The Business of Golf: Trends to Attract and Retain Golfers

The golf industry is evolving, and today’s courses must do more than just maintain their fairways to stay competitive. Golfers now seek a well-rounded experience that extends beyond the game itself, including premium food and beverage options, modern clubhouse amenities, and innovative course enhancements. Successful operators are embracing these trends to create dynamic, engaging environments that appeal to both traditional golfers and new audiences.

From gourmet dining and tech-enhanced carts to shorter play options and year-round simulators, golf courses are reimagining their offerings to drive revenue, increase player retention, and attract a broader community. By enhancing hospitality, fostering social connections, and adopting new technologies, courses can become not just a place to play, but a destination to stay. Here’s how to make it happen:

Elevating Food & Beverage Offerings

• Gourmet Menus: The days of basic clubhouse fare are fading. Golfers are looking for fresh, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal specialties, and menus that go beyond the standard hotdog-and-fries combo. Elevating the dining experience keeps golfers on-site longer and attracts other visits to the course. Partnering with Foodbuy can help operators source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices, ensuring both exceptional offerings and cost efficiency.
• Craft Beverages: Specialty cocktails, craft beers, and premium wines are becoming as much a part of the game as the clubs themselves. Offering curated beverage pairings or signature drinks named after course landmarks can create a unique experience that golfers remember—and return for. And, don’t forget that mocktails are trending and generating additional revenues.
• Chef-Led Kitchens: Having a talented chef in charge can turn a golf course restaurant into a destination of its own. A well-run kitchen with a creative menu not only serves golfers but draws in local food enthusiasts, boosting overall revenue. Foodbuy can support courses in optimizing their culinary programs by connecting them with trusted equipment, services, food and beverage suppliers to provide cost-saving opportunities.
• On-Demand Food Delivery Players can now order food and drinks via mobile apps, with deliveries made directly to their location on the course. This innovation provides improved convenience and allows courses to provide greater selection without slowing the pace of the game.

Creating Social & Multi-Use Spaces

• Modern Clubhouse Ambience: Today’s golfers want more than just a post-round drink. Firepits, outdoor patios, and comfortable seating areas create a welcoming environment where players and their guests can linger and socialize.
• Live Events: From trivia nights to live music, clubhouses that offer engaging social events keep the energy high and drive revenues long after the last putt. These events not only attract golfers but can also help integrate the course into the broader community.
• Event Hosting: Golf courses that can double as venues for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties open up new revenue streams. A well-designed clubhouse with flexible spaces can appeal to a much wider audience than just golfers.

Pro Shop Innovations

• Inclusive Apparel: With more women and younger players joining the sport, pro shops are expanding their offerings to cater to a diverse audience. Stylish, high-performance gear for all demographics helps make the game feel more accessible.
• Customization Stations: Personalized golf balls, club fittings, and branded gear add an extra touch of exclusivity. On-site customization options allow golfers to take home something unique from their experience.
• Smart Equipment: GPS-enabled rangefinders, swing analysis wearables, and interactive training tools are revolutionizing the game. Offering the latest in golf tech can give a course an edge in attracting modern players.

Golf Course Enhancements

• Shorter Play Options: Not everyone has four hours for a full round. “9 and dine” events are growing. Even 6-hole events are now making the sport more accessible.
• Tech-Enhanced Carts: Today’s golf carts are modernizing. New golf carts come equipped with GPS navigation, Bluetooth speakers, USB chargers, and even built-in score tracking. Some courses are also introducing solar-powered carts to align with sustainability goals. Carts certainly enhance the customer experience.
• Sustainability Initiatives: More courses are adopting eco-friendly practices like native landscaping, reduced water usage, and chemical-free maintenance. These efforts appeal to environmentally conscious golfers and help courses meet sustainability benchmarks.
• Year-Round Golf Simulators: Weather no longer has to dictate when golf is played. Leading edge clubs are installing simulators to allow year-round experiences, generating revenue for rain days and in the off-season.

Engaging Non-Golfers & Expanding Community Appeal

• Open-to-the-Public Dining: Some courses are breaking down exclusivity barriers by opening their dining facilities to the public. This move not only boosts restaurant revenue but also encourages local patrons to engage with the course in other ways—perhaps even taking up the sport.
• Family-Friendly Features: Golf isn’t just for adults. Courses that introduce kids’ menus, play areas, and family-friendly events create a welcoming atmosphere that can bring new generations into the game.

The Bottom Line

Modern golf courses are evolving beyond the traditional game, creating experiences that appeal to both seasoned players and new audiences. By focusing on high-quality hospitality, engaging social spaces, and cutting-edge technology, operators can transform their clubs into community hubs. Success in today’s golf industry isn’t just about the 18 holes—it’s about crafting memorable moments that extend from the first tee to the last drink at the clubhouse. Those who embrace innovation and inclusivity will not only attract more players but ensure long-term growth and sustainability.

Trust Foodbuy to provide food and non-food procurement solutions that enhance overall operations from the course to the clubhouse, streamline supply chains, and help maximize your profitability.