David Bahr is the PGA head professional at Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio, a 2013 GRAA Top 50 Private Range.
David Bahr on the importance of hosting practice facility social functions:
Last year, we opened a brand new practice facility that includes state-of-the-art indoor facilities and has an expansive outdoor area where golfers can work on their short game and full swing. We also have a patio with grills, seating and flat screen televisions. To help generate interest in club membership, and to help keep our members engaged, we use the new facility to host social functions. The gatherings have been used for member events as well as outside groups, such as companies, alumni groups and outings. We usually plan putting or chipping contests, long drive competitions with our launch monitor, or short game clinics to keep the participants entertained. Additionally, we typically try to hold the events around a local sporting event, like a Cincinnati Reds baseball game, so everyone can watch the game on the televisions. During the functions, we have our chef come and prepare barbeque-style food on the grills and usually have an open bar as well. These events have proven to be a great way to market the club and allow the members to enjoy our golf amenities with friends or VIPs without having to spend all day on the golf course.
David Bahr on the business impact of hosting practice facility social functions:
By hosting social functions at our new practice facility, it has given our members another way to enjoy their club. The events range in price, but the food & beverage department typically receives $15-20 per person in revenue and I charge about the same price for the golf facet of the parties, which has given us a lucrative new line item. These functions have allowed us to successfully promote Maketewah to our target market and have allowed us to stand out when compared to other private clubs in the tri-state area. Our guests have continually been blown away by our offerings and this can help them make the decision to join our club.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email dbahr@maketewah.com
