Guys in the industry - does it suck?

[gregsandiego]

I'm wondering if this is a terrible business to get involved with?

Mostly I read about golf swings and players. Aside from the instructors we know - are some of you making a living from golf? How has it been?

Most of the press has been pretty negative.

 

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-qa-golf-equipment-20160526-snap-story.html

 

[iacas]

Yes and no.

I don't know what you're asking, though. What industry specifically? "Golf" is a pretty big industry. Equipment? Instruction? Course ownership? Food & Beverage? etc.?

[StefanUrkel]

With every industry, there is a market correction at some point. I assume from 2010ish to 20XX will be the market correction on golf courses, equipment, tv contracts from the Tiger boom. 

[phillyk]

7 minutes ago, StefanUrkel said:

With every industry, there is a market correction at some point. I assume from 2010ish to 20XX will be the market correction on golf courses, equipment, tv contracts from the Tiger boom. 

This.

During the Tiger Woods era, lots of courses were being built, Nike took off, golf-wise.  The 2008 crash halted and closed a lot of courses, and since then it has remained steady enough. But I hear more courses closing than I do opening, so I'm not sure on that number.  Then with Woods kind of halting his career, it definitely hurt Nike.  

Taylormade has always been iffy.  They push drivers out every year in the hopes that enough marketing will keep them afloat, but people will wait the 2 years to purchase them because the price will have dropped to $150 or so.  For that reason, my shop hasn't sold T-made clubs.  Brands like Ping, Titleist, and even Srixon, now, are a little more stable because they push stuff out every other year and generate interest in products before getting them to stores.

For myself, people still want to play golf or at the very least get outdoors.  My course is one of the few places in the area that you are guaranteed to see deer, bunnies, squirrels, and even beavers in close proximity.  Deer will eat of your hand here because they have nothing to fear on the course.  Once you get closer to Seattle, it's different but there's enough population around to keep it going.  But the key isn't necessarily selling the course, it's selling the extra stuff that come with the round.  Making the course seem more expensive than what you are paying so that it looks like a bargain.  GPS on carts, free water, free micro fiber towels, etc.  But then the clubhouse, put in a full service restaurant, wedding venue with views of mountains, 200+ banquet facility, and fitness center, and you see more value by getting some type of membership.  I got lucky enough to work where I do, versus a course that can only push its course and hope it stays in good condition.

So, in direct answer to the OP, for me I am happy with what I do.  For others, it depends on location and what value the course can add for them to stay busy.