golf course business plan

Golf Course Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Golf Course Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their golf courses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a golf course business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

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What is a Golf Course Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your golf course business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Golf Course

If you’re looking to start a golf course, or grow your existing golf course, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your golf course in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Golf Courses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a golf course are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Personal savings is the other most common form of funding for a golf course. Venture capitalists will usually not fund a golf course. They might consider funding a golf course with a national presence, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results. With that said, personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for golf courses.

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How to write a business plan for a golf course.

If you want to start a golf course or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below we detail what should be included in each section of your business plan:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of golf course you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a golf course that you would like to grow, or are you operating golf courses in multiple markets?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the golf industry. Discuss the type of golf course you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of golf course you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of golf courses:

• Membership Only Golf Course : this type of golf course is available to patrons who purchase a membership to the golf course and tends to be more exclusive and high-end with a pro shop.
• Community Golf Course: this type of business is located in an upscale community whose residents are at a higher income level and is often on an invite-only membership option.
• Public Golf Course: this type of golf course is open to the public and accepts golfers from all walks of life. It may also include a driving range.

In addition to explaining the type of golf course you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of members signed up, number of positive reviews, complete construction of all 18 holes, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the golf industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the golf industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your business plan:

• How big is the golf industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your golf course? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families, retirees, avid golfers.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of golf course you operate. Clearly, prospective golfers would respond to different marketing promotions than retirees, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most golf courses primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other golf courses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes country clubs, community centers and recreation centers. You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other golf courses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be golf courses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ business, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of golfers do they serve?
• What types of club house services and products do they provide?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide better accommodations?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a golf course, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of golf course company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to a golf course, will you provide tennis, racquetball, a restaurant, etc?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your golf course company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your golf course located in a new up-and-coming high-end neighborhood, etc. Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your golf course marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your golf course, including daily landscaping, cleaning equipment, cleaning and maintaining golf carts and holding staff meetings with employees and caddies.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sell your 50th membership or tee time, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your golf course to a new city or area of town.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your golf course’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing golf courses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing golf courses or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your golf course, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a golf course:

• Location build-out including golf course design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your golf course land lease or architectural renderings of the golf course.  

Putting together a business plan for your golf course is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the golf course industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful golf course.  

Golf Course Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my golf course business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Golf Course Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of golf course business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a golf course business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of golf course businesses?

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Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Golf Course Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Golf Course Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Golf Course business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Golf Courses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Golf Course business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Savannah Oaks Golf Course is a newly established, full-service golf course business in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and efficient choice for customers who live in Savannah and the surrounding communities. Savannah Oaks Golf Course will provide a comprehensive menu of golf and golf-related products and services for any individual to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive menu of golf packages, golf attire and accessories, meals, private club memberships, and event venue rentals. The average cost for a round of golf will be $55 per player.

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be able to provide golf experiences on twin 18-hole courses, dining and event venue services, golf apparel and accessories, private club memberships and golf club and cart rentals. The team of golf professionals and golf managers are highly qualified and experienced in golf pro services, golf shop management, grounds maintenance and event sales and management. The Savannah Oaks Golf Course solution removes all headaches and issues of reserving a round of golf, finding meal services, engaging a golf pro, and purchasing golf-related items. It also ensures all issues around event venues and catering plans are taken care of expeditiously, while delivering the best customer service.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that Savannah Oaks Golf Course will provide:

• Two 18-hole championship golf courses providing play to the public
• Restaurant meal services
• Bar beverage services
• Golf lessons
• Event venue and catering services
• Golf apparel and accessories
• Private memberships within clubs
• Golf club purchase
• Golf club rental

Customer Focus

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will target all golfers in Savannah, Georgia. They will also target event venue customers and those who seek catering services. They will target the general public and tourists in the greater Savannah area. They will target those individuals who want to learn to play golf. They will target individuals seeking golf apparel and accessories for golfers.

Management Team

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be owned and operated by Stuart Halverson. He recruited Tom Martin as the Golf Professional and Mitch Simpson as the Golf Course Manager.

Stuart Halverson is a graduate of Duke University, having earned a master’s degree in Business Administration. He is the former owner of an 18-hole golf course in North Carolina, which he sold two years ago at a substantial profit. Stuart’s exceptional leadership skills combined with his love for the game of golf has led him to multiple winning relationships built around golf, each of which has brought additional profits and successes to this business maven.

Tom Martin has been recruited to provide Golf Pro services to golfers and those who want lessons in golfing. He formerly held the same position at the golf course owned by Stuart Halverson. He will be the Senior Golf Pro at Savannah Oaks Golf Course.

Mitch Simpson will be the Golf Course Manager, overseeing and directing everything related to the grounds of both 18-hole golf courses, including maintenance, re-seeding, aerating, and landscaping. Cart path oversight and course changes are also under his direction.

Success Factors

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of Savannah Oaks Golf Course.
• Comprehensive menu of services and products that will support the game of golf, sale of golf items, golf clubs, and private memberships to golf groups.
• Dining experiences in the dining room and bar service for beverages.
• Event venue offerings that include the dining room, great room, club room and bar areas.
• Also included are select outdoor settings situated across the golf course. Golf lessons with the golf pro or other representatives
• Savannah Oaks Golf Course offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective in comparison to the competitors within the Savannah region.

Financial Highlights

Savannah Oaks Golf Course is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its twin 18-hole golf courses and adjoining facilities. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing golf equipment and inventory, along with office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Savannah Oaks Golf Course.

Company Overview

Who is savannah oaks golf course.

  Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be able to provide golf experiences on twin 18-hole courses, dining and event venue services, golf apparel and accessories, private club memberships and golf club and cart rentals. The team of golf professionals and golf managers are highly qualified and experienced in golf pro services, golf shop management, grounds maintenance and event sales and management. The Savannah Oaks Golf Course removes all headaches and issues of reserving a round of golf, finding meal services, engaging a golf pro, and purchasing golf-related items. It also ensures all issues around event venues and catering plans are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best customer service.

Savannah Oaks Golf Course History

The Savannah Oaks Golf Course is owned and operated by Stuart Halverson. Stuart is a graduate of Duke University, having earned a master’s degree in Business Administration. While a student at Duke, Stuart improved his golf game and joined the golf team representing Duke University in tournaments around the U.S. The bond formed with his fellow golf team members has survived through the twenty years since their graduation.

Stuart is the former owner of an 18-hole golf course in North Carolina, which he sold two years ago at a substantial profit. Stuart’s exceptional leadership skills combined with his love for the game of golf has led him to multiple winning relationships built around golf, each of which has brought additional profits and successes to this business maven.

Mitch Simpson will be the Golf Course Manager, overseeing and directing everything related to the grounds of both 18-hole golf courses, including maintenance, re-seeding, aerating, and landscaping. Cart path oversight and course changes are also under his direction. Mitch also held the same position at the golf course formerly owned by Stuart Halverson.

Since incorporation, Savannah Oaks Golf Course has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Savannah Oaks Golf Course as a C-corporation to transact business in the state of Georgia.
• Has a contract in place at one the grounds of an established golf course to set up Savannah Oaks Golf Course in taking over the twin courses, purchasing the buildings and to set up its office space and golf shop including 10,000 square feet of space.
• Stuart, Tom and Mitch have each reached out to numerous contacts to include Savannah Oaks Golf Course in recommendations and referrals.
• Began recruiting a staff for the Savannah Oaks Golf Course, along with office personnel to oversee administrative offices.

Savannah Oaks Golf Course Services

The following will be the products and services Savannah Oaks Golf Course will provide:

• Golf lessons with the golf pro or other representatives
• Savannah Oaks Golf Course offers the best pricing for a golf experience. Their pricing structure for golf, event coordination, golf lessons, and related services is the most cost effective in comparison to the competitors within the Savannah region.

Industry Analysis

The golf and golf course industry is expected to grow by 12% annually over the next five years to over $126 billion in the U.S. The growth will be driven by an increased interest in the game of golf by those who never played before the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, many individuals were considered remote workers who completed their work early and then played golf for the remainder of the day, which greatly increased the number of players on public golf courses. The sport was one of only a few sporting activities that remained open during the epidemic. Costs will likely be reduced as increased interest in the sport will increase revenue gains across the board and more young golfers, who learned to play during the pandemic, will come of age and add further to the golfer demographics. Complementary services to golf courses, such as catering services and event venues, have added to the increased profits for golf courses, along with a significant number of golf lessons, accessories and golf clubs that can be acquired at a golf course.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Savannah Oaks Golf Course is a public golf course that will target all golfers in the greater Savannah, Georgia region. They will also target event venue customers and those who seek catering services. They will target the general public and tourists in the greater Savannah area who desire meals at the dining room or beverages in the bar of the clubhouse, which is open to the public. They will target those individuals who want to learn to play golf. They will target individuals seeking golf apparel and accessories for golfers.

Customer Segmentation

The Savannah Oaks Golf Course will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individual golfers
• Public and private golf membership clubs or teams
• Diners seeking meals in the dining room of the clubhouse Golfers or other individuals seeking beverages in the bar of the clubhouse Individuals seeking event coordination and venue rentals, including catering Individuals seeking golf apparel, golf accessories and/or golf clubs
• Diners seeking meals in the dining room of the clubhouse
• Golfers or other individuals seeking beverages in the bar of the clubhouse
• Individuals seeking event coordination and venue rentals, including catering
• Individuals seeking golf apparel, golf accessories and/or golf clubs

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company follows:

St. Thomas Golf Club

St. Thomas Golf Club is a private membership golf course, offering one 18-hole championship golf course, driving range, and a clubhouse with amenities including a dining room, bar, ballroom, private lounges for men and women, club room, golfing lessons, golf accessories and golf clubs, and a golf pro shop.

The owners of the St. Thomas Golf Club are Randy and Heidi Stromberger who hold equal ownership and who registered the golf course as a privately-held C-corporation in Savannah, Georgia. The membership of the St. Thomas Golf Club currently has 1,589 adult members with 3,441 minors included. Events are built around golf, with tournaments each quarter, dinners, dances and other social events included. There is a sizable golf pro shop, where apparel and golf accessories are offered. The premises are not available for rent unless a golf membership is held.

To buy into a golf membership, when memberships are available, one must be nominated to join and then pay the buy-in fee of $100,000. In addition, yearly dues of $20,000 are required per couple, with children or minors adding another $4,500 to the total. Monthly charges for use of the dining room and bar must be at least $300 per month or the under-usage is charged to the member household on a monthly basis. The public is not invited to the dining room, bar, or ballroom, except by express invitation from a member who is authorized to do so. Once a year, membership nominations are collected, voted upon by the members, and offered to potential members who qualify.

