top of page

Lessons from a Failed Golf Course

  • Writer: Cathey Wise
    Cathey Wise
  • Oct 9
  • 2 min read
A former golf course under construction
The changing view from our backyard - once a country club, now a construction site.

Lessons from a Failed Golf Course

I love uncovering mini case studies from everyday life. This one hits close to home - literally.


Behind our house once stood a vibrant private golf course, founded in the 1970s. It was more than fairways and greens - it was a community. Families gathered for golf, tennis, swimming, and social events. Our sons learned to swim and play here. We lived our dream.


But as members aged, the club seemed to focus solely on golf. Member engagement faded. It was run as a golf course - not a membership organization.


Eventually, the land was sold to a developer. Soon, 221 homes will replace the rolling greens and pond with a fountain behind our home.


What went wrong?


No Financial Controls 

A staff member embezzled a lot of money. Strong SOPs - clear controls, audits, separation of duties - might have saved the club.


Misunderstood Value Proposition 

Leaders seemed to assume golf was the draw. But families valued connection. Net promoter surveys could have revealed loyalty gaps and retention risks.


No Prospecting Strategy 

Nearby families didn’t know they could join. No outreach. No visibility. No growth.


No Retention Plan 

When we didn’t renew, no one called. Families with summer memberships weren’t invited to stay year-round. No check-in. No welcome back.


Lessons from a Failed Golf Course: This wasn’t just a failed country club. It was a missed opportunity to lead with association management principles.


Communities thrive when they’re built around connection - not just amenities. 


Whether you're leading an association, a club, or a company, the lesson is the same: manage for people, not just for operations.

Comments


bottom of page