth involves players who are younger than 50. In 2023, some 6.3 million on-course golfers were ages 18 to 34, and in 2024 the average age of golfers was 43.5. "Club Leader's Perspective: Finding Success and Facing Challenges," a 2024 report by GGA Partners, shows that 99% of clubs saw the average age of their members either drop or hold steady. Many of these members have spouses and young children who are either not interested in golf or just learning about it. Therefore, clubs must think outside the box to attract them. Arcis Golf announced in April that Frisco, Texas-based Plantation Golf Club was renamed The Club at Frisco Farms and underwent a multi-million-dollar makeover that also includes a game area. "Our goal is for The Club at Frisco Farms to become a community hub for golfers, non-golfers, family, friends and diners," said Blake Walker, founder, chairman and CEO of Arcis Golf. The renovated retail shop now features an area with an indoor putting green and an enhanced line of high-end putters. There is also a dedicated kids' corner with books, tents, games and activities related to outdoor pursuits, such as golf and fishing. The community-centric game room now includes big-screen televisions, darts, shuffleboard and billiards. Soon to come are a golf simulator and Golden Tee arcade game. "We are confident this new food-and-beverage space will become Frisco's local watering hole — a place where the community can gather, enjoy a meal or beverage, shoot pool, play darts and watch their favorite Dallas sports teams on TV," said Dylan Walls, general manager. Newnan Country Club in Newnan, Georgia, soft launched its new Teaching Academy training facility, used for lessons and club-fitting classes in fall of 2023. The facility was integrated with the current range tee and has had a big impact on its finances as well as the club's reputation. Lesson revenue increased 27% as more members and non-members took lessons. The addition of these amenities has shown financial benefits. Here are three more examples. BallenIsles Country Club: A new standard in practice. In January 2023, BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, opened its 16.5-acre Practice Grounds. Designed to fit the needs of all golfers from novices to scratch players, the Practice Grounds enables members to hit every type of shot they'd potentially have to hit on a golf course. The Practice Grounds features a 25,0