Not long ago I took in a day of discussion about the golf industry, as a whole, and these are some things I took home from it.

2009 will end up being the 4th straight year in which facility closings will outpace openings.  Estimates are 180 closings, 60 openings.  This is on the heels of 2008 numbers of 106/72, these numbers are according to the NGF.  It is anticipated that there will be an annual net attrition of approximately 100-200 courses a year for the next few years.

It is anticipated that fewer rounds will be played in 2009, and the golfers who do play will be looking for a lower cost per round.  There is not wide scale abandonment of the game but rather a slow leak in both rounds played and the number of golfers.  Both golfers and Superintendents/Facilities are reacting to their level of confidence in the economy which is driving the numbers and means a reduction in large equipment purchases (in 2008 and) likely in 2009.

However, not all is doom and gloom, a reduction in courses means increased revenue at those remaining.  The facilities that can figure a way to attract and capture core golfers, by providing a better value or better experience will fare the best.  Another area of opportunity exists for those courses that can attract women golfers perhaps by providing unlimited practice balls, a short course, or even just a couple of practice holes.  The perception of intimidating, cigar chomping, foul mouthed, middle aged white men continues to put off women who would be interested in playing or learning to play.

Bottom line is that the successful courses will be those that are creative in finding ways to attract and retain customers.