Mini golf continues to be popular.
It’s a great physical activity for all ages.
People continue to spend more time with their digital devices. But there is growing evidence that people want to do other things. Physical things. Interaction with other people in real life.
Mini golf might not see huge growth numbers in the future. But it’s a good business to be in.
Here are a few tips to boost your numbers in the coming years…
#1. Competitions
People love competition. They love to compete if they’re good at something and they love to watch competition. Even if it’s something like mini golf.
An annual competition might not gain attention right away. But with a long-term commitment it can become something big. And because just about everybody can do mini golf, there is no reason they wouldn’t at least be interested.
You can make the rules. You can test a few formats. Sometimes keeping it simple is the easiest.
#2. Strategic Design
No gimmicks. Easy bogey. Difficult birdie.
Strategic and traditional design is coming back in the real golf world. You can look to courses at Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley and more for traditional design that is great for all skill levels.
The general theme is easy bogey, difficult birdie.
With mini golf it usually works the same. People aren’t really in it for the windmills and crazy things. You could have a seeming flat mini golf setup with lots of subtle terrain changes that challenge people to get ones and twos, but that don’t slow things down so people can avoid 5s and 6s.
#3. Youth Policy & Membership
Golf has always been a game where the next generation can really be won over for their entire lives. It’s also true with mini golf.
Fred Couples, for example, was basically babysat by a golf course. His parents would drop him off with $1 everyday in the summer. He would golf all day and spend his dollar on a Coke and burger for lunch.
Parents would love for something similar with a regular golf course or even a mini golf course.
Now, you need a policy that helps teach kids proper etiquette and also certain skill so they’re respectful of the course and of others.
#4. Referral Partnerships
Other local businesses are your best friends. Hotels, restaurants and even places like auto shops and more. Make it a point to get to know all the businesses in your area. Especially those in close proximity.
You want them referring their customers to you every time those customers ask, “What is there to do in this town?”
#5. Video Marketing
Video is very popular. People seem to like reading, listening or watching. Video can be a great tool for bringing in interest.
With YouTube, Facebook and Instagram is really easy to post the video. Creating the video is still a little challenging. But you can start with the basics. Recording on your phone and seeing how it goes.
Document what is going on. People putting on the course. People laughing. The big competitions people are having that come down to the last putts.
Make it a point to try and post 3 short videos a day. Experiment from there.
#6. Event Hosting
This is an obvious one. Birthdays. Bachelor parties (could be trouble with drinking). And more. Mini golf lives by regular events that go on at the courses.
Try to time them as good as you can, in non-peak times for normal players. Easier said than done, but you can tweak it over time as you learn more.
#7. Event Marketing
Sponsoring events and bringing small greens. Even for weddings, conferences and more.
Take your show on the road and get involved in local events. You’re looking to raise awareness for your course just about anywhere. Leave people with something to remember. A golf ball with your logo would be a great free gift idea that people can take home, set in their junk drawer and see very time they grab a pen.
#8. Regular Maintenance & Tweaking
Your golf course is the attraction. Make sure to keep it clean and attractive. Make sure you’re maintaining the turf and the equipment. Save money each month for big expenses that come every few years. Also look to tweak things with the course and the surroundings that aren’t working as well as other areas.
Conclusion
Mini golf is a great activity for all ages and all skill levels. It’s something that has stood the test of time as a great physical activity outing for friends and family. It’s even fun for a getaway for employees for a business party.
Hopefully the ideas here can spark some inspiration for your course.
