Spring Forward: A Season of Renewal and Growth in the Golf Industry
In twenty days, spring will be sprung. As the chill of winter fades and golf courses come back to life with lush greens and longer days, businesses in the golf industry have a golden opportunity to embrace the spirit of renewal that spring brings. Just as nature shakes off effects of winter, golf courses, equipment manufacturers, and our fellow industry professionals can use this season to rejuvenate their strategies, refresh their offerings, and set the stage for a period of growth and prosperity.
Spring is more than just a season; it’s a mindset. It signifies new beginnings, optimism, and transformation—a mentality that is equally vital in the golf industry. The change in season offers a natural checkpoint to assess performance, make strategic adjustments, and cultivate an environment primed for success. By drawing inspiration from the rhythms of nature, golf businesses can harness the momentum of spring to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and seize new opportunities.
Spring Cleaning for Golf Businesses
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—golf courses, pro shops, and golf brands can benefit from tidying up their operations. This is the perfect time to review course maintenance, upgrade equipment, and declutter inefficiencies that may have built up over the past year. Course managers should take stock of what’s working and what needs refinement, whether it’s improving turf conditions, enhancing clubhouse services, or optimizing marketing strategies.
Just as groundskeepers clear out winter debris to create pristine fairways, businesses should discard strategies that no longer serve them. Whether it’s shedding unprofitable events, pivoting away from outdated membership models, or rethinking customer engagement, a little strategic pruning can lead to long-term success.
Planting the Seeds of Innovation
Spring is a season of planting—both in agriculture and in the golf industry. As superintendents prepare courses for peak playing conditions, business owners must invest in ideas and innovations that will yield results down the line. This could mean launching a new membership program, testing a fresh digital booking system, or nurturing partnerships with leading golf brands.
Innovation doesn’t always require a complete overhaul; sometimes, small, thoughtful changes can lead to exponential growth. Encourage staff to brainstorm fresh ideas, explore new ways to attract younger golfers, or refine hospitality experiences. When businesses plant the right seeds at the right time, they position themselves for a bountiful future.
Re-energizing the Team
The dark, cold months of winter can lead to stagnation and fatigue, but spring’s arrival injects a sense of energy and enthusiasm. This is an ideal time for golf courses and businesses to reinvigorate their staff by focusing on training, team morale, and customer service excellence.
Consider hosting staff training workshops, offering incentives for exceptional service, or simply acknowledging the hard work of your team. Much like golf courses need sunlight and nourishment to thrive, employees flourish when given encouragement, inspiration, and the tools to succeed. A motivated and engaged workforce is essential for creating exceptional customer experiences and driving business success.
Refreshing Customer Engagement Strategies
Just as nature grows back during the spring, golf businesses should refresh their approach to customer engagement. Golfers emerge from winter eager to get back on the course, making it an opportune time to reestablish connections, launch spring tournaments, and create campaigns that resonate with the vibrancy of the season.
Businesses can leverage this season by revitalizing their branding, updating website content, and incorporating themes of renewal and growth into their marketing messages. Whether it’s through social media, email marketing, or exclusive spring offers, now is the time to captivate audiences and reinforce brand loyalty.
Embracing the Unpredictability of Growth in Golf
Spring is a season of change—unpredictable weather patterns, sudden growth spurts, and the occasional unexpected frost. Similarly, growth in the golf industry is rarely linear; it involves adaptability, resilience, and strategic flexibility. Course managers and business owners must be prepared to pivot when necessary, embrace emerging trends, and adjust to shifting player demands.
By remaining agile and open to change, golf businesses can turn uncertainty into opportunity. Just as better golfers adjust their swings to different course conditions, successful businesses thrive when they anticipate challenges and proactively address them.
Seizing the Season for Your Success
Spring serves as a reminder that growth is not only possible but inevitable when the right conditions are cultivated. Golf businesses that take this time to prepare courses, launch innovative offerings, energize their staff, reconnect with customers, and remain adaptable will set themselves up for a season of success.
As the days grow longer and fairways burst into bloom, take inspiration from nature’s playbook. Embrace renewal, foster innovation, and move forward with the confidence that this season of change can be the catalyst for your own transformation. Just as spring brings with it the promise of a thriving summer golf season, the steps taken now will lay the groundwork for your future success.
Special Announcements
Serving the Association
Call me biased, but we sit in the preeminent PGA Section in the country. With due respect to our fellow professionals across the country, the PNWPGA is home to many best practices being modeled by the other forty sections. And we serve. With the start of Don Rea’s term—the new PGA of America President—comes a new slate of National Committee appointments. For the 2025-2027 term, the PNWPGA will have seats on nine national committees. My thanks to each of you for raising your hand and living the model of servant leadership.
| Advocacy Committee | Glenn B. Lee, PGA | Rock Creek Cattle Company |
| Inclusion Committee | Marcus S. King, PGA * | Walla Walla CC |
| Junior League Committee | Evan P. Johnsen, PGA | The First Tee Greater Seattle |
| Master Professional Committee | Norman G. Blandel, PGA | |
| Membership Committee | Douglas D. Doxsie, PGA * * | Seattle Golf Club |
| Membership Committee | Christopher A. Runyan, PGA | Downriver Golf Course |
| PGA University Committee | Howard E. Pruitt, PGA | Aspen Lakes Golf Course |
Executive Director Committee: Frank Talarico, PNWPGA CEO
Innovation and PGA Venture Fund Committee: Frank Talarico, PNWPGA CEO
*– Committee Vice Chair
* *– Committee Chair
Mark Your Calendars
- This is your final reminder about the PNWPGA Special Awards ceremony, presented by Pearce Bespoke. March 16 @ Royal Oaks. Click here to register
- I am proud to announce the 2025 PNWPGA 100 Hole Marathon, May 13 @ Meadow Park. For more information, please contact Molly Cooper, PGA ([email protected]).
- For the very latest PNWPGA Callaway Golf Challenge details and the current points leaderboard, visit https://pnwpga.com/pnwpga-callaway-golf-challenge
Very Special Thanks
Our season kick-off, the 2025 PNWPGA Pro Assistant is right around the corner, and suppor is stronger than ever! My personal and sincere thanks to the 2025 Pro Assistant Partners, that include:
- Farmers Insurance – Jared Bouchey Agency (Jared Bouchey, [email protected])
- Garmany Golf (Bud Garmany, [email protected])
- Pearce Bespoke (Bob Berkey, [email protected])
- Bushnell Golf (Sally Schmitz, [email protected])
- KJUS (Nick Bardino, [email protected])
- Evolve Golf (Max Lerner, [email protected])
- Sterling Cut Glass (Bryan Dickson, [email protected] and April Reid, [email protected])
- Mizuno (Cody Faught, [email protected] and Chris Gaines, [email protected])
- PTE Golf (Matt Pollitt, [email protected])
Finally, a very special welcome to Ghost Golf and Jim Jamison ([email protected]) for joining our family of partners. Ghost Golf is now presenting sponsor for the 2025 PNWPGA Las Vegas Pro-Am.
As always if I or our amazing Section staff can be of any service, please contact me directly [email protected].