As golf course operators continue to struggle to fill open tee sheets, many are turning to alternate sources of revenue. Opening a golf course for cross country skiing or as a walking trail accomplish little in connecting non-golfers to the course and do even less to generate cash flow.
Other games such as footgolf, disc golf and an even newer game called fling golf, which is a mix of golf and lacrosse are attracting non-golfers - and their wallets - to golf courses around the country.
Officials representing each of these three games will be on hand Oct. 12-13 when Richard Mandell Golf Architecture presents its Symposium on Affordable Golf at Tam O'Shanter Golf Course in Canton, Ohio.
The purpose of the sixth annual event, which was launched by golf course architect Richard Mandell, is to explore ways to make golf more affordable and grow the game without compromising playability.
Scheduled topics and speakers include "The Media's Responsibility in Promoting Affordable Golf" by Kevin Kane of the Virginia Golf Report; "A.W. Tillinghast, Champion of Affordable Golf" by Rick and Stuart Wolffe of the Tillinghast Society; "Women in Golf: Are They In Or Out?" by Debbie Waitkus of Golf for Cause; "Environmental Responsibility Makes Economic Sense" by Frank S. Rossi, Ph.D., of Cornell University; "The Conflict Between Playability and Challenge" by Richard Mandell; "Disc Golf, Fling Golf and Foot Golf" by Brian Graham of the Professional Disc Golf Association, Roberto Balestrini of the American FootGolf League and Alex Van Alan, founder of Fling Golf.
Day 2 topics include "A Little Friendly Competition Ain't Bad" by Chuck Bennell of Tam O'Shanter and Rick Snide of Tannehauf Golf Course; "Let's Create a Business Model" by Stuart Lindsay of Edgehill Golf Advisors.
Open topics include a discussion on the definition of affordability, maximizing customer service and case studies of the efforts of two golf courses in Virginia and Tennessee.
The event is free, but space is limited. Click here for more information, or to register.