Buford Pitch & Putt

Buford Pitch & Putt is a nine-hole executive course located in Buford, Georgia. It is owned and operated by Tammy Lovine and her son, Tommy, who registered the company as an LLC in the state of Georgia. The public course accepts all individuals interested in playing a 9-hole course with short fairways, which is designed to improve the “short game” of golfers. The cost per round is $30. There are no clubhouse facilities, dining room or golf pro shop. There is a golf cart beverage and snack service that travels the cart path throughout the day, offering snacks and beverages to golfers on the course.

Buford Pitch & Putt is a direct competitor to Savannah Oaks Golf Course, in that golf is offered to the public. However, it is an indirect competitor in that the majority of services and products offered by Savannah Oaks are not offered by the pitch and putt course. The motto of Buford Pitch & Putt is, “Pitch It Short to Win it Big!” One of the best aspects of Buford Pitch & Putt is the driving range with real turf for practice and a ball machine that offers 20 driving range golf balls by the bucket for $1.

Tierra Sunrise Golf Course

Tierra Sunrise Golf Course is owned and operated by Liam Nicholson, who registered the company as a C-corporation in the city of Savannah, Georgia. The single 18-hole golf course is a direct competitor, and a registered “Troon” golf course, in that the undulations of the fairways are extensive and similar to those in the UK. The course is considered “difficult, but exciting” to play, inviting experienced golfers to improve their games on the course. Individuals who are not experienced would probably not choose to play this course.

Tierra Sunrise Golf Course includes a snack bar and indoor eating area, a bar that is open in the afternoons, and a golf pro shop that offers golf lessons, golf apparel and golf accessories. The average cost for a round of golf is $150 per person, with golf cart rentals an additional charge. The owner, Liam Nicholson, is currently working with the city of Savannah to increase the size of his holdings to build another, less-difficult, course on the property and adjacent land.

Competitive Advantage

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Event venue offerings that include the dining room, great room, club room and bar areas. Also included are select outdoor settings situated across the golf course.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees that is able to provide a comprehensive set of services and products for golfers who enjoy the game of golf and adjoining services and amenities.
• Reasonably-priced rates for the choice of two 18-hole championship courses.
• Event venues and catering services for private parties.
• No private fees for golf or amenities; public welcome.
• Experience level of golf professionals
• No quotas or monthly costs associated with golf games.
• Unbeatable pricing for value received.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for the Savannah Oaks Golf Course is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Savannah Oaks Golf Course has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to golfers at the formerly-owned golf course. These golfers and families have become loyal to the owner and golf professionals now associated with the Savannah Oaks Golf Course. As such, the former golf associates will spread the word about the opening of this golf course and offer referrals to those interested in playing one of the two courses. The former customers will also recommend the dining room, bar and facilities that can be rented.

Professional Associations and Networking

Stuart Halverson, owner of Savannah Oaks Golf Course, holds extensive memberships and association ties across the U.S. He will begin networking to include associates or business personnel to both visit his new course and refer others to the new course. In addition, Stuart will offer the location and amenities to any of the association memberships he holds at no charge for services required during the first three months of business.

Print Advertising

Direct mailers will be sent to each household in Savannah, Georgia. These mailers will announce the launch and opening months of discounts and specials at the golf course and in the dining room and bar. Packages for golf plus dinner will be offered at a discount. The direct mailers will go out shortly before the launch of the golf course with an invitation to everyone to visit and check out the facilities on opening day.

Website/SEO Marketing

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will utilize their in-house website building skills to design their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that the Savannah Oaks Golf Course is able to provide. The website will also list their contact information and list their tee time reservations with a payment portal linked to the website. The golf pro will also manage the website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Savannah public golf course” or “golf course near me”, Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Savannah Oaks Golf Course will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Savannah Oaks Golf Course. Operation Functions:

• Stuart Halverson will be the Owner and President of the business. He will oversee all staff and manage business development. Stuart has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Mitch Simpson will be the Golf Course Manager, overseeing everything related to the grounds of both 18-hole golf courses, including maintenance, re-seeding, aerating, and landscaping. Cart path oversight and course changes are also under his direction.
• Tom Martin has been recruited to provide golf pro services to golfers and teach golf lessons. He will be the Senior Golf Pro at Savannah Oaks Golf Course.
• Danni Alverado will be the Staff Accountant who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Lilia Samuels will be the Senior Chef and Manager of the dining room and bar areas. She will choose the menus, oversee all food prep and manage staff of all serving areas.

Milestones:

Savannah Oaks Golf Course will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease building spaces
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Savannah Oaks Golf Course
• 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts with golf products/food/beverage distributors and wholesalers
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at association and industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Savannah Oaks Golf Course office
• 7/1/202X – Savannah Oaks Golf Course opens for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Savannah Oaks Golf Course are the golf course fees they will charge to players who choose to golf at one of the Savannah Oaks Golf Courses. The green fees are within the moderate range, making the course play an exceptional value for the money.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff the golf course management personnel and other staff members. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Savannah Oaks Golf Course is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its golf course business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print marketing and networking costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Marketing costs: $10,000

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Golfers Per Month: 120
• Average Fees per Month: $67,500
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, golf course business plan faqs, what is a golf course business plan.

A golf course business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your golf course business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Golf Course business plan using our Golf Course Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Golf Course Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of golf course businesses , some examples include: Membership Only Golf Course, Community Golf Course, and Public Golf Course.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Golf Course Business Plan?

Golf Course businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Golf Course Business?

Starting a golf course business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Golf Course Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed golf course business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your golf course business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your golf course business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Golf Course Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your golf course business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your golf course business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Golf Course Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your golf course business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your golf course business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

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Golf Course Business Plan

Are you an avid golfer dreaming of owning a golf course? Solid plan.

Investing in a golf course has several of its own benefits, like personal satisfaction and huge profit potential, but it’s a big-ticket investment, and you need a solid business plan to succeed.

Need help writing a business plan for your golf course?

You’re at the right place. Our golf course business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A Golf Course Business Plan?

Writing a golf course business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

Highlight the products and services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your business. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of golf course you run and the name of it. For instance, here are some of the most common types of golf course businesses:

• Public golf course
• Indoor golf course
• Private golf club
• Resort golf club
• Executive golf course
• Championship golf course
• Describe the legal structure of your golf course business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established business, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your golf course business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe the Golf Course:

Golf equipment and cart rental:, customer support & maintenance, additional services:.

In short, this section of your golf course plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your golf club business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your golf course business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & accessories:.

Include the list of equipment and accessories required for your day-to-day business operations, such as golf clubs, balls, tees, and other golf-related accessories.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your golf course business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the golf course industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your golf course business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample golf course business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful golf course plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our golf course business plan pdf .

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Key Business Plan Components

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a golf course business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful golf course business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your golf course business.

How to get funding for your golf course business?

There are several ways to get funding for your golf course business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your golf course business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your golf course business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your golf course business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any golf course business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Sports

A Sample Golf Course Resort Business Plan Template

Do you want to start a golf course resort and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a sample golf course business plan template & FREE feasibility report. If you are looking for a business to establish as a sport enthusiast, you should think towards building a golf course or golf resort.

Building a golf resort in an area that has loads of golf lovers but fewer golf courses can be very lucrative. Golf is a global sport and people who love the game will always look for ways to play the game much more than watching people play it.

The real deal in starting a sport facility business such as golf resort is securing a big facility that is large enough to contain a full sized golf course including spectator’s stand, changing room, swimming pool, and enough parking space.

What It Takes to Open a Golf Course?

Starting your own private golf resort is not an easy task to accomplish. It requires a complete project team and solid capital base to be able to achieve your dream of opening your own private golf resort. As a matter of fact, it requires long term planning to successfully build a golf resort from the scratch to finish.

But if you don’t have enough time to spend, you can as well source for golf resorts that are put – up for sale. One of the draw backs of buying over a golf resort is that you can’t change the location.

One of the ways you can make money from your golf resort is to organize standard golf tournaments in your golf resort. The truth is that if you have big corporations to sponsor your golf tourney, you will sure attract some of the finest golfers within your country and even outside your country.

A Sample Golf Course & Resort Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

A golf course is an area of land laid out for golf with a series of 9 or 18 holes each including tee, fairway, and putting green and often one or more natural or artificial hazards —called also golf links. A standard full-scale golf course has 125 to 175 acres (51 to 71 hectares).

The Golf Courses & Country Clubs Industry is basically engaged in operating golf courses and country clubs that have dining and recreational facilities et al. These facilities typically provide food and beverage services, equipment rental services and golf instruction et al.

Golf courses can be public, private, semiprivate or an extension of a private country club. Activities in this industry does not include businesses that engage in golf driving ranges, miniature golf courses and resorts and hotels that have on-site golf courses.

In recent time, the industry is experiencing steady growth in the last five years due to steady rising consumer expenditure on recreation and culture, and growing spectator sport participation. Despite the fact that overall sport participation is currently at same level as it was in the last five years, participation in amateur sports peaked in 2012 and 2013, which boosted revenue for operators of local, community and grassroots facilities.

Government investment into large-scale sport infrastructure projects is a key source of revenue for industry participants and major redevelopments have also contributed to revenue growth over the last five years.

Golf course green fees comprise the largest source of revenue for the industry, generating 33.9%. Green fees are fees paid by golfers who are not members of a country club but wish to play an individual round of golf. According to data from the National Golf Foundation, golf participation rates have been falling for the past decade.

Some individuals find the “etiquette rules” (e.g. no cell phones, specific dress code) off-putting, while others find that the game takes too long to play. As a result, the number of adults who played golf at least once in a year decreased by about 4.0 million in the five years to 2014 (latest public data available from the NGA)

The Golf Courses & Country Clubs Industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Italy et al.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 10,793 licensed and registered golf course & country clubs facilities responsible for employing about 308,033 employees and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $23 billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at 1.2 percent. It is important to state that there is no establishment with a lion share of the available market in this industry.

Over and above, starting a golf course & country club facility business in the United States of America can be some worth stressful, it requires enough cash to acquire land large enough to accommodate the golf course and country club facility and also cash required to equip the facility to meet the standard expected by potential users / members of golf course and country club.

2. Executive Summary

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is a standard and well equipped golf course and country club facility that will be located in a growing community in Asheville – North Carolina. Our basic aim of setting up the business is to contribute our quota in ensuring that people who live in Asheville have a facility to play golf, stay fit by exercising regularly and maintain healthy lifestyle.

We have been able to secure a standard facility in a central and easy to locate location in Asheville.  We are well equipped to services the whole of the community as well as visitors and tourists.

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is going to become the number one family – focused golf course and country club facility in the whole of Asheville – North Carolina and we will work hard to build our facility to match the needs of the average family in the community. Our golf course and country club has enough parking space to accommodate the number of people (golf players and spectators) we will accommodate per time.

