Are GCBC affiliates qualified and experienced in the golf business?  
Yes, sixteen independent consultants with over 350 years of combined experience and over 2,500 golf projects do have the necessary expertise and experience to assist with all facets of the golf business.


What are the costs for GCBC's services?
GCBC's goal is to offer its expertise to the golf industry, the public, and individual clients interested in the business of golf. Therefore, all GCBC affiliates have agreed to answer individual questions at no charge or obligation.  See our Free Consultation page.  If there is a need for specific services, a GCBC affiliate will contact you and review available services and costs for your consideration.


Do I need the services of all GCBC affiliates?
It is highly unlikely that a client would or could use the entire services of GCBC.  It is probable however, that a team approach would be economically beneficial depending on the scope of the project.


Is financing available in today's economy for golf courses?
There are still individuals and firms interested in good golf investments, but they generally require control and/or management of the facility.  Presently public funding is very popular because it uses non-recourse revenue bonds and/or US guarantees.  This approach is very prevalent and desirable for public, daily-fee and resort courses.



What does one need to acquire financing?
All golf projects whether buying, selling, marketing, funding with investment, or financing with loans can benefit from an Evaluation.  An Evaluation outlines present and future opportunities to determine financial viability, and the third party approach adds credence and credibility to client's efforts.  The report is structured to be comprehensive and to provide vital information to investors and lenders.



Can someone help me buy or sell a golf course?
The sale or acquisition of a golf course or club involves much preparation on behalf of the seller and substantial due diligence on behalf of the buyer.  Both require expertise and experience of people who are involved exclusively in the golf business and bring years of numerous transaction experiences to each deal. The members of GCBC bring together that experience and expertise to help sell or buy your course or club.



What do I need to do to position my golf course for sale?
Actually you need the will to be a real seller, and then follow through on the details that will be required of you to complete the transaction. These involve, surveys, topo's, title documents, evidence of water rights or sources and cost, list of owned or leased FF&E, and historical operations in an understandable format. Most importantly, you need to have someone help you with this data and also create an atmosphere where any anticipated buyer will feel that there is entrepreneurial value there that YOU have not taken advantage of, but a buyer CAN. That is the secret!  Members of GCBC have been doing that for many years for their clients.



Why and when do I need an appraisal?
What is it worth?    Is the current use the highest and best use of the property?
What are the current market trends?  What are the prices of comparable properties that have recently sold?  Here are a few reasons that an appraisal is needed:

Land utilization, and feasibility
Financing
Buying or selling property
Estate planning and property settlements
Portfolio management
Tax assessments and review
Eminent domain or condemnation transactions



Does an appraisal provide any benefits other than financing?
The appraisal process involves a detailed analysis of the supply of and demand for golf courses in the market.  To estimate value, the appraiser projects achievable revenues, as well as anticipated expenses based on information from comparable courses. Therefore, the appraisal provides a third party unbiased analysis of revenues and expenses at your course.  These projections can be used as a management tool to verify that your course is adequately penetrating the market and that the expenses are in line with comparable operations to maximize profit.



Can anyone help with accounting, tax information and computerized financial records?
We can help you establish accounting records specifically designed to account for golf course operations. You will receive a chart of accounts for your golf operation, which will generate financial statements comparable to other facilities. We can also help with determination of depreciable properties as it relates to any of your fixed assets but particularly the revised interpretations of depreciable land improvements (greens, tees, sand traps, etc.).



What type of entity should I choose?
Deciding on the type of entity can be a tricky one. We will help you decide between an S-Corporation, C-Corporation and Limited Liability Company. The factors for determination include liability concerns, pass-through capability, owner benefits (employment), ownership, and management, among others. We will work with your attorney to cover the various possibilities and requirements. 


What are some of the construction items you should consider before building a golf course?
Clearing, Stripping & Plating Topsoil, Earthwork, Rough Shaping, Golf Course Master Drainage, Swale Work, Automatic Irrigation, Pump Station for Irrigation Distribution, Topsoil for tees, USGA Greens Construction, Retainer Walls, Fine Shaping, Bunker Construction, Sand for bunkers, Golf Course Drainage-Stovepipe Inlets, PVC Pipe & Drain Tile, Cart Paths, Sod, Grassing and Labor.  There are other costs associated with the golf course as well, such as buildings, equipment, soft costs, etc.  Costs vary with the location and terrain of the site.  Owners should also consider: Survey for Centerlines & to establish Benchmarks, Survey to Verify Cut & Fill for Fairways, Survey for Lot Lines, Survey for Verification of Lakes, Electrical to Pump Station, Maintenance Equipment, Maintenance Building, Supply Well(s) & Pump(s) (if needed), Grow-In, Rain Shelters & Comfort Stations, Bridges, Landscaping and Pump House.  



