IntelliTurf.com

With the economy slowing and many people worried about their career and possibly their livelihood, some with an entrepreneurial spirit may want to look at all the possibilities in the golf world. Golf has seen explosive growth over the past 10 years and combining one’s passion and career has never been a bad choice.

Golf business opportunities for those wanting to own their own business vary greatly in start up costs, lifestyle and what factors influence success. The main areas for golf business opportunities are retail stores, teaching facilities, driving ranges, golf courses and golf design and installation. We will take the sectors one at a time and discuss the costs, lifestyle and factors for success.

Retail Golf Shops

Retail businesses depend greatly on location. Any business depends on location, but if you want to cover the overhead that is required to build and maintain a retail golf shop, location is probably the key factor. Overhead is another. Finding the right balance between the publics desire for your products, most popular brands and offerings and offsetting these with the interest or upfront payments is very difficult. What products are you going to carry? What amount? The one thing that can kill a retail golf business is to have inventory that is outdated. You must have the correct products, the correct amount of that product, get this inventory out the door before the next batch comes along. The costs of start up are high, your factors for success are location and inventory management. Overhead, rent, labor, utilities, advertising and interest payments on inventory, is very high.  With heavyweights like Edwin Watts, PGA Superstore, online sources like TGW (the golf warehouse) and competition from every golf course that exists make the job of separating your store building a loyal following extremely difficult.

The final factor is lifestyle and again this is where a retail store is very difficult in the beginning.  You are tied to the space for hours, weekends and holidays.  Long hours and at least in the beginning a schedule that is not very flexible.

Teaching Facilities

A new segment of the golf industry has popped up in the past 10 years or so, the indoor teaching facility. The technology advances in video, light sensors, movement sensors and digital analytics have found their way into most teaching facilities. These wonderful contraptions do not require the teacher to see where the ball is hit. They can build a golf swing without ever seeing a golf shot longer than 10 yards.

These indoor facilities are similar to retail golf shops in that they have rent and overhead. The product is not inventory, but intellectual in nature. The costs up front include all the analytical equipment, build out of the retail or office space and the hiring of staff and teachers.  Also your marketing and advertising costs to drive people in for a lesson or evaluation must be considered.

The factors for success depends on your technology, teachers who run and analyze the technology and the reputation you build in the community.   Your revenue stream is limited to the hours taught and series of lessons sold.  The competition works at every golf course and driving range.  Large metropolitan markets will probably work best where golf is not readily available.

The lifestyle considerations are similar to a retail store.  Because the facility is indoor, you will probably want to book lessons as late as 9 p.m.  Evenings and weekends are definitely part of the equation.

Driving Ranges

Land and location must deliver the right fit for the large start up cost and the ability to drive traffic to service the debt.  The higher quality facilities continually re-invest and update the property.  Those that don’t update seem to die a slow death.  The first factor and most important will be the cost of the land.

Long hours are also part of a driving range golf business.  Open all the time even with lights in the evening will be required.  If you can instill the proper controls to ensure your staff is honest, the required level of expertise is minimal leaving you with a managerial role and less time glued to the property.

Golf Courses

Finding the right property to build a golf course or the right course to take over and improve requires years of experience or requires hiring the proper consultants with the year of experience.  The advice of this author is to make sure the course is walkable.  The competition out there today will make it very difficult to survive long term if the property is not walkable and takes 5 hours to play.

Servicing the debt of the construction or the cost of purchase can be done through the profits of a driving range, greens fees and golf shop sales.  Hosting outing, tournaments and if possible using the clubhouse facilities are all possible revenue streams.

The start-up costs are extremely high and in this current market getting financing would be difficult.  Management and accounting experience in similar types of business would be required.  The most important employee on the property needs to be the superintendent.  The asset will be the golf course and if it is not maintained properly, the business will not survive long term.

Your lifestyle could be great if you can put all the pieces together and make the property profitable.  There is huge upside and downside risk.  Factors from the weather, taxes on golf courses, location, design and playability all must be considered to make this business work.

Golf Design and Construction

This is a low start up low overhead business that is project based.  If done properly, the costs would be figured before any type of work began and the profit would be known within a few percentage points during the research and concept phase.  Since you are reading this blog from a synthetic turf site, you will no doubt understand we put ourselves in this category.

The lifestyle is terrific and up to you to decide what you want to work on.  Customers could include land owners, developers and commercial  properties.  Single family residences are the largest potential customer base but multi-family housing, schools, churches, and any property with open spaces could be the canvas you design and construct golf greens, shots and holes.

