Custodian Golf

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 Hundreds of clubs are struggling with operational costs and real climate impacts—flood risks, outdated irrigation systems, and escalating insurance costs—all issues left unaddressed here.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

🚨 A Warning for Golf Clubs: Are You Prepared for the Future? Our unique data reveals a concerning trend: in 2024, 1 in 6 golf clubs could face closure. But how can clubs determine if they are one of those six? Distressed venues often operate as analogue clubs struggling to adapt in a digital world. These clubs resist change, unaware of the widening gap between top-tier and lower-tier facilities. At Custodian Golf, we know where these clubs are located, and we can help them understand their current position through data analysis. Our insights can deliver actionable plans that bring about the necessary changes to bridge this gap. While some traditional clubs thrive with healthy memberships and profitable operations, many others have underinvested in their futures. These clubs often have unbalanced membership demographics, heavily skewed towards men over 58 and women over 65, and lack essential data, such as weekly round counts. Without professional governance and true custodianship, their future remains uncertain. Challenges such as climate change and increasing residential developments around once-rural clubs are driving up costs and complicating operations. While these obstacles are daunting, they are not insurmountable. Let’s work together to future-proof your club and ensure its success in the evolving golf landscape. #CustodianGolf #GolfIndustry #FutureOfGolf #DataDriven #ClubManagement Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

We have conducted an in-depth statistical analysis of every golfing facility in Great Britain, revealing some startling truths about the current landscape of the industry. Alasdair Rae, part of the Custodian Golf team is a former Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, his research paints a clear picture of the challenges many clubs are facing today. Through comprehensive data sourced from Ordnance Survey and club statistics, we’ve uncovered a troubling trend: many golf clubs are in a precarious position. Our analysis included geodemographic profiles for a sample of six typical clubs in England and one in Scotland, representing a combined membership of 5,000. We also examined data from over 100 clubs that have closed in recent years, shedding light on the realities many are currently confronting. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. At Custodian Golf, we believe there are opportunities for clubs to secure their futures. Our mission is to partner with clubs, guiding them to understand their circumstances and plan strategically for success. Want to learn more about the findings and how we can help your club? 👉 Download our whitepaper for detailed insights. https://lnkd.in/gaN3-Xaq #CustodianGolf #GolfClubs #StatisticalAnalysis #FutureOfGolf #GolfIndustryInsights Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

Did You Know? According to the Met Office, in just 50 years, our climate will undergo significant changes: ❄️ Winters could be between 1 and 4.5°C warmer and up to 30% wetter. ☀️ Summers may see an increase of 1 to 6°C and become up to 60% drier. These changes will profoundly impact golf clubs and the way we manage our courses. Warmer winters could lead to longer playing seasons, while drier summers will challenge our irrigation systems and maintenance practices. Now is the time for golf clubs to prepare for these shifts and adapt their strategies to ensure sustainability and continued engagement with members. Connect with us to discuss how we can support your club in navigating these upcoming challenges. #ClimateChange #GolfClubs #Sustainability #FutureOfGolf #GolfCourseManagement #ClimateAdaptation #GreenGolf #GolfIndustry #GolfCommunity #EnvironmentalImpact #ClimateCrisis #MetOffice Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

At Custodian Golf, we’ve made significant investments in acquiring extensive GIS (Geographic Information System) data. Our bespoke software cross-references hundreds of data fields to deliver evidence-based insights specifically tailored for golf club relocation or repurposing. Our team of design and planning consultants, alongside golf experts, collaborates to equip clubs with the vital information they need, ultimately saving time and resources in their decision-making journey. 📥 Want to learn more? Download our whitepaper to explore how data-driven strategies can transform your club, or connect with us to discuss your specific needs! https://lnkd.in/gaN3-Xaq #CustodianGolf #GolfClubs #DataDrivenDecisions #GIS #Golf Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation

At Custodian Golf, we believe in “growing the game by putting back better.” In today’s rapidly changing world, golf clubs face unique challenges and opportunities. That’s why we’ve combined decades of industry experience with cutting-edge data analysis to create innovative, evidence-based solutions. By partnering with clubs across Great Britain, we’re helping them to modernise, adapt, and thrive—ensuring the sport's future for generations to come. From knowing the data to planning for the future, we’re here to safeguard the game we all love. Learn more about how Custodian Golf is leading the way in ensuring golf’s sustainability and growth. 🌱⛳ https://lnkd.in/gaN3-Xaq #CustodianGolf #GolfIndustry #DataDriven #FutureOfGolf #Sustainability #GolfClubs Golf Club Managers Association Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) The PGA The R&A UK Golf Federation