We conducted a thorough research and feasibility studies and we were able to come to the conclusion that Asheville community is the right place to build of golf course and country club. As a matter of fact, our major aim of starting Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is to encourage people to play golf and also to encourage families in the community to cultivate the habit of regularly exercising and to stay healthy.

Our golf course and country club is specifically designed and built to take care of standard golf tournaments and individual or group of golfers, we have active childcare services for toddlers and we have membership packages that is highly discounted for families that enrolled with us or groups who would want to make use of our golf course and country club for games, recreations and camping.

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club will be open 24 hours in a day during weekends (Fridays to Sundays) and from 6:00 am to 12 midnight from Mondays to Thursdays in order for us to be able to accommodate people with different time preference. Which is why we have made provisions effective floodlight system and also to recruit enough staff and to run shift amongst our workforce.

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is a family owned business with support from the State of North Carolina. The business will be managed by Shannon McKenzie, he has well over 15 years of experience as a leading community golf coach in the United States of America working with top golfers who have gone ahead to win laurels in golf tourneys both nationally and internationally.

3. Our Products and Services

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is in the golf courses and country clubs industry to provide standard golf course and country club facility for residence of Asheville – North Carolina which is why we have been able to put up a facility that can help us achieve the goal.

We are optimistic that everyone who makes use of our facility will definitely derive huge value for their money. These are the services and amenities that will be made available to our clients;

• Operating golf courses and country clubs
• Providing food and beverage services
• Providing golf equipment rental services
• Providing golf instruction services
• Memberships
• Golf course green use
• Food and beverages
• Equipment rentals and sales
• Other facility operation

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision of starting Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is to build a world – class sports and recreations facility and also to contribute our quota in encourage families and residence in Asheville to actively engage in sporting activities and also to stay healthy and fit by engaging in regularly exercising of their body.
• Our mission for establishing Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is to create a movement in the community that supports total engagement in sporting activities such as golf, health and fitness and to fight against obesity and unhealthy lifestyle.
• We want to contribute our quota towards ensuring that Ashville community produce professional golfers that can go ahead to represent United States in the golf tournaments all over the world.

Our Business Structure

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is in business to become the leading private golf course and country club facility in the whole of Asheville – North Carolina and we are fully aware that it will take the right facility, management and organization – structure to achieve our goal.

We will ensure that we recruit only the best hands that can help us achieve all that we are set to achieve. Our business will not be built only for the purpose of giving our members / customers value for their money, but also we will ensure that we make our work environment highly conducive for all our employees.

We will provide them with facilities that will help them stay motivated and deliver on their various tasks and goals et al. In view of that, we have made provisions for the following positions to be occupied by highly qualified and experienced staff;

• Chief Executive Office – CEO
• Golf Course and Country Club Facility Manager
• Accountant / Cashier
• Marketing and Sales Officer
• Golf Instructor (5)
• Training Assistants (10)
• Customer Care Executive / Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Carries out staff induction for new team members

Golf Course and Country Club Manager

• Responsible for operating golf courses and country clubs
• Responsible for providing food and beverage services
• Handle golf equipment rental services
• Responsible for providing golf instruction services
• Manage membership and registration
• Manage golf course and country club green use
• Handles food and beverages
• Handles equipment rentals and sales
• Handles other relevant facility operation

Fitness Instructors (5)

• Creates training rosters for members
• Assists members during golf playing and exercise session
• Guides members on how to make use of golf course, gym and fitness equipment

Marketing and Sales Officer (2)

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club.

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for the organization
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club
• Serves as internal auditor for Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes members and potential members / clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the organization’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the management in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

Cleaners (3):

• Responsible for cleaning in and around the golf course and country club facility
• Cleans up after customers and clean work area.
• Clears ashtrays as and when required.
• Washes glassware and utensils after each use.
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the golf course and country club facility manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is in business to provide golf course and country club facility for golf lovers in Ashville – North Carolina and also help its clients achieve their health and fitness goals and at the same time to make profits.

We are aware that there is competition in the golf course and country clubs industry which is why we took out time to conduct an effective SWOT Analysis before investing our hard earned money into the business.

We know that if we get things right before starting our golf course and country club facility, we will not have to struggle before attract loyal clients and building our membership base to a level where we can easily breakeven in record time.

We hired the services of Dr. Garry Larson, an HR and Business consultant with bias in business structuring to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our organization and he did a pretty good job for us. Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club, Asheville – North Carolina;

One of the obvious strength that will definitely stand as a plus for Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is the fact that our facility is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Asheville – North Carolina; our location is in fact one of our major strength couple with the support from the State of North Carolina.

We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our members / clients to achieve their aims or enrolling in our golf course and country club facility and lastly our membership package is one of the best that anybody living in Asheville – North Carolina can get; it is cheap and affordable.

We critically looked into our Business model and we were able to identify two major weakness. One is the fact that we are a new business and the second is the fact that we may not have the financial resources required to match up with existing golf course and country club facilities and even government own sports and recreation facilities in North Carolina when it comes to acquiring latest golf equipment and generating the needed hypes that can drive traffic towards our facility.

• Opportunities:

We are centrally located in one of the busiest area and densely populated area in Ashville – North Carolina and we are open to all the available opportunities that the city has to offer. We will be open 24 hours in a day during weekends (Fridays to Sundays) and from 6:00 am to 12 midnight from Mondays to Thursdays giving us the advantage to leverage on any available opportunity.

Some of the threats that are likely going to confront Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club are unfavorable government policies, demographic / social factors, downturn in the economy which is likely going to affect consumers spending and lastly, the emergence of new competitors within the same location where our golf course and country club facility is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Both The Golf Course and Country Club industry and The Sports and Recreation Facility industry has indeed benefited from recent marketing campaigns which is targeted towards encourage people to participate in sports and also to fighting obesity which is becoming rampant, as well as consumer trends toward healthy living.

Going forward, many people who are part of the baby boomers generation are expected to sign up for golf course and country club facility, health and fitness club memberships or make use of golf course and country club or sports and recreation facilities in their communities, as they become more health- conscious as they grow older.

However, patrons of golf course and country clubs are anticipated to increasingly pick up membership from less expensive centers as against expensive all-inclusive clubs.

The trend in the golf course and country clubs industry is such that if a golf course and country club facility is well positioned in a residential area or a place where people can easily access without much stress, there is the likelihood that such facility will enjoy high patronage.

Just like in other business ventures, the owner of golf course and country club facilities are always looking for ways to increase their market share; they go as far as signing deals with high schools and also corporate organizations et al to make use of their facility. Some even go as far as organizing golf tourneys on a regular basis.

It is a common trend that as golf course and country club grows, it becomes necessary for them to develop new service offerings or install new facilities that will help them attract more people. Little wonder some golf course and country club facilities now have fresh juice and smoothie bar within their facility to encourage people towards healthy drinking.

In order words, it is very important for golf course and country club facilities to continue to improvise if they want to grow their business and generate their target revenues.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for golf course and country club facilities cuts across people of different walks of life. The fact that people register in golf course and country club facilities for various reasons makes marketing the business interesting. The target market for golf course and country club facilities can be categorized into three various groups.

The first group are the people who are looking towards shedding weights and stay health and fit through proper exercising and under the guidance of a qualified fitness instructor. The other group of people are those who are interested in playing golf or learning how to play golf for fun or to compete at a national or international level.

The last group of people are those (schools and golf clubs) who don’t have the required golf course or sports facilities for their students and sports club and would need a standard facility for trainings.

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club will work towards providing services, facilities and environment that will help us reach out to our target market. These are the category of people that we intend marketing our golf course and country club facility to;

• Working Class Adults / Corporate Executives
• Sport Clubs and Golf lovers
• Community an Cooperate organization
• Business People / Entrepreneurs
• Government Officials
• Celebrities
• Religious centers
• Applicants / School Leavers
• Sports Men and Women
• College Students

Our Competitive Advantage

No doubt, the golf course and country clubs industry is indeed a prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients / potential members will only enroll in your golf course and country club facility if they know that you can successfully help them learn how to play golf, achieve their health and fitness goals or provide the enabling environment and facility for them to achieve their sports goals.

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Asheville – North Carolina; this is obviously going to give us an edge amongst our competitive. We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our clients to achieve their aims or enrolling in our golf course and country club facility.

So also, our membership package is one of the best that anybody living in North Carolina can get; it is cheap and affordable.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups golf course and country club facilities or even sports and recreation facility businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Golf Course and Country Clubs industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract both individual clients and corporate clients on a regular basis.

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field. It would be hard to create a sales forecast with a newly opened business like golf course and country club facility.

This is simply because the statistics that will be provided will be on a short term basis. Experts said that usually a business should be in operation for at least one year before they can generate the statistics that will be need to help in accurate forecasting; statistics should be at least one year old in order to show the trends and pattern in consumer spending.

We expect to register a minimum of 500 active members within our first year of operations and then in subsequent year we will grow our membership. Below are the sales projection for Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club, it is based on the location of our facility and the services and products that we will be offering to our clients (members);

• First Fiscal Year-: $200,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within 4.5 miles radius from our golf course and country club facility.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Our marketing strategies will be directed towards achieving specific objectives that support the strategic goals of the organization. The truth is that all that we do will be geared towards creating new market channels, increasing sales and increase our market share. We will leverage on improving on our services and facility to ensure that we win new clients and retain old members.

At Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club, our marketing strategies will be consistent throughout the marketing mix and we will take into consideration product improvement, promotion, and price. As part of our sales and marketing strategies, we will pay attention to the promotion of our golf course and country club facility so as to attract people to enroll and become members of our golf course and country club facility.

Our unique selling proposition is that we are well positioned and people can easily access our facility, our prices are affordable and we have a complete package for families, schools and sport clubs. Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our golf course and country club facility with a big party in the n.
• Advertise our golf course and country club facility on national dailies, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our golf course and country home facility online via our official website and all available social media platforms
• Introduce our golf course and country club facility by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to sports clubs, schools, corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in Asheville – North Carolina
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Delivering consistent customer experiences to all our members; making our first impression count positively to those making use of our golf course and country home facility for the first time
• Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our golf course and country club facility
• Adopt direct mailing coupon marketing approach
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places in and around Ashville – North Carolina
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our consistent members especially those that registered as a family
• Engage on road shows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our golf course and country club facility.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our branding and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of Asheville – North Carolina which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our golf course and country club facility.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based golf tourneys or sport events and competitions
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Asheville – North Carolina.
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas

Contact corporate organizations and schools by calling them up and informing them of Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club and the services we offer

• List Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club on local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our golf course and country club facility in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our corporate logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the industry, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than what our competitors are charging their members in Asheville – North Carolina.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us or when they register as a family or a sports club and schools. The prices of our services will be same as what is obtainable in the United States’ open market.

