Dear Industry Colleague,

In our lead article this week, we focus on Lo Romero golf course in south-east Spain. 

Whilst we have often featured many facilities from sunnier climes, it is quite rare to see a high quality golf course with a deliberately low scale, clubhouse development - so many golf facilities have been built with a modest course, and a gargantuan and pretentious clubhouse.

Last time I looked, golf was an outdoor sport, and it was the enjoyment of this is light, aerobic workout in glorious surroundings, and manicured fairways, that attracted us to this wonderful game. 

At some point, pretentious clubhouses muscled their way in to the equation. Today, many golf facilities are labouring in the clubhouse, trying not to lose too much money whilst the courses are relatively profitable. 

This model, with the clubhouse performing a basic but needed function of supplying golfers with snacks, drinks, golfing accessories and opportunities to socialise before and afterwards is just what the industry needs. 

Long gone are the days when the quality of the facility was determined by the elegance of the mansion attached to it.  Some of these large, crazily oversized clubhouses are more like mausoleums, particularly from the standpoint of those trying to operate them successfully. It may well be, that alternative uses can be found for large clubhouses, freeing up the golf course to operate as an outdoor sport, married to low-cost support buildings.

  It is undeniably true that most golf courses can take the green fee income, the subscription income, together with buggy fees and comfortably cover the cost of maintaining the golf course itself. Running the clubhouse as a snack bar, complete with fast food and accessories may be more akin to a pub or even a motorway services shop than some would like. However, this is the route to serious profitability for the thoughtful golf operator.

So, food for thought then, especially with modest dress regulations and a welcoming attitude from staff and fellow users. 

In the name of research, I would recommend everybody visits Lo Romero golf course in south-east Spain. The weather is great and the opportunity to learn about running a high quality golf operation without excessive clubhouse waste can be seen and enjoyed by all.

Best wishes, 

Colin Jenkins