As we move into 2026, the challenges facing golf course managers remain the same: rising maintenance costs, labour shortages, and increasing competition for leisure time.
In this context, simply increasing green fee prices is not a sustainable strategy.
To achieve genuine growth, managers must identify the “leaks” in their current operations and take advantage of new digital revenue streams.
The objective is to maximise the value of every customer who steps onto your property (or visits your website).
Below are 7 actionable strategies to improve your bottom line this year, moving beyond basic marketing towards true operational optimisation with Golfmanager.
Implement a Dynamic Pricing Strategy
Fixed pricing is obsolete. Airlines and hotels abandoned it decades ago, and golf courses should do the same.
Dynamic pricing is not just about discounting on a rainy Tuesday; it is about maximising the yield of your Tee Sheet at all times.
Use Golfmanager to set up automated pricing rules. If your Saturday morning block is already 80% sold by Wednesday, the system should automatically increase the remaining tee times by 15%.
This allows you to capture the premium that last-minute bookers are willing to pay.
Eliminate “No-Shows” with Advance Payments
A booked tee time that is not played is revenue lost forever. You cannot resell that inventory tomorrow.
The most effective approach is to move away from “pay at reception” towards full online payment or, at the very least, require a card deposit.
Modern booking engines remove friction from digital payments. By securing commitment upfront, you virtually eliminate no-shows and significantly improve cash flow.
Monetise the “Off-Course” Experience
Weather is one of golf’s biggest revenue threats — but it does not have to be. If space allows, invest in indoor simulators. They turn rainy days and winter evenings into peak revenue hours.
With Golfmanager, simulator bays can be managed exactly like on-course tee times.
Use the same booking engine, so booking a simulator is as easy as booking a round. This keeps the tills ringing even when the course is closed.
Automate Membership Fee Collection
Large upfront annual fees are a barrier for younger golfers (Millennials and Gen Z).
Shift towards a subscription-based model. Offer automated monthly payments similar to a gym membership or Netflix subscription.
Golfmanager’s recurring billing tools automatically handle SEPA direct debits or card payments. This smooths cash flow throughout the year and lowers the entry barrier for new members.
Sell Based on Data, Not Guesswork
Stop sending generic newsletters to everyone. They are intrusive and ineffective. Instead, use your CRM data for targeted cross-selling.
Segment your database to identify players who have not visited in three months (retention) or those who consistently book on Fridays.
Send a specific offer to the Friday group: “Book your usual tee time and receive a free box of balls.” Personalised offers convert far better than mass campaigns.
A Unified Platform for Daily Operations
Increasing revenue in 2026 is not about finding more golfers, but about extracting more value from the ones you already have and removing operational friction that prevents them from spending.
To execute these strategies effectively, you need a platform that connects your tee sheet, F&B operations, inventory, and customer data.
Book a demo with Golfmanager, and we will show you all these tools live.
FAQ: Maximising Revenue at a Golf Course
Q: How does software help with revenue management?
A: It centralises data to enable dynamic pricing, automated marketing to re-engage inactive players, and a unified inventory system to sell online 24/7.
Q: What are “Hybrid Golf” revenues?
A: Revenue generated from non-traditional activities such as indoor simulators or gamified driving ranges. These are critical because they are weather-proof and extend the club’s operating hours into the evening.
Q: When should a golf course start using dynamic pricing?
A: As soon as the course has enough booking data to identify demand patterns by day, time, and season. Even mid-sized facilities can benefit from dynamic pricing by adjusting rates based on tee sheet occupancy, booking window, and peak demand periods.
Q: Can software help increase secondary revenue beyond green fees?
A: Yes. Modern golf management software connects tee times with F&B, retail, simulator bookings, and CRM data. This allows clubs to drive higher spend per player through pre-orders, targeted offers, and seamless cross-selling before, during, and after the round.
