Golf Course Operations

People with vision, drive, determination and a love of the game build golf’s playing fields. Golf course owners — whether conglomerates that operate many courses or a family business running a single golf course — are cornerstones of the golf business.

Their decisions ultimately help determine the fate of their course. That is why, when it comes to running a golf facility, it is imperative that major decisions are made based on experience and knowledge. Careful planning and proactive analysis are essential before major changes or initiatives are introduced. For those without previous golf operations expertise, it is highly recommended that the services of a professional club manager, either an individual working directly for the owner or a management company, be retained to take care of the operational aspects of the club.

Once the golf course is finished, grown-in and ready to open for play, the architect’s role is not finished. The architect put his name on the design of the facility and has an ongoing interest in the operation and reputation of the course. They also have valuable expertise to offer the owners and management over the long term. Such things as landscaping enhancements, maintenance and operations consulting, and long-range master planning to keep the course up-to-date are some of the possible tasks that an architect can offer.

Like the architects, builders and superintendents, there are associations representing the owners and managers of courses as well. The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) provide a multitude of proven strategies and resources for every aspect of course operation. For more than 25 years, NGCOA has offered owners the tools they need to succeed in the complex and competitive golf business and meet the demands of passionate golfers around the world. Likewise, CMAA has hundreds of members with operating experience who help take care of day-to-day operations.