GolfNow is an online tee time reservation service that allows golfers to book tee times at golf courses around the world. The company partners with golf courses to offer discounted tee times and other deals to its members. GolfNow also offers a mobile app that allows users to book tee times, view course information, and track their scores. It also offers business solutions to golf course to manage their tee time and improve their revenue. GolfNow is part of NBC Sports Group and it was founded in 2001. While it may seem like a great option for golf clubs looking to increase their bookings and revenue, there are also downsides to using this service.
Revenue Loss
One of the main downsides of using GolfNow for a golf club is the potential loss of revenue. Golf clubs may be required to offer discounted tee times to GolfNow members, which can reduce their revenue from tee time bookings. Golf clubs may find it difficult to set prices that are competitive with other local courses and may not be able to charge as much as they would like for tee times.
Limited Control Over Pricing
Another downside of using GolfNow is limited control over pricing. Golf clubs may have limited control over the prices that GolfNow charges for tee times. This can make it difficult for the golf club to set prices that are competitive with other local courses. Golf clubs may find it difficult to retain customers if they are not able to communicate with them directly.
Limited Ability to Market Directly to Customers
Limited ability to market directly to customers is also a downside of using GolfNow. Golf clubs may have limited ability to market directly to customers who book through GolfNow, which can make it more difficult to build a loyal customer base. Golf clubs may find it difficult to retain customers if they are not able to communicate with them directly.
Dependence on Third-Party Platform
Dependence on a third-party platform is another downside of using GolfNow. Golf clubs may become dependent on GolfNow as a platform to book tee times, which can make it difficult to switch to a different platform in the future. This can limit the golf club’s flexibility and make them more vulnerable to changes in the market.
Lack of Personal Touch
Another downside of using GolfNow is lack of personal touch. Golf clubs may lose the personal touch and relationship with their customers, as they are not directly interfacing with them and GolfNow is the one handling the reservations and communication. Golf clubs may find it difficult to retain customers if they are not able to communicate with them directly.
Limited Data Control
Finally, limited data control is also a downside of using GolfNow. Golf clubs may have limited control over the data collected by GolfNow, which can make it more difficult to gather customer insights and make data-driven business decisions. Golf clubs may have difficulty understanding their customers’ preferences and behavior if they do not have access to the data collected by GolfNow.
