Michael Caldwell, the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year and member of the Philadelphia PGA Section Board of Directors, is the PGA of America Head Golf Professional at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware.
Michael Caldwell on the importance of maximizing golf range usage through programming and engagement:
We have one of the largest practice facilities in the Northeast and are huge proponents of player development. We’ve improved our range over the past six years as part of a $30 million facility-wide renovation, and as a result, it has become a hub of our golf operation. With indoor Trackman bays and F&B, members enjoy these amenities year-round. Our driving range and short course are across the street from our main clubhouse, and with a building of their own, frequently attract members and guests who are not even playing golf that day. Members go to the range after work, enjoy a bite and a drink and share times with their fellow members, as well as family and friends. It’s a social experience all itself. We have implemented programming in the evenings, including Ladies Operation 36 a couple of nights per week and youth programming like Junior Operation 36, PGA Jr. League and other clinics that address various levels of play. With eight golf professionals who teach, we have no shortage of excellent golf coaches on staff to engage members and help them improve their skills, and thus their enjoyment in the game. We have a two-tier range that supports 40 golfers at a time hitting off grass during most of the season, but mats when needed. In fact, we recently installed Bermudagrass because it regenerates faster than Bentgrass. Creating a realistic body of the range was important to maximizing the member practice experience. With two fairway cuts with trees in between and target greens with bunkers, golfers can simulate holes, so when they get onto one of our two 18-hole layouts, the accuracy and efficiency they practiced on the range is displayed where it counts the most.
Michael Caldwell on the business impact of maximizing golf range usage through programming and engagement:
Additional amenities mean increased usage, engagement and revenue. We have the luxury of space in our practice area clubhouse. There are full F&B services and a lounge with TVs so members can watch the game and enjoy the social aspect of private club membership with others. And with 5,000 members, there always someone around to spend time with. When it’s time to head back outside, we have a nine-hole short course where we host our Operation 36 play days. In addition, there are three chipping greens with bunkers and two practice putting greens. As mentioned, our four indoor member bays are equipped with Trackman simulators for added engagement during inclement weather and when members prefer to take in some technology over the fresh air of outdoors. To boost our programming and coaching services, we have an additional tee on the back end of the range and another grass tee in front of the of simulator building that is also exclusively used for teaching and instruction. We host Nine and Dine events on the Par 3 course and utilize our practice facilities as much as the championship golf courses themselves. As a result, engagement is up, as members have more options when they come out to the club. With increased programming comes added revenue for our instructors and closer relationships with members. We’re boosting the value of membership through various practice options and engagement that blends golf and camaraderie. Members often say it’s worth joining the club for the range alone! It gets a lot of attention.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email mcaldwell@dupontcc.com.
