How a Custom Mobile App Keeps Golfers Coming Back
What's New
Golf courses are turning to custom mobile apps to help drive customer retention through targeted rewards, loyalty programs, prepaid golf packages, annual memberships and subscription programs– bringing golfers back consistently.
Why It Matters
Acquiring a new customer costs golf courses 5-7 times more than retaining an existing one. Plus, loyal customers can generate up to 67% more revenue than new ones and may be worth 10 times their initial value through increased spending and referrals they bring to the course.
Why It Works
A custom mobile app is one of the most effective marketing tools in keeping golfers engaged. You can deliver targeted messages, exclusive golf packages, and timely rewards to the right customers at the right time directly to their phones.
Key Benefits
- Loyalty Programs Drive Revenue – Golfers earning points for every dollar spent are motivated to return. A simple 1 point per $1 spent helped one course generate over $500,000+ in 2024—a 22% revenue increase over the previous year.
- Rewards Add Value Without Discounts – Perks like exclusive event access, VIP experiences, surprise and delight rewards more make golfers feel valued–without cutting into your bottom line.
- Subscriptions Create Consistency – Monthly and annual subscriptions turn one-time visitors into repeat customers, creating steady, predictable revenue with automated perks.
- Instant Engagement with Push Notifications – Push notifications are 5x more effective than email, cutting through the noise and reaching users directly. App users are 2x more likely to return and engage compared to those reached via email or SMS.
- Cost-Effective Communication – Unlike SMS or email, push notifications are free, giving you a direct, cost-free connection to your customers.
- Smarter Marketing with Zero-Party Data – Your app collects valuable user data on interests and preferences, enabling personalized events, messaging, and rewards that boost customer retention.
- Mobile is the Future – According to eMarketer by 2026, US adults will spend over 4 hours per day on mobile devices, surpassing TV and desktops. A strong mobile experience is essential for brand engagement.
It's Not About Discounts–It's About Convenience
Retention isn’t about endless discounts—it’s about making it easy for customers to return. A custom mobile app allows you to send timely reminders to book tee times, join events, and check loyalty points, keeping golfers engaged and loyal without discounts. These features build lasting loyalty and make your course the go-to-choice–even in competitive times.
The Bottom Line
Retention strategies cost less, deliver more, and keep golfers playing at your course—not the competition’s. A custom mobile app maximizes value with minimal effort, ensuring your course stays top of mind, season after season.
