Custodian Golf

🏌️♂️ Strategic Transformation for Golf Clubs The future of golf in Great Britain depends on how well clubs can adapt to modern challenges. By leveraging data—such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and demographic studies—clubs can gain crucial insights into location viability, competition, and environmental risks. At Custodian Golf, we advocate for a proactive, data-driven approach to evolving golf clubs. This means reimagining business models, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and employing creative solutions like repurposing non-functional areas or even relocating facilities. Now is the time for golf clubs to implement flexible membership packages, upgrade their facilities, and embrace sustainable practices. The future of golf depends on the actions we take today. ⛳ #GolfIndustry #Sustainability #DataDriven #GIS #ESG #FutureOfGolf #CustodianGolf Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

⏰ Ticking Timebomb for Golf Clubs? Custodian Golf recently conducted an in-depth review of seven typical golf clubs across Great Britain, analysing anonymised data on membership demographics. The findings are alarming: - 85% of members were male, and only 15% female. - Just over 1% of female members were aged 20-50. - Median age: 58 for men, 65 for women. These statistics underscore the urgent need to attract younger players, especially women, to secure the future of golf clubs. An ageing membership often leads to committees that may be out of touch with the needs of younger members, who seek flexible membership options and more modern approaches. It's time to address these challenges and ensure the future of golf is inclusive and sustainable. #GolfClubs #FutureOfGolf #Inclusivity #GolfForAll #GolfInnovation Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

The state of golf clubs across the UK paints a clear picture of a growing divide: Top Tier (33%): These clubs, a mix of proprietary and private members' clubs, are thriving. Their success is no accident; they’ve embraced digital technology, modern marketing, and retail trends. Middle Tier (33%): Clubs in this tier are eager to evolve, but progress is slow. Decisions often stall in committees and lack data-backed evidence, holding back necessary changes. Without proper research and analysis, misconceptions about member objections may stand in the way. Bottom Tier (33%): Unfortunately, the bottom third of clubs are at serious risk. Unbalanced membership demographics, a failure to attract younger players, and reluctance to adapt to changing times leave them struggling. The post-Covid boost has ended, and the gap between these clubs and the top tier is widening. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for clubs to expand their membership offerings. Appealing to a wider population and attracting families could be the key to long-term success. We believe in the potential of golf clubs to thrive by welcoming more people to experience the game. #GolfIndustry #ClubManagement #GolfClubEvolution #SustainabilityInGolf Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

Did the Autumn Budget mention tourism and golf? 🛬 Read below for Chris Leeming's view 👇 "With no direct incentives for tourism-based industries, this budget missed a chance to bolster clubs contributing significantly to local tourism. Rising utility costs and the lack of targeted support leave golf clubs, which attract domestic and international visitors, under financial strain. Additionally, with visitors' disposable income constrained by the income tax threshold freeze, the ripple effect on local hospitality and tourism ecosystems may be substantial. Custodian Golf will continue to advocate for the government to recognise and support golf as an economic asset to tourism and hospitality across the UK." #golftourism #autumnbudget #golf Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

Yesterday was the The Labour Party's first Autumn Budget. What does it mean for your local golf club? Chris Leeming from Custodian Golf shares his thoughts: "The announcement of phased business rate reform could be a positive sign for regional golf clubs, particularly those in communities with limited leisure options. However, without immediate relief, clubs already struggling with high operational costs may continue to face financial strain. Golf clubs are central to local economies and more robust, timely support would make a substantial difference in sustaining these hubs. Custodian Golf remains hopeful that the government will prioritise this sector, recognising its social and economic contributions across the UK." #autumnbudget #golfclub #localgolf Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA UK Golf Federation UK Golf Course Owners Association

So what has today's 🍁 Autumn Budget done for golf from an environmental perspective? Philip Atkinson from Custodian shares his thoughts: "The budget provided little direct support for environmental initiatives, a critical need for golf clubs dealing with rising water and energy costs. This is especially concerning in areas like the East of England, where low rainfall and coastal erosion are growing threats, and in the South East, where water shortages are predicted to worsen. Investments in smart irrigation systems and green technology, essential for responsible environmental stewardship, still lack adequate incentives. Regions like North Wales and West Scotland also face specific challenges, with rising rainfall and warmer, wetter seasons that disrupt course conditions. “With members also impacted by indirect tax increases that reduce disposable income, the budget could have offered more substantial support for clubs trying to adopt sustainable practices affordably. Custodian Golf continues to champion policies that make environmental responsibility financially viable for clubs, ensuring sustainability remains achievable." #autumnbudget #golf #golfsustainability Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA UK Golf Federation

Is the Autumn budget trick or treat for golf clubs? 🎃 Phil Grice shares his thoughts on the first Autumn Budget for The Labour Party. "The autumn budget's income tax freeze is essentially a stealth tax, quietly raising costs for working families over time while disposable incomes shrink. This approach leaves little room for households to keep up, let alone invest in memberships or leisure activities like golf. Disappointingly, the budget also falls short on sustainability initiatives—a significant miss given the rising climate pressures and the heavy costs clubs face to manage their environmental footprint. "These pressures could tip the scales for many golf clubs, especially those already vulnerable. Hundreds of clubs are struggling with operational costs and real climate impacts—flood risks, outdated irrigation systems, and escalating insurance costs—all issues left unaddressed here. Clubs risk falling behind without strategic shifts toward diversified income, flexible memberships, and sustainable practices. To protect the future of the sport, we need more than today's status quo; we need targeted support and a forward-thinking approach to ensure golf clubs can thrive for generations to come." #autumnbudget #golf #golfclubs Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA UK Golf Federation

“If clubs fail to plan for the future, they will not have a future.” — Chris Leeming, Director of Custodian Golf and Founder and Chairman of Lanpro. Golf clubs in Great Britain face numerous cultural and environmental challenges impacting their overall health and performance. Traditionally, many clubs have been managed by committees, but in today’s landscape, it’s crucial for them to confront these issues head-on and develop strategic plans for the future. At Custodian Golf, we believe that proactive planning is essential to ensuring the sustainability and growth of golf clubs. Let’s work together to navigate the evolving landscape of our sport and secure a vibrant future for all. #Golf #CustodianGolf #Sustainability #PlanningForTheFuture Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

We are honoured to receive endorsement from Dr. Mark Bloomfield, Fellow at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, who emphasises the urgent need for transformation in the golf sector. “The golf industry is at an inflection point, propelled by accelerating and disruptive forces like extreme weather and the cost-of-living crisis. Today’s challenges are no longer future concerns—they demand immediate action. The sector must transform, but this transformation will inevitably encounter resistance. By adopting an innovation mindset, such as that of Custodian Golf, we can envision and realise new possibilities. Through co-creation, the golf industry can seize significant opportunities to innovate, transform, and ultimately become a net community benefit.” At Custodian Golf, we are committed to embracing this mindset and driving the change needed to secure the future of golf. Let's work together to turn challenges into opportunities! ⛳️ #CustodianGolf #GolfIndustry #Innovation #Sustainability #Leadership #Community Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

Putting Back Better! At Custodian Golf, our mission is clear: to help clubs modernise, expand their facilities, and boost participation in the game we love. Each project is unique, with its own objectives, whether it’s repositioning, repurposing, or relocating. We are dedicated to facilitating the evolution of clubs, ensuring that any repurposed land will be reinvested to enhance facilities and drive participation growth. Together, we can create vibrant, thriving golf communities for all to enjoy. Let’s work together to secure the future of golf! ⛳️ #CustodianGolf #GolfClubs #Modernisation #Growth #Participation #PuttingBackBetter Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation