Article contributed by Jordan Fuller
Golf may seem like a chilled out, take-your-time kind of game, but 18 holes can take a good few hours to get through and there are no pit stops along the way to refuel. If you don’t take your own snacks and water, you could find yourself dehydrating or struggling through a blood sugar dip halfway through your game.
Could introducing concession stands at golf courses be a worthwhile venture? The cons may seem to outweigh the pros at first glance, but it’s an interesting topic to explore. Here are some thoughts.
Would a Concession Stand at a Golf Course Be Used?
Every golfer knows that you play your round and meet back in the clubhouse for drinks and perhaps a meal afterwards. The 19th hole!
Golf is a very traditional game. Golfers meet, tee off, go through their 9 or 18 holes, and celebrate. The clubhouse is where community and socialization happens.
Would a concession stand challenge that tradition?
We’re not talking about a permanent stand in or near the clubhouse or pro shop. There’d be little need for an extra store, as the clubhouse or pro shop could simply stock those items.
We’re talking about a portable concession stand out on the course, where the action is.
Everyday Use
Between teeing off and returning to the clubhouse, golfers rely on their own snacks and water to see them through as they make their way to the 18th hole.
Not everybody is going to need a snack, though. Many golfers may carry a small snack bar in case they need a little extra energy. Water may be more important, and running out of it along the way could lead to dehydration.
Cooked food would most likely be a waste out on the course. Golfers aren’t going to want a full meal in the middle of their game.
So, would a concession stand be a worthwhile addition to the course for everyday use?
Let’s look at some pros and cons of having a concession stand out on the course.
Pros:
- Provide water and snacks on-the-go for golfers.
- Bring in some extra income for the golf course.
- Could sell extras like tees, golf balls, or sunscreen.
- No market for hot food or cooked food.
Cons:
- Due to the size of a course and the nature of golf, business could be extremely slow.
- May not be able to make enough to cover the cost of being there.
- If the stand is moveable, getting it onto the course may damage the grass.
Considering the above, it could seem like a concession stand on a golf course as a daily thing wouldn’t be a worthwhile endeavor.
Tournaments & Events
Although an everyday stand on a golf course may not work well, golf events and tournaments could be where the concession stand really shines.
Of course, this would be best suited to a portable concession stand. Golf tournaments have a group of players, and usually also attract family and friends and supporters of those players, as well as general golf fans.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of having a concession stand at a golfing tournament or event.
Pros:
- Large non-golfing crowd of consumers.
- Snacks may sell better due to the time-consuming nature of golf.
- Scope for business is higher as you can move from event to event.
- Could sell cooked food, snacks, and accessories.
Cons:
- May struggle to find the right place for the stand to park.
It would seem that having a concession stand at golf tournaments would be worthwhile, and has a much higher chance of making a profit than one parked on a golf course daily.
Other Things to Consider
Fees
Most events will charge a fee for you to sell to their patrons. There are two types of fees:
- Flat fee: single cost.
- Percentage fees: a percentage of your earnings on the day.
Find out which one the event charges beforehand, so you don’t get caught out.
Type of Food
Would the event be better suited to fast food or snacks? You may want to do a spot of research on the event and find out the anticipated numbers and how long spectators usually stick around for before deciding.
Conclusion
Are concession stands at golf courses worth it? It depends! Daily use, perhaps not. But having a concession stand at a golfing tournament could be far more successful.