• Payment Options

At Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different clients would prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a golf course and country club facility; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to set up Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club in the United of America. This is the key areas where we will spend our start – up capital on;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in North Carolina – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,500.
• Marketing promotion expenses (8,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $10,000.
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $5,000.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – ,800 .
• Cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Cost for leasing facility for the golf course and country club facility – $500,000.
• Cost for facility remodeling – $250,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and utility deposits – $3,500
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $15,000
• Cost for acquiring gym and fitness equipment or other sports wares – $200,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, snooker board, clippers, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our grand opening party – $15,000
• Miscellaneous – $15,000

We would need an estimate of $1.5 million to successfully launch a standard and well – equipped golf course and country club facilities in Asheville – North Carolina.

It is important to state that the testing and evaluating expenses would be high because of the large amount of equipment needed to start up a sports and recreations facility and also the sophistication of the technology used in gyms and fitness centers.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is a business that will be owned and managed by Shannon McKenzie and family. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $500,000 (Personal savings $350,000 and soft loan from family members $150,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $1 M from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to pick up membership in our golf course and country club facility is to equip our facility with state of the art gym and fitness equipment et al.

Shannon McKenzie™ Golf Course & Country Club will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed golf, gym and fitness equipment, electronic appliances, office appliances and suppliers: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress

More on Sports

How To Write a Business Plan for Golf Course Business in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on golf course.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

If you're thinking of starting a golf course business, you're in good company. According to the National Golf Foundation, the golf industry is worth $84 billion in economic impact and provides over 2 million jobs. However, starting a golf course business requires careful planning and execution.

To help you get started on the right foot, we've created a checklist of 9 steps to help you write a comprehensive business plan for your golf course business. From market research to legal requirements to funding sources, our checklist covers all the essential elements you need to consider.

Whether you're planning on providing an exclusive golfing experience, offering golf packages and lessons, hosting corporate events or selling golf equipment, our business plan checklist will help you turn your vision into a thriving golf course business.

• Your business success begins with a solid business plan. Start with our 9-step checklist and take your golf course to the next level.

Conduct A Market Research

Before starting a golf course business, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research . This research will provide important insights into the golf industry, help identify the target market, understand the competition, and validate the business idea.

The following are some key areas to focus on when conducting the market research:

• Size of the golf industry: Determine the size of the golf industry, including the number of golf courses, golfers, and revenue generated by the industry. This will help understand the market potential for a new golf course business.
• Target market: Identify the demographic, psychographic, and behavioral characteristics of the target market. This will help tailor the products and services of the golf course business to the needs and preferences of the target market.
• Competitive analysis: Analyze the competition, including other golf courses and businesses that offer similar products and services. This will help identify the unique selling proposition of the golf course business and differentiate it from the competition.
• Location: Determine the ideal location for the golf course business, including factors such as accessibility, population density, and proximity to other businesses and amenities.
• Trends and opportunities: Identify the current trends and opportunities in the golf industry, such as the growing popularity of golf among young and diverse demographics, and the increasing demand for unique and experiential golf courses.
• Use a combination of primary and secondary research methods, such as surveys, focus groups, interviews, and online research, to gather data.
• Engage with the local community and industry associations to gain valuable insights and network with potential partners and customers.
• Keep track of the latest news and developments in the golf industry by subscribing to trade publications, attending industry conferences and events, and following social media and blogs of golf influencers.

Conducting a comprehensive market research will provide a strong foundation for the business plan and increase the chances of success for the golf course business.

Identify The Target Market

Knowing the target market is essential for any business, and the golf course business is no different. The target market for a golf course business includes:

• Golf enthusiasts who want to play a full round of golf or practice on the driving range.
• Corporate entities who are looking for a venue for corporate outings or team-building exercises.
• Individuals or groups who are interested in attending golf clinics, tournaments, charity events, or other special events related to golf.
• Individuals who enjoy the social aspect of golf and want to have a meal or drinks at the clubhouse.

It is important to note that the target market may vary depending on the location and the type of golf course. For instance, if the golf course is located in a vacation area, the target market may include tourists and vacationers.

Tips for Identifying the Target Market:

• Research the demographics of the area where the golf course will be located. This includes age, income, and other relevant information.
• Understand the needs and preferences of different segments of the target market. For example, corporate clients may have different needs and expectations than recreational golfers.
• Identify the factors that influence the purchasing decision of the target market. This may include price, quality, location, and amenities.

By identifying the target market, the golf course business can tailor its marketing strategy and offerings to meet the needs and preferences of its customers. This can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, resulting in higher revenue and profitability for the business.

Analyze The Competition

Before launching a golf course business, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the competition in your area. This will help you identify their strengths and weaknesses and provide insights into how you can differentiate your business and attract customers. Here are some important factors to consider when analyzing the competition:

• Location: Check out the location of your competitors' golf courses and examine how accessible they are for customers.
• Pricing: Analyze their pricing structure, identify what they offer at what cost, and determine how competitive your pricing will need to be.
• Quality of Services: Look at their quality of services they provide, such as the availability and expertise of their golf instructors, condition of the course, equipment, and the overall customer service experience.
• Marketing Strategies: Analyzing their marketing strategies could provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their brand, social media presence, advertising, and other promotions.

Tips for Analyzing the Competition:

• Visit the websites of your competitors to look for insights on how they promote golf courses.
• Speak to current members to understand what they like and dislike about your competitors.
• Check social media reviews to have a closer look at the opinions of your competitors' customers.
• Visit the golf course facilities in person as a potential customer, and observe their strengths and weaknesses and take notes.

After analyzing the competition, you should have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Addressing the gaps and improving overall customer experience could attract more customers and set you apart from the competition.

Determine The Legal Requirements

When starting any business, it is essential to understand the legal requirements that you need to follow. The golf course business is no exception. Every state and country has different legal requirements that need to be adhered to, so it is wise to consult with a lawyer or an expert who can guide you through the process.

Here are some essential legal requirements that you need to consider while starting your golf course business:

• Form a Legal Structure: You need to choose a legal structure for your business, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. You should also register your business with the state or country and obtain permits and licenses as required.
• Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Depending on your location, you may need to get various permits and licenses, such as land use permit, environmental permit, liquor license, and business license. Make sure that you obtain all the necessary documents before starting your operations.
• Comply with Environmental Regulations: Your golf course must comply with environmental regulations and laws, such as water and air quality regulations, waste management rules, and pesticide disposal guidelines.
• Follow OSHA Regulations: Your business must also comply with OSHA regulations regarding workplace safety, employee training, and hazardous materials handling.
• Consult a lawyer or an expert in the golf course business for legal guidance.
• Do research and study the requirements thoroughly to avoid any legal issues in the future.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork to ensure smooth operations.

Overall, understanding and following legal requirements are crucial for the success of your golf course business. You must comply with all the federal, state, and local laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues and ensure a smooth operation.

Identify The Funding Sources

Funding is a crucial aspect of any business, and the golf course business is no exception. Whether you plan to finance the project through personal savings, loans, or investors, it is important to have a clear understanding of the funding sources available to you.

One of the first steps in identifying the funding sources is to establish a realistic budget. This will enable you to determine how much money you need to get the business up and running, as well as how much you will need for ongoing expenses. Once you have a budget in place, you can start to explore different funding options that may be available to you.

• Consider reaching out to your personal network for potential investors or loans
• Explore traditional funding sources such as banks or credit unions
• Research small business grants or loans from government organizations or non-profits
• Consider crowdfunding as an alternative funding option
• Join a local business networking group to connect with potential investors or sponsors

It is also important to understand the costs associated with each funding option . For example, loans and credit cards often carry high interest rates, while investors may expect a share of the profits or control over certain aspects of the business. It is important to carefully consider each funding option and choose the one that best fits your needs and objectives.

Once you have identified the funding sources you plan to use, it is important to create a detailed plan for how you will use the funds . This may include expenses such as land acquisition, construction costs, equipment purchases, marketing and advertising, employee salaries, and ongoing maintenance. Having a clear plan in place will not only help you stay organized but will also help you to present a compelling case to potential investors or lenders.

Remember, funding is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to starting and running a successful golf course business. But with careful planning and a strategic approach, you can secure the funding you need to turn your business ideas into reality.

Estimate The Startup And Ongoing Costs

One of the most important parts of creating a business plan for a golf course is estimating the startup and ongoing costs of the business. This will help you determine how much money you need to start your business, as well as how much money you need to keep it running. Below are some key factors to consider when estimating the costs for your golf course business:

• Land and Infrastructure Costs: The cost of the land and infrastructure needed to build a golf course can be significant. This may include land purchase, design and planning costs, construction costs, irrigation systems, and more.
• Equipment and Supply Costs: To operate a golf course, you will need a variety of equipment and supplies such as golf carts, mowing equipment, maintenance equipment, and more. You will also need to consider the cost of seeds, fertilizer, and other supplies needed to maintain the course.
• Employee Costs: Running a golf course requires a staff to manage the operation and provide services to customers. These include the cost of hiring a golf pro, golf instructors, groundskeepers, and other administrative and support staff.
• Marketing and Advertising Costs: Promoting and marketing your golf course business is also important to attract and retain customers. This may include the cost of creating a website, advertising in local print and digital media, creating brochures and marketing materials, and supporting community events.
• Insurance and Legal Costs: As with any business, legal and insurance costs are an important consideration. This may include liability and property insurance, legal fees for creating a business entity, and other legal and professional services.
• Research and compare prices from different suppliers, contractors, and professionals to determine the most cost-effective options.
• Create contingency plans and consider the potential financial impacts of seasonal changes, economic downturns, or regulatory changes on your business.
• Factor in the cost of ongoing maintenance and repair of the infrastructure, equipment, and facilities to maintain the quality and safety of your golf course.

Estimating both the startup and ongoing costs of your golf course business is a critical step in creating a successful business plan. By taking these costs into consideration, you will be better equipped to determine the feasibility of your business idea, identify potential sources of funding, and plan for the future success of your golf course.

Define The Business Goals And Objectives

Defining the business goals and objectives is a crucial step in developing a successful golf course business plan. It is important to have clear, measurable goals that can guide the business toward long-term success and profitability. The following are some key tips to consider when defining the business goals and objectives.

• Be specific and measurable. Goals should be clear and quantifiable so that progress can be tracked.
• Set realistic and achievable goals. It is important to set goals that are challenging but attainable within a reasonable timeframe.
• Align goals with the overall vision and mission of the business. Goals should support the overall direction of the business and help achieve the desired outcome.

The first step in defining the business goals and objectives is to identify the overall business vision and mission. This is the foundation on which all goals should be based. The vision and mission should be clear, concise, and focused on providing an exclusive and unique golfing experience for golfers of all levels.

