At some point in November, maybe even December, all golfers come to the conclusion that their golf season is over in Muskoka. And they, like the geese head South.
If our players are remaining in Muskoka, they sign up fore our simulator league.
We install the simmy parts in the clubhouse and covert the big open room to a dark room with comfy chairs and a simulator with over 30 course to play. Yes we have Pebble Beach. I prefer The Olde Course at St Andrews in Scotland.
That is a constant chant in any business. Change for the sake of change is not wise. But fixing major issues that arise in every season is a constant with us.
On the macro level, advocating for change at the consumer-facing golf associations is falling on deaf ears. They do not feel change is needed. And when they make a change, it is usually without consulting the “steak” portion of the industry. They focus on the “sizzle” which is elite golf. So many conversations we have with other owners bring forth a resignation that this will never change.
The unanswerable question – that provokes a few thoughts.
We built this business on a financial shoestring. We have remained on this string since we opened.
So to answer this :
1. I would do it again – with the same shoestring.
2. I would reconsider the move to 18 – but who knew the golf market would recede so drastically in 2004 and then get a new reality in 2008?
a. And likely I would still have opted to expand given I did not have the collapse anywhere on my radar. Thanks Tiger!!
The game of golf has spawned quite a few alternate ways to play – FootGolf, Disc Golf, Sling Golf and more of which I might not be aware.
It is a huge endorsement of golf being a great sport. Others want to play, but swinging a small club at a smaller ball can be a very challenging experience. The process of learning golf at any age can be arduous – and this challenge grows exponentially as we age. Having played since I was about 10 years old, I was blessed with a naïve introduction with a 5iron and a putter. My parents were not of large financial means and every dollar counted. When I was 13 I got a 9 iron and that was momentous. I could now flub a real chip!
I always like to have solutions to any problems before I chat with anyone about the problem. Comes from the old addage “Don’t give me problems, give me solutions!”.
Whenever a challenge arises here and people ask me what to do, I try to ask them what they would suggest. This encourages people to think through the problem and present their solution. I try to say yes and will only change something if my experience is telling me I should.
