Turning Your Golf Club Into a Local Events Destination
For many golf clubs, the course itself is the heart of operations - but it shouldn’t be the only revenue driver. If your clubhouse has a function room, bar, or scenic outdoor space, you may be sitting on an untapped goldmine: private events.
From weddings to corporate meetings to local community groups, people are always looking for well-kept, atmospheric venues. Your golf club could be their perfect match - if they know about it.
The key is making your venue hire visible, appealing, and easy to understand. That’s where strategic use of signage and displays can transform occasional hires into a regular, reliable income stream.
Why Many Golf Clubs Underuse Their Function Spaces
You’ve probably hosted the occasional awards night or charity dinner, but if those bookings feel sporadic, you’re not alone.
Here’s why many clubs struggle to make the most of their event potential:
- Locals don’t know the function room exists
- There’s no clear signage or pricing visible on-site
- It feels like it’s only for members
- Staff aren’t actively promoting the space
- There’s no visual proof that events are welcome or successful
The result? Lost revenue on weekdays, low bar turnover, and unused space that could be generating income year-round.
"The annual Hillier-Hopkins Golf Clubs Report noted a substantial recent increase in revenues generated by hire for weddings" [1]
The annual Hillier-Hopkins Golf Clubs Report noted a substantial recent increase in revenues generated by hire for weddings in particular. This demonstrates that promoting your club for hire as an event space can give your income a significant uplift.
Simple Strategies to Make Your Venue a Go-To Local Option
With a few small changes in visibility and messaging, your club can start attracting private hire customers without a single cold call.
1. Use Outdoor Signs to Advertise Your Venue Availability
People are more likely to enquire if they already feel familiar with your space. If you’re open to bookings, let visitors and locals know.
Place weather-resistant pavement signs at:
- Club entrance or gates
- Car park
- Pro shop or bar exits
- Nearby walking paths (if permitted)
Promote messages like:
- “Need a Venue? Weddings, Parties, Meetings – Enquire Inside”
- “Hire This Space! Available for Private Functions”
2. Enhance Your Online Presence
Making sure that your venue hire options are clear and easy-to-find online will make all the difference.
Follow these tips:
- Have a dedicated page on your website for events. Enrich the content on your website with local-specific keywords, so that it will show up on search results, for example "wedding venues in Stockport" or "conference rooms in Trafford"
- Use social media to display images of events, link to your enquiry forms, etc
- Ensure your club has a Google Business Profile, with the appropriate tags so that you appear when someone searches for 'wedding venue' or 'function room', 'party venue'
3. Showcase Your Events Visually With Digital Displays
Seeing is believing. A digital screen can run a slideshow of past events, decor setups, or testimonials from happy clients.
Place it in:
- The clubhouse foyer
- The bar or lounge area
- Next to your reception or booking desk
Include:
- Photos of weddings, birthday parties, conferences
- Bullet points of what's included in hire (e.g. catering, parking, late license)
- Your contact email or enquiry QR code
A dynamic screen creates interest and gives a professional impression - perfect for corporate bookings and event organisers.
4. Use Menu Holders and Leaflet Dispensers to Promote Packages
When people sit down for a coffee or drink after a round of golf, that’s a perfect time to plant a seed.
Display:
- Hire rates
- Special packages (e.g. “Golf & Buffet” event bundles)
- Seasonal offers for local clubs, schools, or businesses
Use:
- Tabletop Menu Holders on bar tables and counters
- Freestanding Leaflet Holders near exits and toilets
5. Make It Easy to Enquire
Don’t assume visitors will ask. Make the next step simple.
Use:
- Snap frame posters with enquiry QR codes or booking email
- Clear contact details and pricing starting points
- Indoor signage with messages like: “Ask About Venue Hire – We’d Love to Host You”
Position them in:
- Changing rooms
- Behind the bar
- Inside toilet cubicles (a surprisingly effective placement)
Thought to Leave You With
You don’t need to become a full-time events company. But, by passively promoting your venue every day (through smart, non-intrusive signage), you’ll keep the idea alive in people’s minds.
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References
1. ‘Members’ and Proprietary Golf Clubs’ Survey 2023/24 Report’, Hillier Hopkins, https://hillierhopkins.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hillier-Hopkins-Golf-Clubs-Report-2023-24.pdf.
