Golf Clubhouse Design:

Layout Design for the Ideal Flow of Patrons

Not only does this generally make for a clubhouse that is well liked by golfers and guests, but if everything is in a logical and easily accessable location, it can dramatically cut the potential for extra staff and attendants.

This can be the difference between profit and loss, not only due to the bare cost of staff, but also through the self-promotion factors generated by a clubhouse that golfers and guests enjoy frequenting for social gatherings.

With all the different requirements of any golf clubhouse design it can be difficult to check whether a potential (or existing) golf clubhouse design layout is maximised. A good starting point to that end is to check the layout and the inter-relationship of the internal spaces against the normal chain of events that a golfer typically goes through prior to and after a round of golf.

In particular, the chain of events prior to a golfer teeing off is very important in influencing how relaxed a golfer is when he or she tees off. If a golfer is relaxed and happy at tee-off, there is a greater chance that the first shot (usually a fairly nervous shot) will be a good one, which often sets the tone for the whole day ahead.

The importance of ensuring all golfers are totally relaxed and happy prior to tee-off should not be underestimated. If a golfer is happy when he tees off, he has a greater chance of having a good day. If he has a good day, there is a greater chance he will socialise more in the clubhouse after finishing his round. If more golfers socialise in the clubhouse after golf, the club makes more revenue, especially if the clubhouse is designed to function efficiently.

The effects of initial planning can snowball in either a postive or negative direction, to the benefit or detriment of a golf club as a whole. We have all been to golf clubs that generally either attract or repel guests, and even if the golf course is top quality, the golf clubhouse design must follow suit in order for the club to maximise its potential.

This does not necessarily mean that all golf clubhouses must be fitted with expensive finishes. In most cases if a golf course is of high quality, and the clubhouse is well planned, the facility will be well patronised as long as the clubhouse is clean and comfortable.