Rethinking Mother's Day

Did you know? Mother's Day brunch is a staple at golf and country clubs, but according to a National restaurant Association research study, while more than 25 percent of adults planned to dine out, only 30 percent of those surveyed planned on choosing a brunch meal option. A surprising majority of survey participants at 55 percent will be choosing an evening dinner to celebrate the mother in their life.

So what does this mean?

If you are leaving dinner specials out of your Mother's Day offerings, simply put, you are missing out! How can your club capture a crowd on Mother's day?

A Golf Operator Magazine article states: "Your offer needs to be good enough to motivate people to come to your course. You're in competition with not only other golf courses, but with other restaurants and other leisure activities."

Competition for your patron's time is at an all-time high. It's important to consider what value is your club bringing that other restaurants, leisure activities, and golf courses aren't? Here are a couple of offers you may consider:

• "Mother's Day weekend special! Moms play FREE, 9 or 18 holes, with one paid green fee. Cart optional. Valid all day Friday-Sunday. Please call for reservations." – Golf Operator Magazine

Your competition is more than just other golf courses, and generally a day at the golf course is going to be more time consuming than any other activity a family chooses. The value has to be there or your tee sheet could be empty.

• "Free flower, dessert, mimosa, or glass of champagne at dinner/brunch with a reservation ahead of time." – Golf Operator Magazine

Brunch is a staple, and more often than not a popular choice among golf courses, but your club is missing out on the dinner crowd! Offer this as an option to mothers and their family!

• Encourage the golfers taking advantage of these promotions to post on social media. The more earned advertising your club receives, the better!

Don't forget about the power of social media! Snap photos of the celebrations happening at your facility, along with your menu selections.

• Social media can be a valuable marketing tool to your facility. It's free and easy to use. This is the type of platform that a picture goes a long way. Let others know just how great your facility is!

How can VGM Club help make Mother's Day special at your club?

Create a unique menu just for the guests of honor! Try a new desert or dish specially made for any Mother that visits and receive product rebates when ordering through our VGM Club F&B Program. And Mom's special day doesn't stop at brunch or dinner either! Show her the love in every area of your facility with gift bags filled with golf balls, sunglasses, or other merchandise. Don't finalize your Mother's Day plans without a call to your VGM Club rep today.