Once the vision and mission have been established, the next step is to set specific, measurable goals that align with this vision. Goals should be broken down into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Short-term goals may include increasing revenue by a certain percentage, while medium-term goals may involve expanding the customer base or adding new services such as golf clinics or tournaments. Long-term goals may focus on becoming the leading golf course business in the region or even nationally.

It is important to ensure that all goals are aligned with the overall business strategy. This includes identifying the target market and tailoring the goals to meet the needs and preferences of this market. For example, goals may be set to attract more corporate outings or to offer specific golf packages that are popular among certain customer segments.

Once the goals have been defined, it is important to establish a plan for achieving these goals. This should include specific action steps, timelines, and measurable outcomes. It is also important to assign responsibility for each goal and ensure that everyone involved in the business is aware of the goals and their role in achieving them.

In conclusion, defining the business goals and objectives is a critical step in developing a successful golf course business plan. Goals should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the overall business strategy. By setting achievable goals and developing a plan to achieve them, the business can work towards long-term success and profitability in providing the ultimate golfing experience to customers.

Determine The Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy is essential to the success of your golf course business. The strategy should define how you will promote your business, attract new customers, and retain existing ones. Consider the following steps when developing your marketing strategy.

• Identify your target audience: Determine the characteristics of your potential customers, including age, gender, income level, and interests. This information can help you tailor your marketing efforts.
• Define your unique selling proposition: Determine what sets your golf course business apart from the competition. Use this information to create a compelling message that resonates with potential customers.
• Develop a marketing budget: Determine how much money you are willing to spend on marketing. Allocate the budget to various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and advertising.
• Choose marketing channels: Choose the marketing channels that best reach your target audience and fit your budget. Consider using a combination of channels, such as print advertising, online advertising, social media, and email marketing.
• Create a marketing plan: Develop a detailed marketing plan that outlines the specific tactics you will use to promote your golf course business. The plan should include your budget, target audience, unique selling proposition, marketing channels, and tactics.

Tips for a Successful Marketing Strategy

• Consider offering special promotions or discounts to attract new customers.
• Create engaging social media content that showcases the experience of golfing at your course.
• Partner with local businesses to offer joint promotions or special events.
• Create a referral program that rewards current customers for referring new customers.

Determining a marketing strategy for your golf course business is critical to effectively reaching potential customers. A well-executed strategy can attract new customers, retain existing ones, and ultimately drive revenue for your business.

Establish A Management Structure.

The success of any golf course business relies heavily on the management structure. It is essential to have an organized management system in place to run a business efficiently. Establishing a management structure involves creating a hierarchy of positions and roles for the staff members.

The first step in establishing a management structure is to identify key roles and their responsibilities. Here are some of the essential roles that must be determined:

• General Manager: The person in charge of overseeing the operations of the golf course business including maintenance, customer service, and finances.
• Golf Pro: The person responsible for providing golf lessons, managing golf course operations, and supervising the golf staff.
• Marketing Manager: The person responsible for promoting the golf course business through advertising, social media, and other marketing strategies.
• Administrative Staff: The individuals responsible for handling bookings, customer service, and communication within the golf course business.
• It is important to hire experienced individuals in these essential roles to ensure the success of the golf course business.
• Training programs must be established to induct new employees into their respective roles to create a proficient and efficient workforce.
• Monthly evaluation of the staff performance can help identify areas for improvement and maintain quality customer service.

The second step is to create a reporting structure, which will ensure that everyone is accountable. Clear communication channels must be established to ensure smooth internal communication. This can be achieved by setting up regular meetings and creating an open-door policy for staff members to voice their concerns.

Lastly, it is important to conduct training programs that emphasize customer service, safety, and professionalism. Providing regular training programs will ensure that the staff is up-to-date in their roles and responsibilities, which will ultimately benefit the golf course business.

Establishing a clear management structure is essential for the success of any golf course business. With clear roles, responsibilities, and established reporting structures, it is easier to maintain a proficient workforce and provide excellent customer service. Golfers are attracted to a golf course that is well-run, which is why it is essential to invest in staff training programs and create a positive work environment to retain a skilled workforce.

In starting a business, writing a business plan is an essential step to ensure its success. The nine steps listed above will help you develop a plan for your golf course business. Conducting market research, identifying the target market, analyzing the competition, determining the legal requirements, identifying funding sources, estimating costs, defining business goals and objectives, determining the marketing strategy, and establishing a management structure are all vital pieces of the puzzle.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your golf course business will provide an exclusive and unique golfing experience for golfers of all levels. The on-site pro, golf lessons, golf shop, snack bar, and restaurant will provide everything your customers need to have an unforgettable time. Hosting events, tournaments, and clinics will provide an additional source of revenue while enhancing the ultimate golfing experience for your customers.

In conclusion, developing a business plan is a critical step in creating a successful golf course business. By following the above nine steps, you will provide your customers with an exclusive and unique experience while generating a profitable and sustainable business model.

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From Concept to Tee Off: How to Start a Golf Course Business

Last Updated on November 15, 2023

Starting a golf course business can seem like an intimidating task – but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information and knowledge, anyone can launch their own successful golfing operation. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to get your business up and running in no time.

For any aspiring entrepreneur interested in getting into the lucrative golfing industry, there are some key steps they should take before jumping head-first into launching their own golf course enterprise. Here’s everything you need to know about how to start a profitable golf course business .

Necessary Licensing and Permits

Starting a golf course business is an exciting venture but requires careful planning. Before opening, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licensing and permits. A golf course license grants permission to operate a golf facility, while a business permit enables you to register your business with local authorities. In addition, all golf courses must comply with regulations that are often specific to certain states or areas. These might include health and safety rules as well as zoning restrictions.

It’s important that you research applicable laws in advance so that you can ensure compliance once your business opens. Also, insurance may be required depending on the size of your operation. Taking time to understand all licensing and permit requirements will help make sure everything goes smoothly when it comes time for launching your business – providing peace of mind for both yourself and customers alike!

Market Research and Site Selection

Now that the necessary permits and licensing have been addressed, it’s time to move on to market research and site selection for a golf course business. In order to successfully open up shop as a golf course operator, you’ll need to conduct thorough research on the location of your proposed course. Here are three key components associated with this process:

• Identifying desirable characteristics of a golf course location
• Conducting market analysis to assess the demand in the area
• Researching other competitive courses near the potential site

When selecting an ideal spot for a golf course business, consider factors such as population density, climate, terrain, nearby attractions and access to public transportation – all elements which can influence customer turnout. Additionally, comprehensive market analysis will give insight into who is likely to purchase products or services from your facility and how much they will spend each visit. And lastly, researching existing competitors in the surrounding vicinity can help inform pricing decisions and identify opportunities for differentiation among them.

Financing Options

When starting a golf course business, financing is an important part of the process. There are many options to choose from when it comes to finding the right type of loan for your project. Golf course financing can be obtained through banks, private lenders, or government grant programs. Start-up financing is also available through venture capital firms and other investors who specialise in helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

If you decide to take out a loan, there are several types of loans that may suit your needs. SBA loans are often popular among small businesses because they offer favourable terms such as long repayment periods and low-interest rates. Alternatively, conventional loans from commercial banks provide larger amounts of money but require collateral and have stricter qualifications than SBA loans. Additionally, online lenders may provide more flexible borrowing options with competitive rates depending on creditworthiness and other factors.

Design Considerations

The design of a golf course is an integral part of the business. Golf courses are typically built on large parcels of land, so it’s important to consider how best to utilise the terrain when designing the layout. The landscape architecture must also be carefully considered. This includes things like trees and shrubs that can provide natural hazards or decorative landscaping. It’s also essential to think about construction costs, which will depend on factors such as the type of materials used and labour involved.

When planning these elements, you should consult with experts in golf course design who may have insight into potential strategies for improving the overall experience for players while staying within your budget constraints. They’ll be able to help you make decisions related to clubhouse amenities, green size and shape, playing surfaces, drainage systems, water features, tee boxes and more.

Equipment, Supplies and Staffing Needs

Golfing equipment such as clubs, balls , tees and other accessories are essential components of running a golf course business. Depending on your budget, you may want to purchase top-of-the-line equipment or shop around for more affordable options. It is also important to consider how much stock of each item will be necessary to keep up with demand from customers.

In addition to golfing equipment, there are also several types of golf supplies that need to be considered for your new business venture. This includes items such as flags , scorecards and pencils which can help create an enjoyable experience for customers while they are on the course. Additionally, having adequate staff members available at all times is key when it comes to running a smooth operation. Hiring qualified individuals who have knowledge of working with different kinds of golfers can make a huge difference in providing excellent customer service.

When considering what kind of employees you would like to hire for your business, consider their qualifications and availability so that you can effectively manage your staffing needs accordingly. With the right combination of personnel and quality products, any golf course owner can ensure success by creating an enjoyable atmosphere where customers feel welcome and appreciated.

Creating a Business Plan

The following table highlights some of the important components that need to be included when creating a successful golf course business plan:

A thorough understanding of each component above is necessary to create an effective golf course business plan that accurately reflects both short-term objectives and long-term strategy for growth and profitability over time.

Setting Membership Levels and Fees

Once you have decided on a business model for your golf course, it’s time to set membership levels and fees. To attract customers, offer various levels of memberships that correspond with varying rates of golf fees. For example, if you want to target amateur golfers who may not be able to commit to regular play at the course, consider offering discounted green fees or even free rounds when they bring in guests. Alternatively, provide special discounts for seniors or military personnel.

The key is determining pricing that meets both your bottom line and what customers are willing to pay. Consider surveying current and potential customers about their desired level of service and how much they’re willing to spend before setting final prices. Establishing reasonable membership fees will help ensure the profitability of your business and keep members coming back again and again.

Adopting Rules and Regulations

Now that you have determined the membership levels and fees for your golf course, it’s time to adopt rules and regulations. Golf course regulations are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all those playing on your course. It is important to create clear and enforceable regulations so that everyone understands how they should behave while on the property.

First, establish regulations around safety issues, such as no running in or near sand traps or water hazards. Also, make sure players understand the importance of respecting other people’s space by not entering tee boxes until previous groups have cleared them. Other rules may include appropriate dress codes , quiet hours, repair policies for divots and ball marks on greens, as well as restrictions against alcohol consumption or smoking in certain areas of your property.

Promotional Strategies

When creating your plan, think about who your target audience is and what kinds of messages they might respond to best. You can use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to reach potential customers directly or look into local radio ad campaigns to increase exposure in the area.

Additionally, consider partnering with other local businesses to gain access to their customer base.

