In a conversation with a friend in a private club setting, he remarked that there is a high expectation of service, and that expectation is costing more and more money. We also agreed that there has to be a “generational expectation of service” that is ending soon. Let’s face it, at many McDonalds you simply punch your order into a kiosk. I could name 100 more examples of things I now take care of myself. How in the world is a young person going to spend their formative years of life doing everything for himself, and then turn around and expect to be waited on, at his club, when he reaches middle age. Will anyone remember that high level service once existed?
If clubs keep doing what they are doing…they will be really expensive, and be offering something the consumer doesn’t even understand. That’s an interesting place to be. We end up in the same place we always do in my writings. We talk about how playing a simple game in an open field was hijacked and turned into a “for-profit business”. Now there are many stakeholders forcing golf to get bigger and bigger. Ball companies, chemical companies, real estate companies, PGA of America, John Deere, etc. Just because golf decided to become a business, doesn’t mean it should be a business. And every year it becomes a bigger more complicated business. I’m telling you, something has to give. There is a reason I keep it as basic as possible. Decent course. Nice staff. Organized execution. Clean. Something to drink/eat. No fluff. Is giving golfers more than what they want good for business?
After ten years living in Ontario and Vermont we are back to Greenville. My wife and I are coming to play Friday. We are on a mission to become members somewhere between New London and Wrightstown. I already know your course is the best in that desired area, and selfishly I am hoping my wife is overwhelmed by your course and facilities. We had been pretty spoiled as members at our last public course that had a decent course, service, other amenities like club storage and locker rooms, etc. We also believe in “supporting the club” with purchases and course care. But as veterans we wholeheartedly understand that people (members) are the greatest draw to any golf course. We seek good and fun people to play golf with, hang out after and all while enjoying golf and all it does for my soul. Thanks for keeping me in the emails for the last ten years.
Nick, you would recognize my face if not my name. We moved into the subdivision 5 years ago. I have a number of friends at a very close private course, so I joined there. I still play your course several times per year, especially the 5:30 deal with kids and grandkids. If I didn’t belong to the course I joined, I would certainly be a member of yours. Your facility is incredible. Your fairways, tee boxes and greens are so well kept compared to most public courses. You are and should be very proud of your entire facility and staff (especially always having a beer cart handy).
People want more than a good layout in good shape, a bev cart girl who shows up every few holes, and a place to relax with food/drink afterward? Who are these mongrels?!?! Only way to make it better would be to jam the cell signals! Great work Nick!!
Thanks buddy!