By Terry O’Connell, Contributing Column
.
In a galaxy not too long ago, golf suffered mightily from an identity crisis that boxed out certain, purportedly “lesser” segments of society. It was known largely as an elitist game at country clubs, a privilege to those with puffy wallets, stuffy attitudes and stiff, fancy collared, crested-logo polos.
Only occasionally, we’d hear pity-party stories of working-class folks hitting municipal courses rife with divot-laden tee boxes, rocky fairways, scalped greens, puddled bunkers and 19th-hole hot dog rollers.
But, alas, there’s been a #GolfForEveryone movement the past decade or so, amplified by COVID whereby golf checked boxes defining social distancing requirements synonymous.
It is this influx of new golfers that made playing municipal golf courses acceptable, even among some within the private club set. They covet the growing contemporary ways government agency-owned and often privately managed courses are operated. Not to mention there is a trend of appreciating classic layouts and embracing societal reality checks these conveniently located, melting pot, neighborhood courses provide.
“Modernization is key to optimization,” says Mark Mattingly, Executive Vice President of Landscapes Golf Management and a key cog in how the company creates fresh programs at courses it manages. “Offerings integrating technology appeal to both traditionalists and newcomers of any age, prompting golfers’ patronage and loyalties.”
Mattingly posits that advanced tools like GPS-enabled carts and Toptracer gamification add layers of interactivity, enabling players to track their shot characteristics competitively against others and / or for self-improvement. Excitement and data-driven insights – once exclusive to private clubs – now turn routine rounds into dynamic experiences where players easily review and fine-tune their unique games on course and on simulators.
Adjacent to golf, recognizing the importance of socialization through elevated food-and-beverage options is essential. Going beyond traditional clubhouse fare, guests should expect modern menus featuring craft beers, artisanal sandwiches, local flavors and items for those who are health conscious and allergy stricken. Adding to the culinary upgrades are Michelin Star-like food trucks on-site and themed food events, helping turn courses into community hubs where golfers and non-golfers gather, unwind and enjoy high-quality eats and banter.
Let’s not forget perhaps the most appealing and refreshing appeal of municipal courses, per Mattingly, is eschewing traditional dress codes and rigid etiquette in favor of a way more relaxed and flexible approach that encourages comfort and fun. Golfers are dressing in casual, functional attire without feeling out of place.
“It’s especially embraced by younger players and families desiring inclusive and less intimidating environments which value enjoyment over conformity,” he says.
Mattingly points to Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, California where golfers in flip-flops and T-shirts with Rover in tow typifies this shift.
More definition:
-
Toptracer Range Technology – No one says this accoutrement is for private clubs only. Toptracer unit costs have decreased, allowing municipal operations to join in the fun and game improvement crusade. Golfers’ ball flight, distance, speed and trajectory are captured and viewed by golfers in real time. Performance tracking and even competing with others on-screen add dynamic, interactive experiences popular with both seasoned and new golfers.
-
GPS-Enabled Golf Carts – It has become a norm of sorts for this types of technology to provide precise yardage to greens, hazards and pins, along with hole layouts. Moreover, it streamlines gameplay for golfers, helping them with smart, strategic shot and course management decisions quickly, and stay aware of course safety.
-
Digital Scoring and Course Apps – Smack in the palm of your hand lies simplified scoring as well as on-demand information about course conditions, food-and-beverage ordering, tee time booking and event registration. This seamless access makes experiences smooth and connected for players, contributing to better engagement. Check out ZIGIT that dispenses can and bottle alcohol and mixed drinks at boxes at strategic locations across golf courses, leveraging facial recognition so golfers conveniently get what they want, when they want in less than 30 seconds – no more waiting 30 minutes for a beverage cart to come your way.
-
Automated Tee Time Systems – With online reservation systems and touchless check-in options, it’s easy for golfers to reserve tee times without in-person contact. This automation improves convenience, especially during high-demand periods, and minimizes wait times. In this vein, check out Noteefy that’s an OpenTable and Resy type of product – incredibly popular among golf courses – that automatically sends texts and e-mails in real time to golfers when their desired tee times open due to cancellation.
-
Environmental Monitoring Systems –To keep courses in top condition, environmental sensors calculate in real time and predict moisture, temperature and weather conditions. The data helps staff formulate more efficient irrigation and fertilization decisions, ensuring sustainable maintenance practices keep courses green and healthy while conserving resources.
Summarily, municipal golf courses are acting more like businesses — while still serving community recreation needs — and innovations make them as, if not more, fashionable than comparable recreation or entertainment counterparts down the street.