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Rainy Day Golf
by Rosemary
Johnson
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Recently, Dave and I went on a golf trip that could not be rescheduled. Of course, the only days in the week that weren't warm and sunny were the days scheduled for golf.
The other folks in our foursome really wanted to play this golf course. Dave, of course, was ready to play, but I was a little hesitant. However, being the only woman I decided to at least give it a try.
The golf course provided covered carts, which made it bearable with the wind and the rain. Without the golf carts, I don't think any of us would have made it for long. I played about 11 holes. We had started on the back nine. The front nine was at a higher elevation than the back nine it seemed. The wind became fiercer and the temperatures dropped. I lasted about two more holes, when I decided to retreat to the golf cart.
That evening in the lodge dining room, we chatted with our server about our afternoon. She told us about other golfers who decided not to play in the rain, complaining about the weather.
That started me to thinking, what can a golf resort do when the weather doesn't cooperate?
What do golfers like to do when they can't play golf? They like to do something related to golf.
Golf is not only a sport, a game, but it is entertainment, an international pastime.
The first choice is to involve the golf professional. What can the golf professional do to make his customers happy? It's time to think out of the box.
The golf professional can use his own skills and plan indoor activities.
- Clinics and Contests
- Golfers always want to improve his/her game, so the first thing that comes to mind is to give clinics. Many clinics can be adapted to the indoors. Clinics can be given in the cart garage, in the clubhouse, in a ballroom, or in a tent.
- Conduct putting contests complete with prizes from the pro shop or gift shop. This can be conducted in the same suggested areas using sticks, a little scoop or two of sand, and other things that are handy. Other obstacles could be chairs, tables, etc.
Games – available in the pro shop, clubhouse or grill. Or, perhaps have them for sale in the gift shop.
Equipment Repair – Is it time to have clubs regripped?
Rainy Day Specials - Offer discounts on merchandise. Move rainwear and umbrellas, etc. to the front of the shop. Check with apparel representatives to see if they have any inventory that can be brought in for this special sale.
Books and Magazines – available in the clubhouse, grill, or lobby (complimentary) or in the gift shop.
Next, look for partners in the area. Look for ways you can help each other with trades. Use your golf package dollars in exchange for these or trade rounds of golf.
- Indoor capabilities
- Nearby indoor driving ranges, pro shops with simulators, colleges or high schools that have indoor possibilities in their gyms.
- Spa or Fitness facilities –
- Pamper your golfers at the spa, maybe this would be a great day for a massage, manicure, pedicure, or spray on tan.
- Strength Training and Exercises are very popular now. Offer those designed for golfers.
- Event and Convention Planners/Tourism Bureau/Chamber of Commerce
- Don't think there's anything to do in your area? Check with these experts. Do the luxury boat builders offer a tour? Manufacturing plants? Tea Rooms offering high tea? Antique Malls? Golf cart/equipment builder?
For the golf professional and course owner, satisfying and keeping your customer is your goal. What you want them to remember is that they had fun at your property. Above are some ways to do that.
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If you are the golfer looking for something to do on your rainy day, try an indoor game, explore area attractions, or pamper yourself.
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