The factors for success depend on your ability to build an organization that will help you build a business.  With the help of a company like IntelliTurf Franchising, Inc. you will have the tools and knowledge necessary to build a great company.

Low start up, flexible schedule and a market that is still in its infancy lead to a possible business opportunity in the golf business that would appeal to you.  The competition is not the PGA Tour, established golf courses or top 100 golf instructors.

We invite you to investigate the thoughts touched on earlier in this entry and see for yourself why a design and construction business is the best opportunity in the world of golf today.

IntelliTurf, Inc., www.IntelliTurf.com, a leader in synthetic putting greens, lawn systems and play areas, with business roots that date back to 1998, is now offering 100% recyclable golf greens and lawn systems.

Atlanta, GA (January, 2008) IntelliTurf, Inc. is the first synthetic turf company to our knowledge to make a commitment to 100% recyclable turf for our golf greens, lawn systems and play areas. Our surfaces no longer have to be a detriment to the environment.

For years our products have eliminated the need for irrigation saving untold amounts of water. Synthetic Turf maintenance compared to natural grass also greatly reduces emissions. These have been great benefits of our products. In keeping with that tradition, we now can further reduce our environmental impact by recycling the entire backyard golf green or play area.

After 10 years in business and thousands of square feet installed, what changed? The backing of the turf

Almost all synthetic turf produced today for lawns or recreation has a backing produced from urethane. After 8 to 10 years of use, the only place urethane backed turf goes is the landfill. Utilizing fibers that have been around for decades made from Olefin, IntelliTurf products do not have to find the landfill at the end of their life cycle.

The entire package: From the fibers to the adhesive and now the backing, IntelliTurf only installs golf greens and lawns that can be recycled for thousands of products from diapers to car batteries to the construction of highways. By only installing greens and lawns that can be recycled, our surfaces will make an even greater impact toward a green society.

IntelliTurf distributes it surfaces through our golf business franchises in the United States and looks to expand internationally in 2008. IntelliTurf works with qualified individuals as well as businesses to deliver the highest quality backyard putting greens, synthetic lawns, playgrounds, and other recreational landscaping.

Throughout our years in business customers, companies and colleagues have expressed interest in developing their own synthetic turf business. While installing our artificial turf for backyard putting greens or playgrounds, other contractors or neighbors on the job site would approach us about the products and the business. Now with the innovation of recyclable turf, our business is more attractive than ever. Lars Skylling who owns IntelliTurf of Southern Utah knows how desperate the west is for potable water: “The water shortages will continue to affect everyone across the west as populations grow. Helping to save water while installing a beautiful artificial lawn or backyard golf putting green that does not further negatively impact the environment is nothing short of amazing.”

Franchise Information:

Patrick Flynn

1 800 490 2971

Franchise@IntelliTurf.com

Contact Information:

IntelliTurf, Inc.

PO Box 8685

Atlanta, GA 31106

404 392 2783

IntelliTurf.com

What is the secret to a great short game in golf? Competition

 

At most any golf course during the summer months if you hang around the putting green and chipping areas you will stumble on a group of juniors playing games and competing against each other. Watching juniors roll 15 and 20 foot putts without fear will make more seasoned golfers remember their youth. How can you develop the feel and touch of a tour player? The answer is simple, start competing with anyone you can find to play with you.

 

Driving ranges have changed the way the game is played and the way the business of golf is run. Sure you need to have the long game to compete at any level. Jack Nicklaus has always said the most important club in his bag is the driver. If you are not in play, there is not much hope for your score, game or wallet. Once you are in play and down the fairway what should you develop next?

 

Over 80% of golf is played within 120 yards of the hole. Your putter and wedges are a close second to the driver as far as the clubs in your bag are concerned. If you can get the driver in play and get up and down from anywhere around the green, then you are in a elite group of scratch golfers.

 

Sam Snead always said he wished he would have practiced his wedges more and not worried about hitting 5 irons on the range.

 

In today’s world, how can you spend hours practicing your short game? Where can you find others to compete against? The answer is closer than you realize. Your backyard and your neighborhood is where you should start.

 

Artificial Turf has come a long way over the past decade and continues to get better every year. Experience installers are in most areas of the country and can install backyard putting greens that play very similar to natural grass without much maintenance. Your children, neighbors, and friends will love spending quality time in the privacy of your home playing, practicing, and competing for hours on end.

