If you own or run a golf club, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the course itself is one aspect of your business that doesn't demand your time and attention. The grounds keepers have the course maintenance under control, and you're already managing so much else (and so many people) that cannot wait. It would be easy to be content with a well-maintained course and dismiss this as a potential area of improvement.   

It's when we're resting on our laurels, though, that our innovative competitors seize the opportunity to make a name for themselves. Curlewis Golf Club is doing just that. I've recently learned of not one but two forward-thinking changes that the club has made in an effort to carve out a reputation as a leader in the golfing industry. And I suspect that the new moves they are making will be appreciated by both existing and prospective members alike.

The Director of Curlewis Golf Club, David Sharp identified that rabbits were a real pain point for his members and himself. He had the foresight to install a fence around the course. The fence is the first of its kind and will prevent rabbits from damaging the course, and reduce the threat to the safety of players, staff and native animals. Though not cheap, (the fence cost $50K+) this bold move is one that is touted to have brought in record new memberships. In the last six months it has also greatly contributed to boosting the club's national course ranking to 78 (up from 88 less than six months ago).

Another inspired move by Curlewis Golf Club is one that is challenging the stereotypical image of golf being a sport for wealthy businessmen and retirees in baggy plaid pants. The club has recently introduced GolfBoards- the new and exciting way to cruise the fairways. Essentially they're something of a hybrid of a traditional golf cart, a skateboard and a Segway. They're set to attract a younger audience and incite  new interest in choosing golfing as an activity for team building and social events. By making GolfBoards available for hire, Curlewis Golf Club are offering an experience not available anywhere else in their vicinity. 

From where I sit, it seems clear that the Management at Curlewis Golf Club know the importance of creating a customer-centric business. Not content with providing the facilities that you would expect from a Golf Club, they're continually thinking about the value they can add to the players and members  experience. In doing so, they are making great strides towards cementing a reputation for themselves; a reputation that they are not simply an impressive Golf Club, but also a thought-leader in the golfing industry and definitely one to watch.

Is your golf business game changing? We know there are others out there challenging the status quo & winning! Why not drop us a line.