By Kevin Flanagan, President, United States Golf Little League
With the economy still struggling, golf courses nationwide are looking for new ideas to generate traffic and income. Over 5 million youth play golf in the United States. A strong youth program can generate guaranteed weekly income for all areas of a facility— from green fees to concessions.
The challenge is running a league without its cost outstripping the income it generates. The net goal is to increase profit and visibility in the community. This is where organizations like the United States Golf Little League (USGLL) come in. A nonprofit group with a proven system that, similar to other youth sports organizations, counts on local business sponsorship for funding. They boast that a league can be up and running quickly and at no cost to the facility.
Many youth programs only offer the opportunity to introduce youth and their families to the facility in the hope they will return and spend money. The key is to look for a program that is not a “one off” event, but a league with seasons and a schedule— generating consistent, recurring income and awareness in the community. In many areas of the country, a league can hold several seasons a year. In Long Beach, the local USGLL affiliate has three seasons a year: a 10-week spring season, an eight-week summer season and an eight-week fall season.
Some programs are corporate backed and only looking for a course to donate space and time. Others are nonprofit and run completely by volunteers. While not having resources tied up in the events may be attractive, having a staff member involved in the program can ensure that the facility is getting the most out of the relationship. In many cases, the course may need to use staff to get the first season up and running before transitioning to volunteers as the season progresses.
Regardless of the program you choose, make sure to use it to get as much local press as possible. Reach out to local papers, schools and other youth organizations to help promote the program and publicize the results.
Ultimately, starting a youth golf league can be a great way to bolster perception in your city and create long-term income. Golf is a sport that can be played for a lifetime. The more kids start today, the more adults will be playing tomorrow.
For more information on youth golf, contact the USGLL by phone at 1-866-948-7455 or visit usgll.org.
