How Golf Clubs Can Improve Revenue: Practical Ideas
Running a golf club today is about far more than just maintaining a pristine course. With increasing competition and rising costs, golf club managers need to think strategically about diversifying revenue streams.
March 2025 saw the highest amount of golf participation of the decade so far [1]. Futhermore, the UK has more than 2,500 golf courses [2]. How can you ensure that you stay ahead of the competition?
Whether it’s through attracting new members, hosting events, or simply increasing footfall to your clubhouse café, there are plenty of ways to generate income - without being pushy or salesy.
Here’s a practical guide to boosting your golf club’s revenue, with helpful tips on how to use point of sale (POS) displays to support your strategy.
1. Increase Membership With Better On-Site Marketing
New members are a vital source of recurring revenue. Often, it’s not a lack of interest - it’s a lack of awareness about what membership includes.
What to do:
Use signage and printed materials to clearly communicate the benefits of membership - like discounted tee times, access to members-only events, or dining perks.
POS Solution:
- Banners – Place banners at entrances or near the clubhouse to highlight current membership deals or new joiner incentives.
- Leaflet Holders – Fill leaflet holders with takeaway brochures that explain membership benefits and prices, placed in reception and pro shop areas.
A well-placed banner with a clear call to action - like "Join Today for Unlimited Golf from £X/month" - can turn passing interest into long-term commitment.
2. Host More Events and Functions
Golf clubs have ideal settings for hosting weddings, corporate events, and parties - but many clubs under-utilise this potential.
What to do:
Promote your function room and event-hosting services consistently, especially to non-members who may not know you’re available for private hire.
POS Solution:
- Indoor A-Board Signs – Use an A-board inside the clubhouse or outside reception to promote your space as a local events venue.
- Digital Screens – A digital display in your lobby can showcase event packages, photo galleries, and customer testimonials.
By showing rather than telling - through clear visuals and examples - you'll make your space feel like the perfect venue choice.
3. Hire Out Function Rooms During Off-Peak Times
Most golf clubs are busiest on weekends or tournament days, meaning your function rooms could sit idle much of the week.
What to do:
Introduce affordable weekday hire packages aimed at local businesses (for meetings) or community groups.
POS Solution:
- Poster Holders – Display weekday hire rates and benefits at entrances, locker rooms, and bars where they catch attention.
- Toilet Door Signs – Subtle but effective - post adverts for room hire inside toilet cubicles where you have a captive audience.
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Promoting smaller hires as “Community Event Spaces” or “Midweek Meeting Rooms” can bring in unexpected income streams.
4. Increase Member Usage of the Greens
More tee times booked = more food and drink sales, better atmosphere, and increased loyalty. But members often lapse into using the course infrequently.
What to do:
Encourage more frequent play through competitions, loyalty cards, and seasonal challenges.
POS Solution:
- Leaflet Dispensers – Use these in the locker rooms and foyer to display flyers about upcoming tournaments or loyalty programs.
- Weatherproof Outdoor Signs – Pavement signs are ideal for posting daily tee time availability, competitions, and club notices.
When members see visible reminders of what’s happening, they’re far more likely to participate.
5. Drive Sales at Your Café and Bar
The bar and restaurant are high-margin areas, but they rely on good visibility and clear communication of what’s on offer.
What to do:
Rotate specials, introduce loyalty cards, or host “9 & Dine” evenings where food is bundled with twilight golf.
POS Solution:
- Menu Holders – Keep menus clean, professional-looking, and always visible on tables or the bar.
- Outdoor Chalk A-Boards – Use these to showcase daily specials, happy hour deals, or upcoming theme nights.
If the first thing a player sees post-round is a sign for “Steak & Pint £10”, they’re much more likely to stick around.
6. Open or Upgrade Your Onsite Equipment Shop
Pro shops aren’t just about clubs - they can be a source of apparel, accessories, and even gifts.
What to do:
Make your shop inviting and user-friendly with good signage, seasonal product displays, and visible offers.
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POS Solution:
- Digital Screens – These can highlight product demos, offer bundles (e.g., “Buy 3 Gloves, Get 1 Free”), or advertise lessons.
- Leaflet Holders – Great for course maps, equipment catalogues, or coaching flyers.
A clean, organised shop with well-placed signage turns casual browsers into buyers.
7. Upsell at Key Touchpoints Across the Club
Small, well-placed promotional messages can drive additional purchases without feeling pushy.
What to do:
Think about the user journey - arrival, changing room, course, 19th hole - and use each space to communicate one clear message.
POS Solution:
- Snap Frame Poster Holders – In high-footfall areas like hallways or locker rooms, use snap frames to promote upcoming social events, lessons, or discounts.
- Toilet Signage and Cubicle Ads – Promote longer-term offers where you’ll get full attention.
Upselling isn’t just about making the sale - it’s about reminding your members what’s available to them.
Final Thoughts
Golf clubs have unique opportunities to generate revenue across many areas. With a well-planned POS strategy, you can:
- Attract new members
- Promote underused services
- Increase on-site spending
- Improve customer experience
All without needing to hire more staff or completely change how your club operates.
By using smart signage, digital screens, and display tools, you can enhance visibility, drive engagement, and boost profitability - while staying focused on what matters most: your members and guests.
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References
1. Alistair Dunsmuir, 'March saw highest golf participation this decade' (May 21, 2025), The Golf Business, https://thegolfbusiness.co.uk/2025/05/march-saw-highest-golf-participation-this-decade/.
2. John Griffin, 'Golf Courses in the UK - Market Research Report (2014-2029)' (August 2024), IBISWorld, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-kingdom/industry/golf-courses/14568/.
