Golf course companies must embrace the idea of ‘radical hospitality’ if they’re to enhance the shopper expertise and preserve extra gamers within the recreation for longer, says Nationwide Golf Basis President & CEO Greg Nathan.
Talking completely on Syngenta Golf’s Altering the Enterprise of Golf podcast, Nathan reveals how golf programs can enhance buyer expertise and retain gamers long-term.
Current shopper participation analysis from the NGF presents a blended image. Of the practically 27 million golfers who performed on a golf course within the US in 2023, six million had been learners or returners – but there was solely a web achieve of 1 million gamers. This, says Nathan, is proof of “failed trials”, and highlights a possibility to enhance the onboarding expertise and retain extra gamers for longer.
“I typically discuss radical hospitality,” he tells podcast host Gary Firkins. “Make no mistake, golf is the hospitality enterprise. From our examine we all know there are a selection of issues which have traditionally held again the expansion of the sport and quite a lot of it’s about individuals feeling uncomfortable within the golf course setting.
“By no means take without any consideration at your golf course that an individual is aware of the place to go and what to do,” Nathan feedback. “Those who don’t – they’re nervous. And being nervous or anxious in any setting is just not the best way for golf to be sticky.”
Nathan encourages golf course companies to undertake extra of a service-led mentality present in inns and hospitality, the place visitor interactions are designed to help and put them relaxed. This method, he believes, will help preserve gamers within the recreation for longer and unlock vital income for golf course companies.
New for 2025, Syngenta Golf’s Altering the Enterprise of Golf podcast options business leaders, sustainability consultants and superintendents to establish three actionable modifications to form golf’s future. The newest episode additionally covers points round accessibility of teaching and the necessity to empower and incentivise membership employees to promote.
