Courses/clubs in severe winters.

I know we all struggle with severe winter weather, on and off the course. Last winter was severe, this one is also going that way. Clubs surely loose money, drop in number of people playing, repairing any damage to course, etc. I was really wondering how badly financialy does severe winter weather affects clubs? Do some clubs loose too much due to this type weather?

John.

Was thinking the same thing the other day.....but then I suppose the clubs/owners should be ready for this??

Yeah....100%.

Not a lot they can do about it I suppose! Just have to sit tight.

Most private clubs will no doubt increase fees next year but then that forces members to look elsewhere or cancel altogether.

If mine put them up again I shall seriously look elsewhere.

Every golf club must lose money when they have to close the course. 

I would assume that most clubs will get a couple of visitor each day so this money is lost to them when nobody can play.

They do save money by not having the normal amount of staff in to work.

The course will only suffer if they open it too early, which most clubs will do just to try and get some money into the tills!

Russ

Golf clubs, private or otherwise are run as a business these days and I doubt very much if any of them factor the whole 12 months as their full earning potential. to be relied upon.

Private clubs do not look to green fees to survive and I am not going to feel sorry for any pay and play course, as in the main, they are not interested on the golfer.

Green fees would be at a minimum through winter regardless of the weather. I know at my club its very much the same face of the hardcore members who are out at this time of year. In terms of financial soundness, it should really come down to effective budgetting and if needs be, running a good operation in the club house.