How do I prepare my golf course’s member roster before showing it to buyers?

A roster tells a buyer how stable the course’s income is, but it also contains your members’ personal details. Plan what to share at each stage. Early on, show a summary: how many members in each category, how long they have stayed, what fees they pay and how many renewed lately. Leave names, contact information and payment details out.

Check your records first. Are the categories clear, are the fees correct, and do the numbers agree with the bank deposits? Note members who owe money, who have paid in advance or who hold special arrangements. A buyer will find these anyway, and your honesty up front saves time.

Think about member relations too. Decide when and how members will hear about the sale, and who will tell them. A rumour can do more harm than a plain announcement. Finally, ask your lawyer which details may be shared, with whom and after what, as personal information carries obligations. Your accountant can verify that the roster matches the financial statements, and a lender may ask for the same summary. Remove anything in the file that a buyer does not need, such as notes about individual members’ health or family matters.

Key takeaways

• Share a summary roster first and keep names for later.
• Check fees and renewals against bank deposits before sharing.
• Plan how and when members will hear about the sale.