Understanding Player Attitudes Towards Golf Courses

     

    Opinion Article By Stephen Jervis

    If you have ever wondered how golfers came out under pressure during tournaments, it is not all about their ability, but their attitude towards the game. A player that rolls out a couple of bogies in the game, and still comes back with a “can do” attitude can have a much better opportunity for a birdie in the next game than a player who doesn’t.

    New research about golfers found out that the player’s attitude towards courses, the playing conditions, and social enjoyment can help the game evolve and deliver a long-term success.

    It’s all in the design

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    According to the research, the design of the golf course portrays a significant factor in attracting golfers to visit the course. However, this also depends on the condition of the course in which golfers can provide a much better satisfaction when playing in the course.

    Also, according to the most recent survey conducted in several golfers, non-golfers, and lapsed golfers in a variety of ages and sexes, the research found out that golf course design tend to be more important to women than on men, but women take more importance on the environmental issues.

    Low handicap players, on the other hand prefer the design of the course to be more important even if it costs them their play. And when asked about the factors that attract visiting players, the design of the course is the most important, followed by clubhouse factor, ambiance, food and drink service, buggy availability, and shop merchandise.

    Therefore, we can conclude that if you have a capital to invest, take importance in redesigning holes, upgrading bunkers and invest in more tools to assist players to make a better play than spending money on other facilities like the clubhouse.

    Environmental Factors

    While the quality of the golf course is significant to attract visiting players, it is also important to consider the environmental factors. The environment in which golfers play is important in their enjoyment and overall experience. About 45 percent of players consider having birds and wildlife around the course when they are playing and about 70 percent of the players would like to see environmental initiative that had been initiated in the golf course.

    No to slow play

    Research showed that slow play is putting frustration for many players. Slow play is also an issue for younger players and those new to the sport as well as the low handicap players.

    What triggers slow play is how fast players are able to find their ball in the rough. Most of the in-play rough in golf courses are so thick that golfers can’t find their balls. Golfers are clear about what they want in a golf course – to find their golf balls in the rough as fast as they can to avoid a slow play.

    Understanding golfers demands

    As a golfer, players prefer high quality playing course and golf course design more than anything else. If you are planning on setting up a golf course, consider the following factors to enhance golfer experience and improve customer satisfaction.

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    Miles is the Owner and Managing Director of Robel Media, and the award winning GOLF RETAILING Magazine. With over 25 years in the media business, Miles has a wealth of experience in magazine publishing, digital media and live events. HANDICAP - 7.2