What is a Preliminary Site Analysis?
A written report of the preliminary investigation of the suitability of a proposed site for a golf facility development. The selected site development factors will be addressed and the reasonable golf facility development cost parameters identified. The written analysis will include the general cost levels to construct a golf facility at the particular location, given market area and the site characteristics (size, soil type, geology, wetlands, topography, etc.).



Why do I need an Irrigation Designer?
Your club is about to embark in a large investment.  A poor design, improper installation or choosing the wrong product can easily double your initial expenditures.  As with all golf course renovations or new construction choosing the proper golf course architect is the most important step you can make…choosing the right irrigation designer is as important


Why is a new Irrigation system so expensive?
It does not have to be. In fact it can be very affordable. Making the right choices will save you money. Choosing a designer that takes your best interest into account and not the irrigation manufacturer is very important.  If you choose the right designer he/she will take the time to educate you on all the different types of products the irrigation market has to offer.  From this he/she can design your affordable irrigation system.


What constitutes an Environmental Pre-Development Site Assessment?
This interdisciplinary service utilizes the technical expertise of soil scientists, wetland scientists, biologists, and environmental scientists to assess a site's suitability for development.  This service typically includes:  wetland approximation, preliminary threatened and endangered species review, preliminary historical/cultural resources review, and identification of potential environmental liability issues within and surrounding the site.  Awareness of environmental constraints helps uncover hidden challenges and avoid delays, thus saving project time and money


Why are so many agencies involved in the permitting process?
A large amount of work is required in order for a golf course to be permitted. Many federal, state, and local agencies are involved throughout the permitting process. Some of the permitting issues deal with storm water, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, streams, erosion control, dams, water supply systems, and groundwater monitoring. By hiring an environmental firm with expertise in permitting, your federal, state and local requirements can be met quickly and economically.


Will a Marketing Assessment increase golf rounds?
Surprisingly, the answer is "NO."  A Marketing Assessment report will not generate new revenue for your course.  It will however, identify new revenue opportunities in your marketplace.  A Marketing Assessment report is a research project that analyzes economic and demographic information in your market, golf course competitors, and national golf statistics.  The report relates opportunities in various business segments and strategies and tactics to capture this business at your cash register.


How can I make my golf course more profitable?
The golf course business has changed dramatically in the past 5 years.  The overbuilding of courses in most markets in the 1990's created a large ""gap" between the supply (of) and the demand (for) golf rounds.  Most successful operators are operating at lower expense levels to try and offset revenue shortfalls until the supply-demand equilibrium can be re-established.  Successful, cost effective marketing will also be key to making your golf course more profitable.


How can I generate more profits from targeted promotions?
E-Marketing has become the easiest, fastest and most cost-effective mass advertising medium for today's golf courses.   Frequent E-Mail communications can be used to develop a rapport with golfers, and thus, encourages golfer retention and loyalty.


Did you know that an article in a creditable publication is worth 3 to 5 times more than the cost of a similarly sized ad?
Is your property a candidate for that type of valuable PR?  In almost every case, the answer to that question is "YES!" For smaller properties with limited marketing budgets, a public relations consultant can gain your property free publicity, which translates to business. If you have an advertising budget in place, a public relations consultant can work with the media outlets you have chosen and secure publicity to support your ad dollars. Hiring a qualified public relations consultant just might be the best marketing dollars you will ever spend.  There is no message equal to third-party testimonials that your PR consultant will secure.


Are you wasting advertising dollars with a campaign that doesn't fit your product?
A professional advertising consultant can accomplish the following:

• Analyze your property's needs and requirements.
• Help create the proper message for your market
• Determine the best places to place your message
• Negotiate the best possible package for your dollars.

A qualified advertising consultant can save you money in the long run.


What membership program is best for my club?

First, an analysis must be done of the market area. What are your competitors doing? Find out if there are waiting lists at private clubs. Find out how many rounds are being played at semi-private facilities.  If your course is part of a master plan community, how many golf memberships will you need for your buyers?  Once these questions are answered, a program outline can be developed to determine if your operation should be private, semi-private or even daily fee.

