How to Increase Club Membership (and Keep Golfers Coming Back) in 2024

If you're the one responsible for increasing membership for your golf club, you're well aware of the challenges of attracting new members while retaining current ones. No doubt the quandary you face daily is how to increase club membership and keep golfers from dropping out. It's time to shake things up and increase golf club membership at your club – to make it a magnet for new members and a favorite spot for current ones.

In this article, we'll discuss practical and innovative ways to enhance your club's appeal, cater to member needs, and foster a thriving community that encourages long-term loyalty. From adapting to the latest trends in golf memberships to integrating sophisticated amenities like those from The Polished Jar, we'll explore strategies to increase your membership numbers and ensure your members are happy to call your club their second home. Let's tee off!

Catch the Current: Golf Club Membership Trends

First things first: Let's get a grip on the latest trends in golf club memberships. Flexibility is key in today's market, especially with younger golfers who crave modern amenities and tech-driven services. They want a club that fits their lifestyle, not the other way around.

Flexible Memberships: More Choices, More Members

Imagine a country club subscription model as versatile as your members' needs. Here's how you can mix it up:

• Weekday/Weekend Passes: This is the perfect solution for those who can only tee off on specific days. Tailor access to your club's resources to accommodate the hectic schedules of professionals who may find weekends or weekdays more convenient, thus maximizing your facility's usage throughout the week.
• Family Plans: Make it a family affair with attractive discounts and perks for the whole crew. Encourage families to spend their leisure time at your club by offering packages that appeal to all ages, from junior golf clinics to social events catering to children and adults.
• Young Executives Track: Offer competitive rates for the under-30 crowd, peppered with plenty of networking opportunities. Attract this dynamic demographic with incentives like mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and exclusive events that fuse leisure with professional development.

Enhance the Club Experience

A memorable club experience is what keeps members coming back. From the green to the clubhouse, every touchpoint matters.

• Primo Facilities: Keep your greens pristine and your facilities top-notch. Regular updates to the course and amenities reflect your commitment to quality and can significantly impact member satisfaction.
• Tech at the Tee: Implement tech solutions for reservations, score tracking, and more. These convenient tools integrate the latest golf technology and enhance the playing experience.
• Luxury Touches: Partner with The Polished Jar to introduce elegantly designed custom soap dispensers and luxe restroom accessories. These upgrades dramatically enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of your club's facilities by adding a dash of sophistication that speaks volumes about your club's attention to detail.

Create a Community for Club Members

There's nothing like the feeling of belonging. Transform your club into a thriving community with these engaging initiatives:

• Events and Tournaments: From casual meet-ups to competitive tournaments, keep the calendar exciting and inclusive. These gatherings are opportunities to celebrate milestones, host holiday events, and bring together diverse groups of people for fun and camaraderie.
• Voice of the Members: Set up member advisory panels to make sure everyone's voice is heard. This can involve regular meetings where members contribute ideas and feedback on club operations, directly influencing the decisions that affect their club experience.
• Link Up: Host regular networking events that mix business with pleasure, perfect for making connections that last on and off the course. Whether it's a monthly cocktail hour or a quarterly speaker series, create events that add value to the membership beyond the fairway.

Attract New Club Members With a Fresh Marketing Strategy

Get the word out there and make sure it resonates. Blend traditional tactics with digital marketing to paint a picture of your club that's too enticing to ignore.

• Social Savvy: Showcase your stunning golf course and vibrant community on social media. Use engaging visuals and stories to highlight member achievements, showcase your beautiful landscape, and announce upcoming events.
• Blog About It: Start a club blog with tips, highlights, and updates to keep potential members clicking back for more. Provide content that adds value, such as golf tips from your pros, fitness advice for golfers, or even gourmet recipes from your clubhouse kitchen.
• Bring a Buddy: Set up a referral program that rewards members for bringing friends into the fold. Offer perks like discounted membership fees, exclusive gifts, or special recognition at club events to encourage members to become ambassadors for your club.

Listen to Your Current Members

The key to longevity is adaptability. Listen to your club members and be ready to tweak your approach based on what they love and need.

• Feedback First: Regular member surveys can guide your next big move. Use these insights to refine your offerings and ensure you're meeting your members' evolving expectations.
• Watch the Competition: Monitor what other golf and country clubs are doing and consider how you can improve. Whether you adopt new technologies, introduce more diverse membership packages, or offer unique events, always aim to be a leader in the clubhouse.
• Track and Field: Use data to track what's working and what's not, then pivot accordingly. Analyze usage patterns, membership renewal rates, and event participation to gauge the success of your strategies and identify areas for improvement.