50 Shades of Gray

From the National Golf Association, who have covered golf for over 80 years, through good times and bad. About the same number of golfers from 35 to 49 as there is 65+. There are more age 50 to 64 golfers than either of those groups. Women, minority, and junior golf are up. This really isn't new information. Too many click bait articles over the years.

We should try to stay away from generational stereotypes. In most cases they only apply to about 20% of the age group and that is usually the top 20% in income, and they aren't the ones that will be moving here.

 

They’ve been moving here since 1960. What makes you think they won’t move here in the future?

 

In 1960 we were the only choice. As the years rolled by and huge numbers of seniors were retiring early, we were perfectly situated; cheap rates and lots of tee times. Boomers were an endless stream of potential buyers, though as far back those early years, DEVCO's projections were always between 12-15% of the population would be attracted by golf.

That said, the green space is an added benefit to the community. With roughly 300 homes on full sized 18 hole golf courses, those lots were popular to more buyers than just golfers. The green space out back was cooler and much prettier to look at. The downside was the constant parade of golfers passing by reduced their privacy but i suspect most lot owners were quite comfortable sharing their view and enjoying the community feel.

You asked earlier what the answer was/is Larry and honestly, i have no idea. I have suggested come November when most of the winter visitors are back and the RCSC has hired a new director of golf, they hold a meeting for golfers to gather and talk openly about the challenges. Nope, not suggesting they threaten, scare or do anything more than start engaging the community of golfers and make them owners of the decisions that will need to be made in the coming years.

I was shocked, just the other day i read a letter to the editor regarding the Sun City West golf courses and the folly of selling them off to a private corporation. Apparently it was in response to a suggestion to do just that. I agree, selling them was a dumb/bad idea. For now, the question has to be asked, how many golf courses will we need in 10 years? No one knows for sure, maybe less, maybe the same, maybe more (doubtful). The point is we need to be pro-active and forward thinking. I liked John's answer to you as it incorporates a bigger picture look than just golf courses.

Here's what we do know: Those retirees that are well heeled and have the money, that want to play on quality courses won't be buying in Sun City. Those golfers who just want to play a bunch of courses at a good price will certainly look at Sun City; which leads me to one of my pet peeves, we've really done a piss poor job of marketing golf in Sun City. I've never quite understood that.

 

Bill,

Item K in BP 32 states the GM is responsible for marketing so it makes sense marketing has been neglected.

 

Hopefully the new golf director will be open minded and listen to suggestions.

 

That would be my hope as well Larry and let me be even more expansive and suggest the new guy listen to the entire golf community and not just those who bought the full play pass. One of my frustrations came as members argued we needed to treat those living outside the walls better because they were "good people." I'm sure they were, but Sun City was built for the members first. Subsidizing outsiders and then giving them preferential treatment over members (by playing in large groups), was nuts. I watched many of my neighbors and friends be bumped to accommodate those "good people."

We've been trapped in an archaic structure and Brian (who was also a good guy), simply clung to what he knew. Like i've said often, not my job to figure it out and frankly i'm not that smart to even know where to start. It's why ownership by the golfing community is important/critical. It is way to important to Sun City's future. Like i've written often, we are a golfing community and we will be for a very long time to come.

We need to get it right, take care of the membership first and then start marketing the community and the attraction to play 8 different courses with never having to leave Sun City to do it. Improving course maintenance has to become a priority, at times it's looked more like an afterthought.

 

That “small group” crap, allowing groups of 30 or more to have prime tee times is ridiculous. They get preferential treatment and book tee times way in advance of members. Let’s book them starting at 1:00 pm and see how that works.

 

I tried to address this and was shut down in Oct 2023. Particularly when confusion was released regarding how many "small" groups there really were. Some "outside" "small" groups referenced.

I did my own research on golf capacity and how it affected available t-times . . . . when I heard 8 groups - I didn't think that was that impactful, but later in the GAC it came out that there were 7 "outside" small groups. Total of 15 confirmed in the meeting. Then when I asked later about it, it was swept under the rug and I was the problem.

I think moving the t-times to before 8:00 am helped - but I understand they are still booking some at just after 8:00. I was given a reason that I'm not sure made sense.

Bottom line - golf needs attention - true research and alternatives.

 

I agree 100% with SBB - We need to do th research to develop alternatives to keep golf healthy and sustainable!