Insurance Requirements

Moving on from promotional strategies, it is essential to consider the insurance requirements for running a golf course business. All entrepreneurs should be aware that they must protect their assets and employees with proper coverage to stay compliant with local regulations and safeguard their safety. This includes:

• Golf course insurance
• Business liability insurance
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance

Golf course insurance covers potential losses related to damage to property or equipment, as well as third-party liabilities arising out of any accident involving customers. Business liability insurance protects against legal responsibility for injuries sustained by someone other than an employee while visiting the golf club, such as if a customer slips and falls due to wet grass or unsafe walkways. Professional indemnity insurance covers claims made against you that arise from professional negligence or errors committed during your operations.

Risk Management Strategies

Starting a golf course business is no easy task. There are many risks that you must prepare for and manage in order to be successful. Developing a risk management strategy should be one of the first steps in setting up your new venture. A comprehensive plan will help protect you from unexpected occurrences and keep your business running smoothly.

With an effective risk management strategy in place, you can move forward confidently, knowing that you have taken the necessary measures to mitigate any potential issues that may arise during the course of doing business. Additionally, it provides peace of mind as well as confidence when dealing with clients who rely on your services.

To conclude, starting a golf course business can be an incredibly rewarding venture. It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure success, but with the right approach, it’s possible to open a successful golf course that appeals to customers.

First, decide what kind of golf course you want to build: public or private? Then look into the average cost associated with building your course and consider ways to attract more customers. Investing in marketing is key; create attractive promotions and focus on both online and offline advertising strategies. Finally, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your business so you’re protected against any potential risks.

With these steps taken care of, all that remains is implementing your plan! With hard work and dedication, there’s no reason why you can’t get started on creating a thriving golf course business today.

About The Author

Billy Hamilton

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Competitive Analysis for a Golf Course (Example)

• May 10, 2024
• Business Plan , Competitive Analysis

A competitive analysis is not just a tool for gauging the position of your golf course in the market and its key competitors; it’s also a fundamental component of your business plan.

This analysis helps in identifying your golf course’s unique selling points, essential for differentiating your business in a competitive market.

In addition, the competitive analysis is integral in laying a solid foundation for your business plan. By examining various operational aspects of your competitors, you gain valuable information that ensures your business plan is robust, informed, and tailored to succeed in the current market environment.

Golf Course Business Plan

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Identifying Your Competitors in the Golf Industry

Initiate by identifying both your direct and indirect competitors. This includes other golf courses, country clubs with golfing facilities, and resorts that offer golf as part of their leisure activities. For instance, if your golf course is known for its challenging layouts or premier facilities, your direct competitors are likely to be other high-end golf courses or country clubs. Also, consider indirect competitors such as virtual golf centers or driving ranges that might cater to your target audience .

Use digital tools like Google Maps to visualize the geographical spread of these competitors. Customer review platforms such as Yelp and TripAdvisor can offer insights through reviews and ratings, shedding light on competitors’ strengths and weaknesses . For example, if many reviews consistently highlight a competitor’s well-maintained greens and excellent customer service, these are important strengths to note.

Golf Course Competitors’ Strategies

Analyzing the strategies of these competitors involves several aspects:

• Course Quality and Features: Review the quality and features of the courses offered. If “Championship Greens” nearby is recognized for its PGA-level course design, it might suggest a market preference for highly challenging courses.
• Membership and Access: Look at the membership models and public access policies. A course like “Public Links” that offers affordable pay-as-you-play options might attract a broader audience than exclusive membership-only clubs.
• Pricing Strategy : Assess how your prices compare with those of your competitors. Are your fees competitive with those of “Economy Rounds” or do they reflect the premium experience at “Luxury Fairways”?
• Marketing Tactics: Observe how competitors market their courses. Do they rely heavily on digital marketing, or do they engage more with community events and traditional advertising?
• Customer Experience: Evaluate the overall customer experience. For instance, “Friendly Fairways” may be renowned for its exceptional guest services and family-friendly atmosphere, enhancing its appeal.
• Operational Efficiency: Check if competitors use technology or innovative practices to streamline operations, such as online tee time bookings and GPS-enabled carts at “Smart Golf Links.”

What’s Your Golf Course’s Value Proposition?

Reflect on what makes your golf course unique. Perhaps it is celebrated for its scenic views and environmental stewardship, or maybe it offers unique amenities like on-course coaching or high-tech practice facilities.

Identify market opportunities through customer feedback and current trends. For example, an increasing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly golfing practices could be a significant market opportunity if your competitors are slow to adopt such measures.

Consider your location: A golf course in a high-traffic tourist area might focus on luxury services and amenities to attract vacationers, whereas one in a more residential or local area might emphasize community involvement and accessibility for regular play.

How To Summarize It All In Your Business Plan?

Competitors’ strategies and market positioning can be superposed with your own golf course’s value proposition by laying out on a page (or a presentation slide) the main differentiating factors. These factors will show investors and banks:

• How each competitor is positioned in the market
• How your golf course compares vs. competitors (what’s your value proposition )

In a competitive analysis, various parameters are used to compare and contrast your golf course with its competitors. The parameters listed below are examples of what you might include in your analysis. 

They are not exhaustive but serve as a guide to help you understand key aspects to consider. Each parameter provides insights into different facets of the competitive landscape, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of where your golf course stands.

The location of your golf course plays a crucial role in its accessibility and appeal. A course located in a scenic area can attract tourists, while one closer to urban centers might cater more to local residents and businesses. The location also affects the types of events you can host, such as corporate retreats or regional tournaments.

Approximate Number of Holes

The number of holes on your golf course is a fundamental aspect that defines the playing experience. Traditional 18-hole courses appeal to serious golfers looking for a standard play experience, while 9-hole courses might attract beginners or those looking for a quicker game.

Type of Course

Whether your course is a links, parkland, or desert golf course affects its appeal and the type of golfer it attracts. Each type offers different challenges and aesthetics, from windy coastal links to lush, tree-lined parklands.

Notable Features

Special features such as signature holes, challenging water hazards, or eco-friendly design practices can distinguish your course from others. Additional amenities like a pro shop, practice facilities, and advanced booking systems can also enhance the golfer’s experience.

Membership Options

Diverse membership packages can cater to different types of golfers. Offering various tiers, such as family memberships, corporate packages, or junior programs, can make your course accessible to a broader audience. Flexible membership options can also accommodate seasonal residents or occasional players.

Public Access

Whether your course is fully private, semi-private, or public plays a significant role in how it is perceived and who it attracts. Public courses generally serve a broader audience, while private clubs can cater to an exclusive clientele, offering a more secluded and upscale experience.

Onsite Restaurant

An onsite restaurant or café can significantly enhance a golf course’s appeal, providing a social space and catering options for tournaments and casual visits. Quality dining facilities can also be a draw for non-golfing guests and events like weddings or business meetings.

Other Comparison Factors

Consider adding these additional elements to your competitive analysis to provide a more comprehensive view:

• Environmental Sustainability: Increasingly, golfers are interested in courses that prioritize environmental sustainability. Highlighting eco-friendly practices could set your course apart.
• Event Hosting Capabilities: The ability to host large-scale events, such as tournaments or weddings, can make your golf course a community landmark and attract diverse revenue streams.
• Marketing Strategies : Assessing how competitors market their courses and membership options can give insights into effective promotional tactics and community engagement efforts.
• Pricing Strategies: Understanding the pricing structures of competitors helps to position your course competitively within the market.
• Customer Service Quality: The level of customer service, especially in terms of hospitality and on-course services, can significantly impact guest satisfaction and loyalty.

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• How to Start a Profitable Golf Course Business [11 Steps]

How to Write a Golf Course Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your golf course business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your golf course business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a golf course business:

Our mission is to provide customers with an inclusive, high-quality golfing experience that fosters friendships, promotes respect for the game, and preserves the natural beauty of our courses through responsible and sustainable management methods.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Golf Course Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your golf course business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your golf course business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your golf course business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your golf course business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a golf course business?

To run a Golf Course business, the following equipment, supplies, and permits are necessary:

• Golf Course facility and maintenance equipment
• Golf balls and tees
• Carts and other transportation
• Clubs and other golfing accessories
• Golf course software systems
• Course advertising materials and signage
• Safety gear for staff and guests
• Business license from local government agencies

5. Management & Organization of Your Golf Course Business.

The second part of your golf course business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your golf course business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Golf Course Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a golf course business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a golf course business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your golf course business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your golf course business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your golf course business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Course Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a golf course business.

A business plan for a golf course business provides a detailed roadmap for the business to follow and helps the owner evaluate their goals, target market, products and services, operations, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Developing a comprehensive business plan also demonstrates to potential investors and lenders that it is a viable investment opportunity. A business plan helps the owner analyze potential risks and opportunities, identify key skills and resources needed to succeed in the industry and establish achievable goals.

Who should you ask for help with your golf course business plan?

You should consult with a golf course management consultant, who can provide valuable advice and assistance in developing your business plan. You should also reach out to a financial advisor or accountant to assist with any financial planning and advice, as well as other professionals such as lawyers, marketers, and real estate agents who may be able to provide support in various aspects of your business.

Can you write a golf course business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a golf course business plan yourself. It is important to take the time to research and understand the golf industry, identify your target market and understand the financials of owning and operating a golf course. Many resources, such as books or online articles, are available to help guide you in creating your business plan. Additionally, there are consultants available who specialize in helping businesses create a successful plan for their golf courses.

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Golf Course Business Plan Sample

Jan.09, 2018

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Table of Content

Do you want to start own golf course business?

Are you planning to build a golf course ? Although starting a golf course requires a high initial capital but its monthly and maintenance cost are extremely low as compared to other businesses of similar magnitudes. That’s why this business yields profit within a very short time of its launch. If you have successfully surveyed the area where you are going to start your golf course and accurately calculated the demand or need for a gold course then you can assume your venture to become extremely profitable. In such case, there is a very low amount of risk associated with it provided that you plan it successfully. So before you move towards this venture, you will have to prepare a comprehensive business plan which will establish the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. It will help you determine everything, like identifying the finances and personnel needed for the startup, identifying the target customers, allocation of proper resources for its operation and maintenance. So, if you are wondering how to write an effective business plan then here we are providing you the business plan for a convenience store business startup named ‘Eden Golf’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Eden Golf will be a fully licensed and insured golf course, located at a 30-minute drive from Downtown Manhattan in the New York City. An 86 acres, 18-hole facility which was previously used as Star Golf Course for ten years has been acquired to be turned into the new course. The Star Golf Course has closed seven years ago due to financial reasons, that’s why it has gone out of shape and requires extensive landscape work. The work has already been started and will be completed within the next three months before the course launches in April. In addition, the following equipment needs to be purchased:

• Driving Range Equipment
• Food Equipment for Snacks Bar
• Landscape Maintenance Equipment

Thirty-five golf carts will be leased to make sure that there is sufficient transportation for the guests and members using the course.

2.2 Management

Eden Golf will be owned and operated by Mark Wilton who is an American professional golfer and one of the most successful golfers of all time.

