A fantastic golf course is a draw for a number of reasons—the actual course, the pro shop, the amenities within the clubhouse and of course, the food and drinks available on site. For many golfers, a round with friends is a full day event. First, there’s the actual golf game, but then there’s a round of drinks and some delicious apps, or perhaps a full meal along with conversation that lingers into the evening. In addition to visiting the clubhouse before and after hitting the links, many golfers enjoy taking family and friends to dinner at their favourite golf club on special occasions. For many, birthday celebrations and anniversary dinners at the club have become tradition!
Knowing all of this, your golf course’s food and beverage offering must be exceptional in order to attract and maintain the business of local sports enthusiasts. Here are some tips for on and off the course—for personalized guidance from the Morton Food Service team, please contact us.
Tips for on the course:
- Make use of mobile beverage carts: Provide mobile beverage carts with a variety of drinks and snacks. Ensure carts are frequently stocked and cover the course regularly to offer convenience to players. (More on that below!)
- Provide quality and variety: Offer a mix of healthy snacks (fruits, nuts, protein bars) and indulgent options (candy, chips), along with a range of beverages including water, sports drinks, and alcoholic options like beer and cocktails.
- Have quick-service kiosks: Install quick-service kiosks or stands at strategic points on the course to provide easy access to food and beverages without causing delays in play.
- Promote your special event menus: Develop special menus for tournaments or events that can be pre-ordered and delivered on the course, enhancing the experience during competitions or special outings.
- Share all environmental considerations: Are you working towards a greener F&B service on the green? Use eco-friendly packaging and recycling stations to minimize environmental impact, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, and be sure to make your efforts clear to customers.
How to optimize your mobile beverage and snack offering
To ensure that your mobile beverage carts provide the right products at the right time without being intrusive or distracting to players, follow these best practices:
1. Strategic Scheduling and Routing:
- Peak Times Analysis: Analyze the peak times for each hole using historical data. Typically, mornings and late afternoons are busier.
- Pre-Planned Routes: Design routes that cover the course efficiently. Carts should pass each hole at least once per nine holes.
- Real-Time Adjustments: Use GPS tracking and real-time data to adjust routes dynamically based on player flow and demand.
2. Product Selection and Stock Management:
- Popular Items: Stock popular items based on player preferences, which can be determined through surveys and sales data.
- Variety and Freshness: Offer a mix of snacks, fresh fruit, and beverages (including non-alcoholic, alcoholic, and specialty drinks).
- Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust the stock based on seasonal preferences (e.g., more cold drinks in summer, hot beverages in cooler weather).
3. Staff Training and Customer Interaction:
- Service Etiquette: Train staff to be courteous and non-intrusive, understanding when to offer items and when to let players focus on their game.
- Speed of Service: Ensure staff are efficient in serving to minimize waiting time.
4. Technology Integration & Communication:
- Mobile Payments: Equip carts with mobile payment solutions to speed up transactions.
- Order Ahead: Implement a mobile app that allows players to order ahead and pick up their items at specific holes or locations on the course.
- Notifications: Use the golf course’s app to notify players of the cart’s location and special offers.
5. Promotions and Special Offers:
- Loyalty Programs: Offer incentives such as loyalty points for frequent purchases.
- Specials and Combos: Promote daily specials or combo deals to encourage sales.
6. Feedback Mechanism:
- Surveys: Regularly survey players to gather feedback on the product offerings and service quality.
- Data Analysis: Use feedback to refine the service and product selection continuously.
Example Mobile Cart Route Plan:
- Morning Route: Start at the 1st tee at 7am, with checkpoints every three holes. Complete the loop by 9 AM and then start a new round.
- Afternoon Route: Similar pattern starting at 12 PM, ensuring coverage during peak afternoon playtimes.
Product Stocking:
- Morning: Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, water, energy drinks, and fruit.
- Afternoon: Cold sandwiches, salads, various beverages (including craft beer and soft drinks), and snack bars.
By following these best practices, golf courses can enhance the player experience, optimize sales, and ensure the mobile beverage cart is a valued and efficient service without being a distraction.
Tips for in your dining facilities:
After the 18th hole, it’s back to the clubhouse. Here’s how to make the most of your dining space and provide optimal value to your guests.
- Offer Seasonal and Local Menus: Craft menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and local specialties, providing fresh and unique dining experiences that reflect the region’s cuisine.
- Provide High-Quality Service: Train staff to provide exceptional service, ensuring they are knowledgeable about the menu, courteous, and attentive to guests’ needs.
- Ensure Great Ambiance and Comfort: Create a comfortable and inviting dining atmosphere with appropriate décor, lighting, and seating arrangements. Consider the views of the course to enhance the dining experience.
- Respect Special Dietary Needs: Offer a variety of options for different dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other allergen-free choices to cater to all guests.
- Host Events and Promotions: Organized themed dining events, wine tastings, and special promotions to attract golfers and non-golfers alike. Regular events can create a buzz and increase repeat business.
By implementing these practices, golf courses can enhance their overall experience, making it enjoyable both on and off the green. These strategies not only improve customer satisfaction but also boost revenue from food and beverage services. Thanks for reading and as always, please contact your local Morton rep for personalized advice. We’d be glad to hear from you and look forward to discussing your independent food service operation’s needs and goals.