 

Two great benefits are overlooked about backyard putting greens. One is that colleges are offering scholarships to girls if they can break 100. If you teach your daughter how to hit a driver and she learns how to chip and putt in the backyard, college could be paid for. The other occurs for adults who are just taking up the game of golf. Learning how to chip and putt in a private setting eliminates any embarrassment and reluctance for adults.

 

One last tip for building a great short game, try to hole out every single chip or putt. Here is the logic behind that statement. If you have one dart and all you have to do is hit the dart board for $1 Million, what are you going to think about? If it was me, my mind and eyes are going to be on the bull’s eye. If I miss by a little, I will still hit the board. Another way to think about it is to aim small and miss small.

 

Best of luck with your golf pursuits and get a backyard putting green installed. Your family, friends, neighbors, and short game will thank you.

 

Author: Stan Pennington, Principal

IntelliTurf, Inc.

www.intelliturf.com

stan@intelliturf.com

4043922783

Synthetic Golf Course Construction

Order of Project:

Design of Course Layout and Routing

Clearing of holes

Shaping of greens, Tees, and Bunkers

Rock Removal in playing areas

Greens and Tees installation

Bunker installation

Irrigation Installation

Sod or Seeding/Sprigging

Grow in Period- 2-3 weeks for sod and 6-8 weeks for seeding/sprigging

Drainage Installation

Maintenance of Synthetic Tees and Greens

Maintenance of natural grass areas and bunkers

Conclusion

Design of Course Layout and Routing

IntelliTurf, based on customer interviews, will survey the area or areas designated for a golf course and deliver the different options to inform all involved of the possibilities available.

Clearing of holes

Once the layout and design of the project has passed the appropriate approval process, tree removal and land preparation will begin to manage the flow of water, playability of the course, and all safety concerns addressed in the layout and routing.

Shaping of Greens, Tees, and Bunkers

Movement of dirt to form the playing area of the course and desired shots outlined in the layout and routing will be installed.

Rock Removal in playing areas

Before any grass can be installed on a golf course, all large rocks must be removed to allow for safe conditions in fairways and primary rough. These areas will be known once the final shaping of the course has been completed.

Greens and Tee Installation

Greens and Tees require rock road bases to be installed under the synthetic turf. This base is around 6 inches in depth and is necessary to create a foundation for the playing surfaces. A single green will take 2-3 days of good weather to install.

Bunker installation

Sand traps or bunkers require drainage and a proper drainage system that reduce maintenance and add to the playing experience. Each Bunker can be installed in 4-5 hours of good weather.

Irrigation Installation

Fairways, the area between the tee box and the green, require irrigation to help preserve the capital expenditure that will be made growing natural grass. During droughts and installation the natural grass will require more water than Mother Nature would provide. Irrigation should be planned as the golf course is routed, but when using synthetic tees and greens, irrigation costs can be reduced by only installing where natural grass will reside and not water the synthetic surfaces.

Sod or Seeding/Sprigging

Sod or seeding/sprigging are the choices a golf course owner has when building a golf course. The installation of sod is the most expensive choice and you get what you pay for. The coverage of playing areas that sod creates cannot be matched for many years when compared to seeding/sprigging. Sod can grow in and be played on in 2 to 3 weeks. Seeding and Sprigging are less expensive and take more time to grow in than Sod. These methods vary, but usually are not ready for play for 8 weeks of growth.

Growth Period

Once the natural grass has been installed, there is a period of time that the course must remain closed to protect the new turf. This period varies depending on the application chosen and the weather during this period. Once the grass has been mown several times and good coverage has been achieved, play can begin.

Drainage Installation

Many debates have occurred on exactly when drainage pipes are installed. When using synthetic surfaces on tees and greens, most projects are very budget sensitive. Identifiable areas where water will collect can be resolved during the shaping phase of construction. Most problems can be eliminated with proper shaping. Problems that occur after natural turf installation and unforeseen areas that are in play or are unsightly, can and should be handled after the grow in period of the natural turf. Some problems will be taken care of by the natural grass and others can be solved most economically once the entire situation is surveyed. Attempting to solve all drainage issues at any other point in the construction process will result in excessive installation of drainage and is seen by IntelliTurf, Inc. as a waste of precious funds.

Maintenance of Synthetic Tees

Two main problems will occur over the life of the tee areas. The first is relevant to all grass maintenance and that is grass will attempt to grow across man made surfaces. Just like your driveways and sidewalks, the edges of synthetic turf surfaces will need to be trimmed. Commercial edging machines are by far the fastest way to accomplish this, but a flat head shove works just fine. The second problem pertains to the sand in-fill of the hitting surface. About ½ inch of sand is place in the turf fibers during construction to provide stability for the turf and a quality hitting surface for the golfer. Over time this sand will be removed by golf clubs striking the synthetic turf surface. This sand must be replaced.

