A Grow Sport Insight into the Business of Modern Golf Clubs
At Grow Sport, our team have supported golf clubs across Ireland for over 20 years. In that time, we’ve seen trends come and go—but 2025 stands out as a defining year for how clubs think about sustainability, membership and long-term success.
Across the country, clubs are asking the same core questions:
How do we stay financially viable without pricing out our members?
How do we retain those we gained during the COVID boom?
And how do we future-proof our facilities and operations for a new generation of golfers?
Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s changing—and how clubs can lead from the front.
Keeping the Course Green: Financial Sustainability in Focus
Let’s face it—golf clubs aren’t cheap to run. In 2025, the biggest financial pressures facing Irish clubs include:
Rising wages and staffing shortages
Higher energy and maintenance costs
Unpredictable weather events causing course damage
Despite these headwinds, many clubs are not scaling back—they’re investing more strategically. For example, we’ve seen clubs:
Review cost structures with a long-term view (multi-year budgeting vs. year-to-year firefighting)
Raise membership fees modestly, with clear communication around where the money goes
Diversify income through green fees, society days, weddings and events
Apply for government grants to improve facilities or support sustainable practices
Investing in Versatility - Enhancing Practice Facilities, Reviving Snooker Spaces, and Embracing the Rise of Padel Tennis, for example
One particularly strong trend is capital planning. More clubs are building 5- or 10-year rolling plans that include clubhouse upgrades, irrigation improvements and digital infrastructure—all supported by phased financial models and member consultation.
Grow Sport Tip:
Clubs that openly share their investment plans with members see higher buy-in and better renewal rates. Transparency builds trust.
Who’s Joining, Who’s Staying, and Who’s Leaving?
During the pandemic, golf in Ireland boomed. With other sports on pause, many people gave golf a try—and loved it. Club memberships rose sharply, especially among:
Women
Younger adults (20s–30s)
Families looking for outdoor activities
The good news? Most of those gains have been retained. But 2025 brings new challenges:
Younger members often have less time and more financial pressure
Women new to the game need ongoing support and an inclusive club culture
Clubs now compete with more casual, flexible options (like iGolf and social leagues)
So, what works?
Clubs that retain members best in 2025:
Offer flexible memberships (5-day, under-30, student, family, and pay-as-you-play)
Have active communication strategies (emails, apps, WhatsApp updates)
Provide a great onboarding experience for new members
Create vibrant social environments, not just good tee times
Two Hot Topics Grow Sport Is Watching in 2025
One - From Golf Club to Lifestyle Hub
Today’s golfer isn’t just playing 18 holes—they’re looking for:
Social connection
Wellness and fitness options
Family-friendly programming
Flexible working space or networking opportunities
Forward-thinking clubs are transforming into lifestyle destinations, offering:
Gym facilities or yoga sessions
Wine tastings, movie nights and community BBQs
Business breakfasts and networking events
Junior golf camps with parallel coffee mornings or parent clinics
This is no longer "extra"—it’s expected.
Two - The Sustainability Mandate
Sustainability is now a strategic and financial priority, not just a PR win.
We’ve seen clubs dramatically reduce energy costs by:
Installing solar panels or LED lighting
Using eco-friendly course machinery
Wildflower planting to reduce maintenance costs
Launching rainwater harvesting systems
Introducing robotic lawn mowers
More importantly, younger and more environmentally conscious members value these actions. Clubs that embrace sustainability aren’t just saving money—they’re becoming more attractive to the next generation of golfers.
Grow Sport Tip:
Need funding for sustainability projects? We help clubs navigate Sports Capital Grants, local energy supports and partnership funding.
So... What Does a Resilient Golf Club Look Like in 2025?
A resilient club doesn’t just survive—it thrives. It:
Plans 5–10 years ahead, not one season at a time
Knows its membership inside out and builds real relationships
Uses data to improve decision-making, not just gut feeling
Invests in course quality, club culture and sustainability
Adapts to changing lifestyles and offers flexible ways to belong
Ready to Build Your Strategy?
At Grow Sport, we don’t offer a standardised, one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't consider individual differences or specific needs, we work side-by-side with clubs to:
Review operations and financial health
Facilitate strategic planning sessions
Design membership models that match today’s golfer
Coach leadership teams through transitions and decisions
Whether you need a once-off strategic review or ongoing guidance, our team is here to support your success.
📩 Book a free 30-minute strategy call today: Click Here
Or visit www.growsport.ie for more insights.
