How do I keep my golf course’s tee sheet bookings steady while the sale is pending?

A pending sale tempts owners to coast or to cut costs. Resist both. Keep marketing going, keep the usual promotions and fill your event calendar on the same schedule as other years. Buyers will check the tee sheet as the deal moves, and a sudden dip will lead to questions.

Protect the course itself. Maintenance that is delayed to save money shows up in condition, which shows up in play. Keep the greens, carts and clubhouse in the shape regular golfers expect. Make sure staff know what is happening to the extent you are allowed to tell them, because anxious staff can pass worry on to customers.

Plan the buyer visits so they do not disrupt play. Schedule them at quiet times and use a short, consistent message if golfers ask. Agree with your lawyer what can be said and when. Track bookings weekly against the same weeks in earlier seasons and keep the log. If bookings change for reasons like weather or a closure, note it, so you can explain the shift. Your accountant can help you keep the books current through closing. Thank regular golfers and leagues as you normally would, since steady goodwill is part of what a buyer is acquiring.

Key takeaways

• Keep promotions, leagues and events on their usual schedule.
• Do not delay maintenance to save money before closing.
• Compare bookings weekly against earlier seasons and note the reasons.