A New World
Greetings Golfers,
We’re always learning (hopefully) … and usually we learn more when life is hard, rather than when things are easier.
Probably, because when things are good, we take it for granted … and when things are tough, we step back and try to figure out what’s going on.
Well, we’ve been learning at the golf course. Actually, things are tough AND good. Much better than expected or even hoped for. Like most people, we were really worried about our business when the pandemic hit. When would we open? Would we even open? Would people play golf if we opened? Lot’s of questions. Scary questions.
So, we got the green-light from the Governor on Friday, April 17 and opened the next day. That weekend was stuffed. In fact, both days sold-out in 15 minutes right after the Governor’s announcement.
And the barrage of golfers has continued. If the weather is decent, we’re sold-out. And from what I’m hearing … it’s the same at every golf course in the Metro area.
So now the big question for golf operators is: Will this continue?
I’m not sure that this will become the “new normal”. But, I think golf will see the resurgence that we’ve been hoping for. Ironically, it’s not the result of an initiative or an intense marketing campaign. It’s because people realized it’s a great thing to do outside. And, once they start playing golf with a new awareness … they have a new appreciation of the joys and benefits of the game.
Golf is always waiting there to be discovered … and rediscovered. It’s never needed tricks and gimmicks to keep it going. What it needed, was a slowdown in our normal pace of life. Too often we get too busy for the good things in life. We put off what matters so that we can hurry and get to that place in our life where everything is perfect … and then we can finally have the time for family and friends … and golf.
Well, I’ve been very guilty of putting off what matters until I get “there”. I’m proud of my work ethic … but I’m not so proud of when it dominates my life at the expense of family and friends … and golf.
Maybe the answer is to combine all three: family, friends, and golf.
Another example of learning. I just wish that I didn’t need tough times to wake me up.
Take care,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com