Dear Industry Colleague,

As President Trump continues to launch executive orders and lunacy across the world, let’s hope that in the next few weeks he may be able to constructively improve the situation between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He was a very good golf course operator, I’m just not completely sure about his suitability for high office.

Those of us operating golf ranges seem to be experiencing extremely strong trade, particularly if your range has good technology to delight and inform your customers’ experience; food and drink sales are also proving popular. Historically, golf ranges have done well in the colder months when course conditions are less inviting - and this is certainly true this winter. 

Many course operators, however, will be greatly relieved to see the first green shoots emerging after a very difficult winter for most operators. Despite only normal levels of rainfall, most courses have been lying wetter this year, particularly if their subsoil is clay. This has resulted in course closures and generally stickier conditions than for most winters. The reasons for this seem to be a lack of wind following sustained rainfall. The wind, of course, is required to blow surface water into drainage channels: its absence has meant that the ground has stayed stickier for longer. Golfers are therefore being disadvantaged, whilst golf operators are feeling the pinch.

Anyway, I’m sure we’ll have a stunning year once the season finally gets underway.

Best wishes, Colin Jenkins.