Can you provide your own insight into whether the golf business is harmed dramatically from the economy right now or doing better than most industries? As business owners and entreprenuers you have as good of a barometer as anymone. Please comment here.
I think the golf business is being harmed dramatically and don't feel that it matters how it compares to other industries.
This is a time of survival of the fittest, and good business practices (including a great attitude) along with good location, good amenities and good values will prevail. Having the ability to adapt is critical.
Store your nuts, ride out the storm and believe that there will be a better day coming.
Thanks for the comment Ron. It is not good out there - if the weather continues to be good in most the country I think most people will return to their favorite activity. I tried to find a parking spot at DIA the weekend of Spring Break, lots were full. Went skiing this last weekend and the lots were full. Those type of experiences give me hope and of course as you have said survival of the fittest and those who take advantage of a time when others are more likely to not market themselves. Becoming a market leader in terms of information can help a brand, product or resort take a major step right now.
I believe golf as an industry, will suffer a tremendous wake up call this year. Gone are the days of "put it out there and they will buy it". There will be a lot of attrition of smaller companies trying to compete, as well as public and private clubs suffering if not closing. The good news is that the old adage of golf being the last to feel a recession and the first to come out of it, may hold true. Golf is unique in its ability to bring people together to challenge them mentally as well as physically. The bond that is created through this experience is one that is truly beneficial in business, but is shared amongst all golfers whether or not for business purposes. Getting more people involved in the game, and getting those already "hooked" to play more, will be vital.
Manufacturers, governing bodies, resorts, public courses and private clubs all need to realize that the "climate" has changed and the players in the "business" of golf need to adapt their strategies if they want to survive.
I am from upstate N.Y. We are just starting to see the effects. Golf courses are lowering thier prices, my friends are talking about playing less golf because they have to get second jobs. People are more concern about paying for what is needed, not what they want. I own a small golf company and our sales have decreased compared to the same time last year...we are all in for a hard six to nine months. Lets hope that this recession moves to a "slow down" very soon.
I live on Long Island and I'm hearing much the same. But I think this will improve once the better weather kicks in. We’re a strong golf community.
My beef/experience with the golf biz, is that it's impossible to break through to the big box stores. I launched a small line of golf products a year ago, that were widely accepted by golfers, yet the big box stores wouldn’t give me a shot. Even my PGA Partners test was a success and they will be featured in their May issue...but that won't make a difference, I’m sure.
This isn't sour grapes. I realize my little products won't change golf as we know it, and I had fun developing them. But it does tell me that when it comes to innovation, the golf industry closes its doors to the average guy. And isn't the average guy, their target?
So times are tough. What specifically can we do to overcome and sell our products? Can we get a discussion going as to the process each of your are going through now to reach the active golf market. Print? Internet? TV? Email? No Marketing? What are the efforts that are being made and are there positive stories we can all model to some extent?
I think more and more companies (product/accessories/apparel) are looking at switching from retail presence to online sales of their own. Many have fought hard to get into shops across the nation or worldwide only to see orders cut back or cut out all together. The margins are higher for those pushing their own online sales but you do have to invest a little more time and money to get better advertising & marketing resource to drive golfers to your site.
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