Total time for Tee box maintenance will depend on the size of the surface, but edging should be done as needed and at a minimum of once a month. Resanding will depend on use but should be performed at the beginning, middle, and end of each season at a minimum. Man hours required to perform maintenance on an on course teeing area will be no more than 2-3 hours per season per tee.

Maintenance of Synthetic Greens

Maintaining the edges of synthetic greens is no different than the tee boxes described above. Grass will grow in and on to the surface and must be removed. Killing the grass with weed killer such as roundup is fine. The fibers of the greens are made in such a way that you can alter the speed of the green. Bushing and rolling the surface to attain the desired speed and smoothness must be done at the beginning of each season and performed as needed throughout the year. Keeping any large debris off the surface is also recommended. Man hours required to keep the greens playing like new are 3-5 hours per season per green at the maximum.

Maintenance of Natural Grass and Bunkers

This is the most expensive area of maintenance of golf courses that utilize synthetic tees and greens. Fairways, primary rough, and bunkers all require periodic maintenance. Fairways will need to be mown twice a week during growing seasons. Fairways also require irrigation, fertilizing, and every few years’ aeration. Bunkers need to be raked 3 times per week to maintain playability and to prevent vegetation growth. With Synthetic Greens and Tees, the recommended maintenance of the rest of the course requires 25 to 50 man hours per week. 9-hole par 3 courses can get away with one employee 2 days a week and 18-hole par 72 courses may require one full-time employee.

Conclusion

IntelliTurf approaches each project with the mindset of maintenance elimination. The synthetic surfaces require maintenance and natural grass most definitely requires attention and man hours to play like a proper golf course. Through the use of native grasses, design aspects that are challenging and beautiful but do not place extra burden on maintenance requirements, and common sense when dealing with mother nature, golf courses using synthetic tees and greens can deliver a playing experience that is very economical when compared to natural grass without sacrificing shot values and the enjoyment of the traditional game of golf.

Author: Stan Pennington, Principal

IntelliTurf, Inc.

www.intelliturf.com

stan@intelliturf.com

4043922783

IntelliTurf, Inc., synthetic putting greens, lawn systems and play areas, with business roots that date back to 1998, is now open for business out west.

Park City, UT (PRWEB) January 17, 2008 — Lars Skylling an entrepreneur and avid golfer wants to help the people of Park City and Salt Lake as well as everyone in Utah with the water shortage while adding to their standard of living. He has opened IntelliTurf of Southern Utah and can be found on the web at www.Utah.IntelliTurf.com.

During his research of potential ventures, Mr. Skylling found a recreational business he knew would be fun but also noticed how IntelliTurf’s products help save water and reduce emissions when compared to the maintenance of natural grass.

IntelliTurf installs 100% recyclable Golf Greens and Lawn Systems so after 8 to 10 years of a beautiful lawn or golf green, property owners will not add to land fills. Mr. Skylling knew the resort area of Park City, with the vacation homes that are used sparingly but maintain green lawns all summer, and the golf crazed are of St. George could both be great markets for these surfaces. The large number of Multi-housing developments, parks and neighborhood amenity areas of Salt Lake also create a great opportunity to save water while adding to the recreational offerings.

IntelliTurf installs golf greens that hold shots and putt just like natural grass. The lawn and playground systems reveal turf that appears very natural but require little maintenance. The bocce and croquet courts along with our sports products round out the full line of recyclable surfaces IntelliTurf of Southern Utah creates.

From St. George to Salt Lake and from Moab to Park City, IntelliTurf of Southern Utah is doing its part to add value to properties, enjoyment to the owners and keeping Utah “the right place” for future generations.

IntelliTurf is currently selling golf business franchises in all states and is looking forward to more western expansion. IntelliTurf works with qualified individuals as well as businesses to deliver the highest quality backyard putting greens, synthetic lawns, playgrounds, and other recreational landscaping.

The Franchise Business Opportunity created by IntelliTurf is the most comprehensive business system in the synthetic turf industry. The training, marketing, support and products we provide delivers an opportunity to serve communities with the knowledge and experience customers require.

IntelliTurf of Southern Utah Contact Information:
Skylling Turf, LLC
Lars Skylling
PO Box 980172
Park City, UT 84098
435 901 3317

IntelliTurf Franchise Information:
Patrick Flynn
1 800 490 2971