2.3 Customers

Our customers or members will either be the local residents living near us or the professional players who will visit us from everywhere. Mark will guide and train the members as well as play with them occasionally. Our membership prices are 10% less as compared to that of our competitors. The prices are deliberately set to be lower so as to increase the popularity of this sport in public which is the primary goal of Mark. A snacks bar, a driving track, and a pro shop will also be provided along with the facility.

2.4 Target of the Company

The main target of Mark is to bring back the popularity of this sport through his venture while also generating substantial revenue. He also aims to balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of five years.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Eden Golf will be owned by Mark Wilton. Mark is an American professional golfer and is one of the most successful golfers the world has ever seen. He was one the highest-paid golfers in the world for several years. Following an outstanding junior, college, and amateur career, Mark was 22 years old when he started to play professionally. Within the course of next 20 years, he had already won four PGA tour events pocketing millions of dollars at the time. He reached the number third position in the world golf rankings in less than a year after turning pro. Mark remained the most famous player in golf for the last 30 years until his retirement last year.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

Mark has retired from the professional golf industry, a year before. Golf is his ultimate passion and he cannot imagine his life without it. That’s why he had always thought about starting his golf course throughout his professional career. This business is undoubtedly the best engagement of his precious time where he will remain in contact with various national and international golf players from around the world. Along with having a great time for himself, he will also serve the golf industry as well. He aims to bring back the popularity of this sport through his venture.

3.3 How the Business will be started

The golf course industry is not for everyone to step in. Staring a golf course requires an immense amount of initial capital and a professional-level knowledge of this sport. Mark has both of them. The business will be started by the huge amount of savings, earned from hundreds of competitions and golf matches throughout his career. The financial experts have forecasted following costs for expenses, assets, investment, and bank loans for the business plan .

The detailed start-up requirements, start-up funding, start-up expenses, total assets, total funding required, total liabilities, total planned investment, total capital and liabilities as forecasted by experts, is given below:

Services for customers

Golf is one of the popular sports in the United States where hundreds of businessmen can be seen investing in it or thinking about how to buy a golf course . Buying an existing golf course or starting a new one is not the actual problem since the success of this business entirely depends on the services provided to the members. That’s where investors lack. Mark, having a lifetime of experience in this industry knows exactly which services to provide to the members. Eden Golf will provide following services to its members:

• An 18-hole golf course
• A Snack bar
• A Driving range

Marketing Analysis of golf courses business

The most important component of golf course business plan is its accurate marketing analysis because it is only after this stage that a good golf course marketing strategy could have been developed. There are four main steps to carry out an accurate marketing analysis which are to identify the current market trends, identify your target audience and potential customers, set out the business targets to achieve, and finally set the prices of your products and services. Marketing analysis a must be incorporated before you even think about how to run a golf course .

5.1 Marketing Segmentation

Our target market is the community living in the downtown Manhattan at a 30 minutes’ drive from our course. The community consists of all types of people from varying backgrounds. As per the financial position, nearly half of the community has a monthly income ranging from $40k to $50k while nearly 10% people have incomes even around $100,000. So nearly all of the people are well established and can easily afford our membership fees. A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become the future members of our golf course.

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.1.1 Regular Players:

The first group of our customers will be the community living in the vicinity of our golf in downtown Manhattan. These residents are financially stable and can become the members of our golf course. The community comprises nearly 43% girls and women. Out of the 57% males, 23% are infants and teens, while 13% comprise of old age men. The remaining 21% middle-aged men can become our potential members. A small survey done by Eden Golf’s team in the neighborhood showed that 1 out of every 4 middle-aged men has an interest in playing golf. We hope to convert those persons into our members. They are regular golfers and just play for entertainment purposes. They will also use our pro shop for buying golf-related products and are also hoped to dine at the snacks bar.

5.1.2 Professional Players:

The second category includes the professional players which will become the major user of our facility. Many professional players based throughout the New York City are expected to use our course. We will provide separate professional-level facilities to these players. Due to the popularity and connections of Mark, we expect even the national and international level players to visit our course.

5.1.3 Guests and Audience:

The third category includes the audience and guests who will come to watch the games arranged at our facility. They will just have to pay a small entrance fee but their large numbers will generate the major chunk of revenue. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.2 Business Target

Mark’s to increase the interest of the people in this sport while also generating sufficient revenue from the course. The business targets are to balance the cost of a startup within next 5 years of launch and to become one of the best golf courses in the New York City.

5.3 Product Pricing

Eden Golf will basically offer three types of packages to its members to choose from:

• Monthly membership for $1000 per month
• Semi-annual membership for $5000 per six months
• Yearly membership for $8000 per year

After identifying the market trends, the market demand, and the potential customers, the next step is to develop an ingenious sales strategy to attract those customers toward us. Like marketing analysis, sales strategy is also an important component of starting a golf course. Many people have debated on how golf course marketing strategies can affect the sales and revenue generated from this business along with increasing the popularity of this sport. Many studies and researches in this industry have also concluded that there are a need for bringing new and innovative gold course marketing ideas to bring back the popularity of this sport and the associated revenue. It shows how important it is to develop an effective strategic business plan before entering this venture. Mark carried out an extensive research about various marketing and advertising strategies and current golf course business trends before developing an effective sales strategy.

6.1 Competitive Analysis:

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in the United States. According to a study, “Golf Around The World”, there were more than 34,000 golf courses in the world as of 2015, 45% out of which are located in the United States. These 45% amounted to a total around 15,400 which has fallen from its peak value of 16,052 due to gradual, and steady, market correction. The number of these golf courses declines due to a variety of reasons, one of which was the limited attention paid to this sport and the golf courses, nationally and internationally. Similarly, the number of people who played golf also reduced but still amounted to about 26 million in the United States as of 2017. The stats show that the numbers of golf courses are far below as compared to the number of people who play golf that’s why this market has a lot of potential and competition as well. The biggest competitive advantage for Eden Golf over its competitors is that it is a venture of a world-renowned golf player, who is being praised in every country of the world. It is basically the key differentiating factor between us and our competitors. Mark will guide and train the members as well as play with them occasionally. Our second competitive edge will a shuttle service which will run two times a day throughout the neighborhood to facilitate the movement of members, in case they want to avail it. Finally, our pricing strategy will also help to drive sales since our prices are 10% less as compared to that of our competitors. The prices are deliberately set to be lower so as to increase the popularity of this sport in public which is the primary goal of Mark.

6.2 Sales Strategy

After carrying out a detailed analysis of every aspect, we have come up with the following brilliant ideas to advertise ourselves and drive sales. This sales strategy has been specifically built to attract as many customers as possible toward us.

• Mark will visit various golf conferences and seminars where he will introduce his new venture. He will also distribute his golf course business cards among the participants
• A large-scale social media campaign for our advertisement will be carried out
• Discounts on the membership for the first three months of the launch
• A 20% discount will be given on the snacks bar and pro shop to the annual members of our course
• Arranging the national level golf competitions on the yearly basis

6.3 Sales Forecast

Considering our low prices, free shuttle service, and the chance to meet an all-time golf expert on a regular basis, we hope to attract a lot of people towards us. Due to the quality of our golf course and our unparalleled customer service, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. The sales pattern will vary throughout the year, with driving more sales in summer as compared to the winters. The sales from the eatables and drinks from the snacks bar will vary similarly but, on the contrary, sales from pro shop will not follow a regular pattern. In December many people buy golf-related products as gifts for their golfers’ friends and family members so that’s when our pro shop will come in handy. By analyzing our market segmentation strategy, our experts have forecasted the following sales on a yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table:

Personnel plan

The key to the success of a business is its careful planning in the initial stages. Just like the planning of other components, you must also prepare a Personnel plan before you think about business golf course . It is an extremely important stage because the success of any business significantly depends upon its employees. After getting counsel from other persons associated with this industry, Mark developed the following personnel plan for Eden Golf.

7.1 Company Staff

Mark will hire following staff for Eden Golf:

• 1 Pro Shop Manager to manage and operate it
• 2 Snack Shop Manager
• 2 Administrators / Accountants to maintain financial records
• 4 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
• 10 Employees for operating and maintaining the Golf Cart
• 1 Shuttle Driver to pick and drop members
• 4 Cleaners for cleaning the facility
• 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist
• 3 Security Guards

To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be trained for a month before starting their jobs.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for next three years.

Financial Plan

Before starting this venture, Mark considered both the options of building a new golf course and buying an existing one. He hired financial experts to know how much does it cost to build a golf course and after proper analysis, it was evident that the cost of building a golf course is much higher as compared to buying an existing one. That’s why Mark bought the Star Golf Course to be turned into a new golf course. The next step was to develop a detailed map about the financial projections covering all aspects of the company. The financial plan should craft a detailed map about the cost of startup, inventory, payroll, equipment, utilities and how these costs will be covered by the earned profits. The financial plan outlines the development of the company over the next three years and is specifically developed to achieve both the company’s short-term and long-term objectives.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions. These assumptions are quite conservative and are also expected to show deviation but to a limited level such that the company’s major financial strategy will not be affected.

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

The following graph shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

The following table shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following charts show the company’s expected Profit and Loss situation on the monthly and yearly basis.

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly.

The following table shows detailed information about profit and loss, and total cost of sales.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table shows detailed data about pro forma cash flow, subtotal cash from operations, subtotal cash received, sub-total spent on operations, subtotal cash spent. The following projected balance sheet shows data about total current assets, total long-term assets, total assets, subtotal current liabilities, total liabilities, total capital, total liabilities and capital.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios, ratio analysis, total assets, net worth.

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Golf course.

Physical Address: University of Idaho Golf Course 1215 Nez Perce Dr. Moscow, ID 83844

Mailing Address: Cole Mize Director of Golf University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Dr. MS 2380 Moscow, ID 83844-2380

Phone: 208-885-6171

Fax: 208-885-0558

Email: [email protected]

Web: U of I Golf Course

Course History

The University of Idaho Golf Course is truly a course full of history and traditions. It has been host to many great players, such as Byron Nelson and Harold (Jug) McSpaden as they downed Roy Moe and Neil Christian of Spokane 4 up in an exhibition best ball at the University Of Idaho Golf Course back in August of 1946.

• Buy "This Crested Hill — An Illustrated History of the University of Idaho" from Amazon

He Loved Golf.

Francis L. James was born in England and grew up playing cricket, eventually competing professionally. A short man who spoke with a thick accent, James emigrated to North America where he found another sport to his liking: golf. He approached his new love with zeal, and while he never made a significant mark as a player, he gained international prestige as a designer of golf courses. Over one hundred golfing greens owe their plan to his ingenuity, including some of America's most famous courses.

