Should Your Golf Club Offer Membership Deals on Black Friday? 

Golf club general manager looking at black friday membership offers
By Matt Smith - 19/11/24

Black Friday for Golf Clubs?

When it comes to attracting new members, golf clubs often rely on traditional methods, and in some cases, hoping people join! Word of mouth, reputation, and seasonal promotions and some ways to generate and encourage more members. But what if your club tapped into the wider retail culture and offered Black Friday membership deals? 

At first glance, golf clubs and Black Friday might seem like an odd combination. However, the surge in online activity and the mindset of consumers presents a unique opportunity to grow membership. Let’s explore why offering golf club membership deals on Black Friday could be a winning strategy. 

Black Friday Is All About Deals 

Black Friday has evolved into a global phenomenon where consumers expect great deals, not only on gadgets or clothes but across a wide range of industries, including the golf industry. Offering a golf club membership offer during this period taps into the consumer mindset of snagging the best value for their money.  

People actively look for special promotions, and if your golf club offers a limited-time offer and creates FOMO, it could attract a whole new demographic who may not have considered joining before. Whatever the offer, Black Friday can create a sense of urgency, prompting immediate action. 

Timing Is Everything 

Winter months are traditionally slower for golf clubs. Offering Black Friday deals is a perfect way to boost sales and attract new members during a quieter period. By securing members before the spring season hits, you can stabilise revenue during the winter and build a strong membership base heading into your busiest months. 

Additionally, a Black Friday deal can align well with holiday shopping. Many people are in the mindset of purchasing gifts, so marketing your memberships as a voucher for example could appeal to families or individuals looking to give an experience rather than a physical product. 

Target New & Inactive Golfers 

A Black Friday membership promotion offers a fantastic opportunity to target two key groups: 

  • New golfers: With golf enjoying a resurgence in popularity, there’s an increasing number of novice golfers who might be interested in trying the sport but hesitant about committing to the full membership category. A flexible membership gives them an incentive to join and explore the benefits of club membership. 
  • Lapsed golfers: Past members or golfers who haven’t played in a while might be tempted to return to the course if the offer is too good to pass up. Black Friday deals offer them an easy way to reignite their passion for the game without a hefty financial commitment. 

Tailor the Offer for Maximum Impact 

Not all membership deals need to be deep discounts. You can get creative with your Black Friday offerings to appeal to different segments of potential members. Consider the following options: 

  • Discounted initiation fees: Waiving or reducing the joining fee for a limited time can be a great incentive for people who’ve been on the fence about joining. 
  • Flexible payment plans: Offer more affordable monthly payment options, making the membership easier to afford for a wider audience. 
  • Added perks: Bundle the membership with additional perks like free lessons, guest passes, or pro-shop credit for a limited period.
  • Free months: 14 months for the price of 12, but make sure they get the 2 free months at the end of their membership. 
  • Incentivise them in the bar: join now and receive £25 behind the bar is always a nice touch as it encourages them to get a drink, thus experiencing the membership as a member of the club 

By providing a variety of membership deals, you can cater to different budgets and golfing needs, ensuring that the promotion resonates with a broad spectrum of potential members. 

Capitalise on Digital Marketing 

Black Friday is becoming more and more of a digital event. So, be prepared to promote your membership deals across multiple online platforms. Not enough golf clubs utilise their online presence, and this needs to change. Use targeted social media ads, email marketing, and your website to get the word out about your exclusive offers. 

If your club has a presence on Facebook or Instagram, run ads highlighting the limited-time nature of the Black Friday deal. Make it easy for prospects to sign up online and use compelling visuals or video to encourage immediate action. It’s important to make the process as smooth as possible – if people can join with just a few clicks, your conversion rate is likely to be higher. 

Strengthen Long-Term Loyalty 

Once new members sign up, it’s crucial to make sure their experience exceeds expectations. Onboard them effectively, with a warm welcome and clear communication about how to take advantage of their membership. Offering orientation events, introductory lessons, or even setting them up with a “buddy” to help them get familiar with the club can create a sense of belonging right away. 

The goal of any Black Friday offer is to bring in members who stay long-term. By delivering excellent service and a sense of community, you can turn a one-time promotional offer into a loyal, returning membership base. 

Black Friday Membership Deals Conclusion 

So, should your golf club offer Black Friday membership deals? Absolutely! This period offers a unique opportunity to attract new members, increase revenue during the off-season, and capitalise on the consumer mindset that’s focused on value. 

By creating tailored offers, leveraging digital marketing, and ensuring that new members feel welcomed and engaged, you can turn a Black Friday promotion into a strategy that benefits your golf club for years to come. 

Black Friday isn’t just for new headphones, Alexa’s or hair straighteners! Your golf club can also reap the rewards of this shopping craze with the right approach!