Having a fully trained membership director is the key to success. In difficult markets, it may require two people. The membership director corresponds to the sales manager for housing or lot sales. They must be enthusiastic, be trained to lead the perspective buyer through the matriculation process and assist real estate with developing and selling the lifestyle image for the community.

Hiring a management company can be a strong fit for those developments where the owner or developer has limited resources and expertise to effectively operate the golf facility, the principals have little experience in the industry, and the nature of the golf course lends itself well to national marketing programs or national branding.

There are several benefits that can be derived from utilizing a professional management company.  The overall promise of professional management companies is the application of programs, systems and procedures that have been tried and proven effective in a number of golf courses at various geographic locations.  Using these “best practices” provides for a competitive advantage to the golf course owner. Most professional management companies could provide bulk purchasing which can reduce the cost of sales and expenses.  They can provide centralized marketing initiatives that increase the exposure of a facility and provide national/regional advertisements that might not be cost effective for an individual owner

The transitional period when selling a course is often the most difficult time to own a golf course.  Employee moral is likely to suffer due to job uncertainty and concerns regarding benefits.  Rumors and misinformation are abundant.  Expense management is critical for cash flow and avoiding unnecessary expenditures.  GCBC affiliates have experience in successfully managing through numerous transitions and can guide you through the process.  From interim management services to preparing the staff for due diligence requests from potential buyers, we have the expertise to ensure a smooth transition. When buying a course, affiliates can provide assistance with market studies, developing marketing plans, interim management, accounting set up and facility audits to get the course off to a good start.  We have expertise in the process of both buying and selling golf courses and can assist with due diligence to avoid surprises that may arise after the sale.

Having clear goals for the management team at the course is critical to the success of the operation. Most club managers have numerous responsibilities and priorities that interfere with them adequately monitoring revenue and expense trends.  GCBC affiliates can assist with a budgeting process that develops obtainable and measurable revenue and expense goals. Customized monitoring templates are available that focus on tracking key drivers of revenue and expense against planned objectives on a weekly or monthly basis.

Specialized search firms have become increasingly popular as the process of identifying qualified employees continues to be a challenge. They are in the field 24/7 and have accumulated a network of contacts throughout the country. They have the ability to identify candidates who have specific qualities and credentials and may not answer an advertisement for fear of jeopardizing their current employment.

The easy answer is:  Yes, most Clubs lose money in their F & B operations.  According to PKF Worldwide's Clubs in Town and Country, overall country club loss in food and beverage is an average of 8.9% of sales each year.  However, not all clubs lose money, and many that are, do not have to experience the deficit.  What is required is a thorough analysis of all of the contributing components, beginning with brainstorming, telephone and written surveys of the Board, committees, members and employees. This research is needed to determine the level of demand and the appropriate product offerings, service standards and hours of operation.  What is the mix of children, teens, and young adults through seniors?  This process also grades the current products and services to find out if quality is attracting business or driving it away?  Next, an analysis of sales can determine the mix of banquet/catering/private parties to the more costly a 'la Carte sales as well as the balance of sales by profit center or outlet. Finally, you should look at textbook cures — menu design, menu costing, purchasing, storage, spoilage and theft, as well as capturing all sales.  Good research, the correct mix, quality production and tight controls should assure a more profitable food and beverage operation.

Inconsistencies in food and/or service are determined by many factors. Starting with research to see if there are discernable patterns? For example, is it always good - when someone is there or something is occurring, or is it always unacceptable - when someone else is there or not there? Schedule a focus group with the staff and ask: "How can we achieve consistency?" If the focus group is conducted without intimidation from senior management or board members, the answer will quickly appear. It could range from not enough staff, inadequate training and no systems to poor leadership -- or more.

The climate, type of course, budget, rounds of play, water quality, etc. all determine what type of grass to use. Grass selection may be one of the most important decisions when opening a new golf course or rebuilding an existing one.

To decide if existing green surfaces need to rebuilt should be determined by these three factors, purity of existing grass, ability of existing soil profile to provide adequate air and water porosity, and particle sizes of existing soil.


What services does an executive search firm provide? 
Personally interview and screen candidates, check reference, credit, educational degrees and professional credentials, meet with the employer to review position description, provide current compensation information on a local/regional basis, attend final interview with employer and lead the process, coordinate offer of employment and acceptance, be available for any specific questions during the process


What positions does a search firm fill?
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Clubhouse Manager, Director of Membership, Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent, Director of Tennis, Food & Beverage Director, Executive Chef.