Glenview's Golf Clubs 2012 Growth Report

The Glenview Park District announced that its 18-hole Glenview Park Golf Club will complete the 2012 golf season with year-over-year growth in several areas. As of November 30, golf rounds were up 6 percent and overall revenue was up 11 percent with cart rental revenue up 23 percent.

Believing that the golf industry can start gaining positive momentum, the Glenview Park District found creative ways to grow their golf operations with a variety of programming options. 

Approximately 500 children participated in both the Glenview Park Golf Club and the Glenview National 9 Golf Club youth club programs — a roughly 20 percent increase over 2011 youth involvement. 

National 9 is the Glenview Park District’s 9-hole course that offered a new cutting edge method for combining overall athletic and golf skill building in a fun, fast-paced environment. The Glenview Park Golf Club paired their golf instruction programs with swimming and tennis components to provide kids variety. 

“Golf is truly catching on among the younger generation. We offered a good mix of fun opportunities this summer to attract the first-time golfers and those looking to improve their game,” said Ron Cassidy, manager of golf operations for the Glenview Park District. 

Throughout the 2012 golf season, the Club also introduced new creative programming options to bring more golfers to the course including mixed leagues designed for singles, couples, co-workers, neighbors or friends who want to enjoy a relaxing twilight round of golf. The league was designed so golfers could meet, socialize and play with other golfers.

The Club also offered free live entertainment on Friday nights which drew hundreds of people both golfers and non-golfers. During the summer months, live performances from entertainers such as an ‘Elvis’ impersonator to Steel Drum Bands descended on the club’s outdoor gazebo and patio for food, drinks, entertainment and dancing. 

The favorable weather also played a key role in the increase in rounds and revenue this golf season. The early start to the season and consistent weather conditions experienced throughout the season in the Chicago area kept the golfers on the course.  It was a relatively dry golf season and sustained warmer temperatures during the summer months. This allowed for golfers to get out and play a round or participate in their leagues more often than not.

“We are thrilled with the growth that we are seeing at the Club and we know golf is making a comeback in the community,” commented Cassidy.

Cassidy is keeping the momentum going by offering winter indoor group golf lessons and private lessons so golfers can keep their skills sharp while the course is closed for the season.  He is even offering a new Indoor Bags League this winter to attract new people to the Club.

“Thinking outside the box with new creative ways to draw people to the Club has paid off this year along with some friendly help from Mother Nature.  Golf is a great game and it is fun to see it on the up-swing,” said Cassidy.

For more information on any program or to book a tee time at the Glenview Park Golf Club, please call 847-724-0250 or visit www.golfglenview.com.

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