Business for several Golden Triangle golf courses and pro shops has been at a slow putt during the past year, as area greenskeepers have been struggling to deal with a rough national economy.
But despite being dealt a hard blow last year, many local golf merchants say they”ve seen seen an upswing in their sales, memberships and patrons this summer.
“For the past few months, we have actually seen a steady increase in our membership numbers,” said Mark Grisham, general manager of the Columbus Country Club off Military Road, who estimated the club”s membership is about 300.
“Last year, we really lost a lot of members. I can”t give a specific number right now, but I would call it a mass exodus,” Grisham added, saying the club”s membership reached a low point in October 2008. “We haven”t quite gained back what we lost, but we will get there in about three months if we keep growing like we are now.”
Across the Golden Triangle, business seems to be booming for employees at the Starkville Country Club on South Montgomery Street, according to club General Manager Scott Buntin.
“Business has been great for us during the past year. It”s really just unbelievable,” said Buntin, whose club membership is about 405. “Our membership is literally the highest it”s ever been right now, and it”s been growing steadily all year.
“We are so fortunate, and I am very thankful,” Buntin added. “I know a lot of country clubs are struggling right now. We haven”t been financially killing our members with high fees, so it”s made a lot of people more willing to join or remain members.”
Employees and officials at the West Point Country Club on Lakeside Drive also are working to bring the club”s membership to par, according to course general manager Lee Morgan.
“Our membership is up from what it was last year. We have about 120 members now, but we need more,” Morgan laughed. “But overall, we are doing pretty good. We just need rain more than anything.
“I think the membership will keep rising, because we have a great course and a great group of members,” Morgan added. “A lot of people join the club to break the monotony of just sitting at home.”
Joseph Hanko, a golf professional at Elm Lake Golf Club off Taylor Thurston Road in Columbus, also is shooting for better business this summer, he said.
“Our membership is definitely growing right now,” Hanko said, adding Elm Lake has about 105 members. “We are averaging about three new members per month right now. Our goal is to have 125 members pretty soon.
“Our revenue for this past April was double what it was last year,” Hanko added. “June was about the same as it was last year.”
Several factors during the past year have contributed to the wildly varying business at the area”s golf clubs, the course officials agreed.
“Last year”s mass exodus was strictly because of the economy,” Grisham said. “And the economy will definitely help us out some as it gradually gets better.”
“The time of the season has a big effect on business,” said Buntin. “Summer is usually a lot busier than other parts of the year for us.”
Other summertime amenities are helping draw patrons to the area golf havens this season, the managers said.
“We have golf, tennis and a pool, which helps draw a lot more people here during the summertime,” said Morgan. “Overall, business has been better all summer, and there”s reason to think it will keep getting better.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
