Who are the best benchmarking partners for your golf course?

1 Location and market

The first factor to consider when selecting benchmarking partners is the location and market of your golf course. You want to compare your course with others that operate in similar geographic and climatic conditions, as well as cater to similar customer segments and demand patterns. For example, if your course is located in a coastal area with seasonal tourism, you might want to benchmark with other courses that face the same challenges and opportunities. Likewise, if your course is a high-end resort with premium amenities, you might want to benchmark with other courses that offer comparable services and prices.

2 Size and layout

The second factor to consider is the size and layout of your golf course. You want to compare your course with others that have similar physical characteristics, such as the number of holes, the length and difficulty of the course, the type and quality of the turf, the water features, the landscaping, and the maintenance requirements. For example, if your course is a 9-hole par 3 course with artificial grass, you might want to benchmark with other courses that have the same or similar features. Likewise, if your course is an 18-hole championship course with natural grass, you might want to benchmark with other courses that have the same or similar features.

3 Data and metrics

The third factor to consider is the data and metrics that you want to benchmark. You want to compare your course with others that use the same or compatible methods of collecting, reporting, and analyzing data, as well as the same or relevant metrics of performance, efficiency, quality, and satisfaction. For example, if you want to benchmark your revenue, you might want to compare your course with others that use the same accounting system, the same revenue categories, and the same revenue drivers. Likewise, if you want to benchmark your customer satisfaction, you might want to compare your course with others that use the same survey tools, the same satisfaction indicators, and the same feedback channels.

4 Objectives and expectations

The fourth factor to consider is the objectives and expectations that you have from benchmarking. You want to compare your course with others that have similar or compatible goals, strategies, and plans for improvement, as well as similar or realistic expectations of the outcomes and benefits of benchmarking. For example, if your objective is to increase your market share, you might want to compare your course with others that have the same or similar target markets, marketing campaigns, and competitive advantages. Likewise, if your expectation is to learn from best practices, you might want to compare your course with others that have proven track records, innovative solutions, and willingness to share.

5 Relationships and trust

The fifth factor to consider is the relationships and trust that you have or can build with your benchmarking partners. You want to compare your course with others that have mutual respect, cooperation, and communication, as well as trust and confidentiality. For example, if you have existing relationships with other golf course managers in your area, network, or association, you might want to leverage them for benchmarking purposes. Likewise, if you can establish new relationships with other golf course managers who are interested in benchmarking, you might want to reach out to them and initiate a dialogue.

6 Flexibility and adaptability

The sixth and final factor to consider is the flexibility and adaptability that you have or can develop for benchmarking. You want to compare your course with others that have similar or compatible levels of flexibility and adaptability, as well as openness and willingness to change. For example, if you have a fixed budget, schedule, and scope for benchmarking, you might want to compare your course with others that have the same or similar constraints and resources. Likewise, if you have a flexible and adaptable approach to benchmarking, you might want to compare your course with others that have the same or similar attitudes and behaviors.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?