Plum Creek Development Partners
Taking a golf course from foreclosure to “For Profit” with Foresight!
Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle, Texas made the “Texas’ Toughest Courses” list. But this distinction usually means it is not a particularly enjoyable course to play. Plum Creek was in a great community, but it had become the guy that yells for you to stay off his lawn!
Our Challenge:
Foresight Golf Management was approached by the folks of the Plum Creek Development Partners in March, 2010. They had purchased the course in a foreclosure auction because they were responsible for the development of a large part of the community and wanted to see that the golf course became the community hub they had always envisioned it to be! Based on our qualifications and a tour of the other facilities we operate, they invited us to come in and operate the golf course on a “turn-key” basis.
Our Foresight:
"Shortly after coming on board, we developed an in-house plan to improve both the condition and the playability of the golf course. Starting with improving an irrigation system that had fallen into disrepair, we were able to change the dynamic of how the golf course was watered. We also expanded irrigation and added turf grass to some critical and strategic areas of the golf course. Both of these things made for a much more fun golf course to play."
– Ed Miller, Chief Operating Officer, Partner
“They knew that their expertise didn’t include golf course operations. They listened to us. We offered options. They are a very smart group of guys and did the things that most benefited the property, which subsequently has had a very positive effect on the bottom line.”
- Dan Pedrotti, Jr., President, Partner
Our plans called for a complete irrigation audit; we fixed all of the problems. Also, we widened the playing corridors and fairways; scaled back the native vegetation and planted additional Turfgrass. Long gone are the days that you’d lose a half-dozen golf balls at Plum Creek. The playable areas have been significantly increased and the course is enjoyable for all skill levels.
We analyzed the effectiveness of a third-party tee time marketing relationship that was in place and the results of this analysis got our attention. We immediately stopped letting other businesses sell Plum Creek’s golf and took control of what Plum Creek’s regular rates and discounts were going to be. As a result, we were able to improve the average rate for the golf sold, increase revenue for our clients and still provide an outstanding experience and value for our customers!
Finally, we re-configured and constructed a new set of tees, going from four to five sets. The front set of tees enabled the course to play at 4,700 yards, making for more enjoyable golf for lady and junior golfers, as well as our senior players.
Our Results:
When the original practice range, which was far from a great venue but was prime real estate, was repurposed to a beautiful apartment complex , it created an opportunity to move and construct a new “state of the art’ practice facility and short game area. While this was in the planning stages, we were approached by Texas State University with the idea of partnering with them on a training facility for their college golf teams and becoming the home golf course of the Texas State Bobcats. Our clients recognized the value of this relationship and premium space was incorporated into the plan and practice facility development for Texas State. Today, Plum Creek boasts a state-of-the-art practice facility, with short-game area, chipping greens, and bunkers – the whole nine yards! And Texas State University, now a NCAA Division I Golf Team, has a facility that not only gives them a great venue to practice and hone their skills, but also aids in the recruitment of top collegiate talent for the Texas State golf program. This upgrade has been good for golf, good for our customers, good for Texas State AND good for business!
“Our clients recognized that the golf course should be a recreational hub of the Plum Creek community. It’s a great property in a great community. There’s no telling where this golf course can go in the future.”
- Ed Miller, Chief Operating Officer, Partner
Interestingly enough, the course had more competition before the upgrades. But now it’s seen as “the place” to golf in the area! As we were making improvements and enhancing the whole golf experience, we were able to gradually increase the rates while at the same time grow the number of rounds played. This is truly a Win/Win for all concerned!
“The turnaround of the business was almost immediate. The team at Foresight Golf Management helped us in making the best decisions for improving the golf course and getting the business where it needed to be. Their ability to understand what the customer wants and to be able to make changes and do a lot of the work with their own team and expertise brought a lot of value to our relationship. We have had a great experience in golf course ownership by working with Foresight Golf.”
- David Mahn, Plum Creek Development Partners
Ready to see how Foresight Golf Management can turn around your operation? Click Here to contact us online or call (830) 249-7528.