By Christina Egan | Director of Membership | National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA)
Anyone who owns or operates a golf course knows there is never a shortage of things to figure out. From staffing and rising costs to technology, customer expectations, and everything that comes with running a business, every day brings something new. And while every golf course is different, one thing we hear over and over again is how valuable it is to have someone to turn to, someone who understands.
That is one of the things that makes membership in the NGCOA so meaningful. Yes, membership provides access to resources, education, programs, and industry connections. But at the heart of it, membership is about people. It is about having a community of fellow owners and operators who understand what you are going through and are willing to share what they have learned along the way.
Over the past several months, our team has spent more time on the road, visiting golf courses and meeting with owners and operators. We have visited both NGCOA member and nonmember courses, and some of the most valuable conversations have happened simply by sitting down together and talking about the business. These visits give us the opportunity to hear what is really happening at the course level. What challenges are operators facing? What is working? What keeps them up at night? And, just as importantly, where can NGCOA be more helpful?
No two courses operate exactly the same way, but we continue to find that many of the challenges are shared. An idea that works for one operator may be exactly what another needs to hear. Sometimes the most valuable part of membership starts with a simple conversation.
We know that the business of golf is changing quickly. Artificial intelligence is a great example. There is a lot of conversation around AI right now, but for many golf course owners and operators, the bigger question is: How can I actually use this at my course?
To help answer that question, NGCOA hit the road and recently hosted two on-location AI workshops focused on practical applications for golf course businesses. Rather than simply talking about the technology, the goal was to give operators ideas they could take back to their courses and start using. Questions led to ideas, ideas led to discussion, and operators were able to learn from one another.
Connection does not always require getting on a plane or driving from state to state. Our virtual roundtables have become another great way for NGCOA members to connect with owners and operators across the country. These conversations provide a place to discuss timely topics, ask questions, share experiences, and hear how other courses are approaching similar challenges.
One of the best parts is realizing that you are not alone. Maybe another operator is dealing with the same staffing issue. Maybe someone has found a creative way to increase revenue or improve customer engagement. Maybe a conversation simply gives you a different perspective on a problem you have been trying to solve. Those connections can be incredibly valuable, and they often continue beyond the roundtable itself.
When we talk about membership, it is easy to focus on the tangible benefits: educational opportunities, resources, programs, networking, and savings. All of those things are important. But there is something else that may be even more important: community.
Owning and operating a golf course can sometimes feel like a very individual business. You are making decisions every day, often without having many people around you who truly understand the unique challenges of the job. NGCOA gives you a place to connect with people who do.
The strength of this association comes from members being willing to share their experiences, ask questions, offer advice, and learn from one another. Every course visit, roundtable, workshop, and conversation adds another connection to that network.
The golf industry has always been about bringing people together. The business side of golf should be no different. As NGCOA continues visiting courses, hosting conversations, and creating opportunities to connect, our goal is simple: to make sure golf course owners and operators have a community they can count on.
Membership is more than joining an organization. It is finding your people. And sometimes, the person who can help you solve your next challenge is not across the country or in a boardroom, it is another golf course owner or operator who has been there, too.
Christina Egan
Director of Membership, Southern Region
National Golf Course Owners Association
