Page 10 - GBC summer ENG 2023

Message From The CEO, NGCOA Canada • Jeff Calderwood
The First Tee
Golf’s 2023 Forecast
The song claims that...“The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!” But should Canadian golf course operators don those sunglasses for 2023, or not?
Our cover story in this edition of Golf Business Canada features a forward-looking profile of the Business Outlook for this golf season. Compiling from various sources of research data, including a comprehensive NGCOA Canada survey of hundreds of golf course operators from coast to coast, we offer some evidence-based reporting on the forecast for success.
Generally speaking, golf course operators remain quite optimistic heading into the 2023 season. As you will read, their aggregate survey responses quantify some confident growth targets despite rounds played trending down from the pandemic-driven peak and some economic headwinds that we are all facing.
So, either golf is going to be one of the exceptions this year, outperforming general business forecasts, or Canadian golf course operators are wearing rose- coloured glasses when budgeting their 2023 targets. We provide you with the data, and then you be the judge.
In keeping with the forward-looking theme, this issue of Golf Business Canada also presents some timely departmental articles on some trending operational issues. On the technology front, writer Jason Wilson profiles the benefits of open-source Application Programming Interfaces (API) for golf course systems to integrate with each other. Wilson notes some of the customer service enhancements and operational efficiencies of such APIs, while also explaining the costs that may need to be considered.
For your F&B department, we profile some current trending in your beer categories. Authored by Trevor Grant, the article highlights some great opportunities to connect the shifting demographics of your golfers, and their new preferences, to the right beverage offerings. “Cheers to Change!”
Jordan Vizena introduces a new NGCOA Canada program to leverage the exceptionally high latent demand for golf. “Welcome to Golf” is an adult beginner program that encourages a more welcoming first impression. With a launch date of May 22, 2023 you are encouraged to register to participate in this valuable yet complimentary program.
We also delve into the opioid crisis and your golf course’s opportunity to potentially save lives with Naloxone. Recent and additional pending legislation requires your attention to this important matter. Written by Marcel Lapointe, he shares his pharmaceutical expertise as it applies to the critical impact of Naloxone management at your golf course.
Enjoy this issue of Golf Business Canada and all the best for your 2023 golf season. Hopefully you will need those shades!
Jeff Calderwood, CEO NGCOA Canada jcalderwood@ngcoa.ca
10Golf Business Canada