Navigating labor shortages and employee retention in the golf industry

Strategies for success

In 2023, an estimated 26.6 million Americans engaged in on-course golfing activities¹, marking a notable increase of around one million participants in the span of one year.

As another golf season arrives and attendance numbers continue to show steady increases, General Managers need to prepare their businesses and teams for the busy season ahead more than ever before.

Labor shortages on the green: 2024 strategies for golf courses

Labor shortages continue to impact many industries, and golf course operations are no exception. From seasoned turfgrass professionals (agronomists) to talented chefs, finding and keeping skilled staff remains a challenge. Golf course managers face a balancing act: raising wages to be competitive attracts new hires, but significant increases can lead to rising membership fees, potentially affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Here at Entegra, we've also observed golf clubs implementing strategies to boost efficiency and optimize workforce allocation. Here are a few examples:

• Shifting to Grab-and-Go options: Some clubs have reduced staffing needs during weekdays by offering grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, along with on-course snack stands.
• Exploring unmanned micro-markets: Tech-forward clubs are even piloting unmanned micro-markets where members can make purchases without a cashier, with transactions automatically charged to their accounts.
• Optimizing kitchen operations and SKUs: Simple changes like using pre-cut ingredients or a shelf-stable base for soups and sauces can significantly improve kitchen prep times and staff productivity.

These are just a few examples; even small adjustments can make a big difference.

Utilizing temporary labor services

Temporary labor services have long been available to employers, but their value has become more evident as golf course managers grapple with labor shortages. Consider the deployment of cost-saving solutions for goods and services through a GPO like Entegra, which offers reduced prices on physical goods. Additionally, we provide access to discounted rates on services, including temporary labor, whether planned or on-demand.

Strategically employing temporary labor services during peak periods or staffing shortages, such as when golf courses host events and banquets, or during holiday periods when more golfers frequent the greens, can help maintain operational efficiency.

Entegra: We can be your labor solutions and efficiency partner in 2024

Implementing key hiring and retention strategies enables managers to effectively attract and retain talent in today's competitive labor market. As the golf industry evolves, Entegra offers a solution to address challenges and optimize operations. Serving as an extension of your procurement team, Entegra provides data and analytics to enhance purchasing, optimization and auditing processes, saving time and reducing your staff’s workload. With Entegra’s assistance, you’re empowered to concentrate on what you do best — managing the golf course and driving its success well into the future.

To learn more, please visit Entegra golf course solutions or feel free to Contact us for more information.

 

^[1] https://www.ngf.org/golfs-state-of-industry-in-3-minutes/