Golfers in the Moscow area had struggled for years, playing their favorite game on any available patch of land. One avid golfer, George Morey Miller , joined the university's English department in 1909. When he discovered his new residence had no golf course, he immediately began campaigning for a place to play. Along with other Moscow golfers, he constructed a five-hole course in the area where Ghormley Park was later located. Moscow linksters soon formed a golf club and rented eighty acres north of town where they established a nine-hole regulation course. World War I interrupted their golfing activity, but after the war the club bought a farm east of Moscow and in 1926 decided to build a first-class course. Not surprisingly, they hired Francis L. James to design it. In the 1930s the golf club gave the property to the Moscow Elks to be kept in perpetuity as a golf course for Moscow residents.

While the new course served the town's golfers, it did not greatly benefit the university. "Idaho students have the golf bug again," noted the Argonaut in 1928. "Followers of this sport are getting so numerous that flying golf balls are not a rarity on campus...The campus and athletic field are the only places large enough to provide improvised golf courses and practice." Determined to alleviate that problem, students demanded a more suitable location. In 1930 they began voluntarily developing a course during a campus work day, a project university workmen completed the following year. Still, the course proved inadequate, and in 1935 the school purchased seventy acres adjoining the campus southwest of the arboretum, added thirty previously acquired acres to the tract, and made plans to build the state's finest golf course. They turned to Frank James to lay it out.

James had returned to the Palouse once more after his work on the Moscow Golf Club project when he designed Washington State College's golf course in 1934. The University of Idaho course was completed in 1936. James's third look at the Palouse region convinced him to stay. "What I like about this country is the way things grow," he said. "I am never going to leave it. I am going to die here." University administrators hired him as manager of the golf course, golf coach, and resident professional. He died on the job in 1952. After his death the university named the course clubhouse after him. A plaque inside reads: "He loved golf, and was loved by all those who played the game." University President Jesse Buchanan said at the dedication ceremonies: "He saw golf course possibilities where others could not see. He could not look at a bit of landscape from a train window without mentally visioning a green here and a fairway there. A cow pasture was not a cow pasture to James. It was a splendid golf course."

Indeed, one of Frank James's most significant attributes was his uncanny ability to design "splendid golf courses" utilizing what nature provided. He did not mutilate the natural surroundings; rather he gently molded and adapted them to a new use. Residents of Moscow and Pullman are the fortunate recipients of three of his designs. They are utilitarian uses of the landscape, enjoyed not only by golfers but by joggers, skiers, hikers, and sledders, a tribute to the man who envisioned them.

(This story taken from the book " This Crested Hill - An Illustrated History of the University of Idaho ".  Author is Keith C. Petersen.)

Ukraine war latest: Thousands of civilians flee region under attack; Lord Cameron warns of 'extremely dangerous' moment in war

Fighting is ongoing in Kharkiv, Ukraine's governor for the region has said - as Russia claims it has taken control of multiple villages in its surprise offensive. Lord Cameron has warned it is an "extremely dangerous" moment in the war.

Sunday 12 May 2024 09:56, UK

• More than 4,000 civilians have fled Kharkiv region after Friday morning's surprise attack by Putin's military  
• UK foreign secretary Lord Cameron says new Russian offensive marks 'extremely dangerous' moment for Ukraine
• Eyewitness:   Sky's Deborah Haynes reports from town 'being flattened' in offensive
• Analysis:  Russia's attack in Kharkiv region not a complete surprise - but the force of it is
• Ukraine shelling kills one and injures 29 in Russia's Belgorod, says region's governor  
• Russian forces 'contained' and have not advanced further, says Ukrainian military spokesperson
• Live reporting by Jake Levison

We've been reporting on Vovchansk, where more than a third of the town's civilians have been evacuated due to devastating Russian attacks.

The Sky News team on the ground there have been sending us images and footage from the Ukrainian town bordering Russia.

They say it's essentially being "flattened".

Lord Cameron has spoken to Trevor Phillips this morning on Sky News.

Asked about Russia's surprise offensive in Kharkiv, the UK's foreign secretary says this is an "extremely dangerous" moment.

"This only underlines that this is an unjustified, illegal invasion by Putin into an independent, sovereign country," he says.

"And he's now, as it were, invaded it again from the north of Kharkiv. We must do everything we can to help the Ukrainians.

"That's why it's so essential we've given our £3bn a year package, and we've said that that's going to go on year after year. We're encouraging others to do the same. 

"And, crucially, the work we've done to encourage the Americans to come forward with their package. I mean, it's sad that it's taken long to come, but it will make a difference."

So has the American input - a $61bn package - come too late?

"It would have been better if it came earlier, because there's no doubt that Ukraine was suffering in the land war, as it were," he says.

"We all need to do more, that is what the UK is doing, we're leading once again. First to do tanks, first to do anti-tank weapons, first to do long-range artillery.

"Now the first to say here is a package that isn't just this year, it's next year and the year after. But the American money will make a difference - so we've got to get in there, give the Ukrainians the support they need.

"They have no problems - I was there the other day - their morale is still strong, they are still inflicting appalling casualty rates on the Russians.

"If only the Russians could see how many people they are losing.

"If other countries did all the things the UK is doing in terms of long-range weapons, in terms of the training and support. We've just basically got to make our strength count."

By  Deborah Haynes , security and defence editor

Flames and black smoke chugged from the windows of a two-storey apartment block in a frontline Ukrainian town.

Residents said a Russian missile or bomb had punched a large crater into the soil in front of the building, devastating their homes.

The attack had only happened a short while ago and the scene on Saturday morning was still chaotic, with people worried the fire would spread to a row of apartments next door.

"There are pensioners inside," said one man. "If the fire gets in, they will be burnt."

Firefighters had yet to arrive, but the town of Vovchansk, barely three miles from the Russian border, has become a warzone since Russia launched a surprise new offensive in the northeast of Ukraine in the early hours of Friday morning.

Shocked and crying, a lady, who gave her name as Valentyna, swept up broken glass on the ground.

"Everyone is suffering," the 59-year-old said.

Read more here ...

More than 4,000 residents have been evacuated from parts of the Kharkiv region where fighting is taking place.

That number's been provided by the region's governor,  Oleh Syniehubovan, who gave an update on Telegram this morning.

It's up from 2,500 yesterday afternoon. 

Mr Syniehubovan said emergency services had helped the residents leave and was providing accommodation to anyone who didn't have family or friends to stay with outside of the region.

Although Mr Syniehubovan hasn't specified where all 4,000 evacuations took place within Kharkiv, we know that at least 1,000 of them were from the town of Vovchansk, barely three miles from the Russian border.

The town with a population of just 3,000, located just three miles from Ukraine's border with Russia, has become a warzone since Russia launched its surprise attack on Friday morning.

We'll have more for you on the situation in Vovchansk shortly.

The governor of Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine said one woman has been killed and 29 wounded by continuous attacks by Ukraine over the weekend.

"The city of Belgorod and Belgorod region were subjected to massive shelling by Ukrainian armed forces," governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on the Telegram late on Saturday.

He did not specify when the shelling took place, but claimed about 300 flats in 85 apartment buildings and four commercial properties were damaged, and that four roofs of apartment buildings had received direct hits.

A city hospital, a children's regional hospital, a school and two sports facilities were also damaged, he said.

The image below was supplied to Reuters via the Belgorod governor, who claims the damaged vehicles are at the site of a recent military strike in the region.

The reports have not been independently confirmed and there has been no comment from Ukrainian officials.

Kyiv officials say its attacks do not target civilians but are launched at Russia's military, energy and transport infrastructure to undermine Moscow's war effort and respond to Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Hello and welcome back to our coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Yesterday fierce fighting in Kharkiv continued after Russia launched its surprise offensive in northeastern Ukraine on Friday.

Russia's defence ministry claimed its troops had taken five border villages in the region, though Ukrainian officials insisted fighting was ongoing in those villages and Russia's forces were being "contained" there.

Ukrainian officials continued helping thousands of civilians evacuate due to the heavy shelling.

Before we press on with updates from today, here's a look at other major events from the past day. They all relate to the Russian city of Belgorod, which borders Ukraine:

The UK's Ministry of Defence highlighted reports suggesting a Russian fighter aircraft accidentally dropped a bomb on a civilian area in Belgorod last week;

Russia's defence ministry said its forces downed 21 Ukrainian rockets and 16 drones across its Belgorod, Kursk and Volgograd regions yesterday morning;

The governor of Russia's Belgorod region said one man was killed and another injured after one Ukrainian drone hit a parked truck on the border village of Novostroyevka-Pervaya.

Russia says its troops have taken five villages and the Kharkiv region's governor says they are trying to take more as fierce fighting continues.

But Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military in the east, insists Moscow's troops are being contained in those villages.

"The enemy is contained in the grey zone, and it is not expanding," he said in a Ukrainian television interview, according to the Kyiv Independent.

The so-called "grey zone" refers to the villages of Borysivka, Ohirtseve, Pylna and Strilecha, all of which are directly on the border with Russia's Belgorod region.

Russian officials said they had also captured another village, Pletenivka.

As we reported earlier, Kharkiv's governor says fighting is ongoing in all the villages Russia has already claimed to have taken.

More now from Kharkiv's governor, who says 2,500 people have now been evacuated from the danger zone in Kharkiv, up from 1,775 this morning.

Oleh Syniehubov says regional authorities are continuing to get civilians out of the areas where fighting continues. 

And while Russia's defence ministry said earlier its forces had taken five border villages in the Kharkiv region, Mr Syniehubov says clashes are still ongoing in all five of the villages.

"As of now the enemy keeps pressing in the north of our region. Our forces have repelled nine attacks," he said in his media briefing.

Top Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said they do not believe Russia has the capacity to launch a successful operation to capture the city of Kharkiv, home to 1.3 million people.

But analysts have suggested Mr Putin's end goal may not be to capture the entire city, but rather to better protect the Russian border and to spread Ukraine's military more thinly.

Our security and defence editor   Deborah Haynes   is reporting to us from a residential area that was just hit by a Russian strike in Vovchansk.

She's standing by a block that's in flames and says local residents she's spoken to are scared the fire will spread to other residential blocks too.

One of the residents of the destroyed block, who had suffered injuries to her leg as a result of the explosion, spoke to Haynes.

"She doesn't know what to do - she's very confused," Haynes says. "This is a scene of chaos and terror."

She says the rest of the town is also "pretty much destroyed", adding explosions can still be heard nearby.

Haynes adds the town is still very much "under attack".

The Russian military is continuing its attacks in Kharkiv, the region's governor says.

Oleh Syniehubov said President Putin's troops were still trying to advance further after reportedly taking up to 1km yesterday.

The fierce fighting is raging across three villages near the Ukrainian border, he added.

His comments came shortly after Russia's defence ministry claimed its forces had taken five border villages in the Kharkiv region. 

Ukraine is yet to directly comment on Russia's claims.

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