Jay Karen Addresses Golf Sustainability through the Lens of Golf Course Owners

2024-10-01

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, addresses economic and social sustainability from the viewpoint of an owner/operator. Jay believes that there’s a fine balance between sustainable business practices and sustainability practices. He dissects the nuances one has to consider. Golf course owners are expected to make golf more accessible. But are the same questions being asked of restaurateurs? Are they expected to lower the prices of their meals in the name of democratizing eating out? No! Demand is off the charts right now...

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, addresses economic and social sustainability from the viewpoint of an owner/operator.

Jay believes that there’s a fine balance between sustainable business practices and sustainability practices. He dissects the nuances one has to consider.

Golf course owners are expected to make golf more accessible. But are the same questions being asked of restaurateurs? Are they expected to lower the prices of their meals in the name of democratizing eating out? No!

Demand is off the charts right now. Everything is getting more expensive. Many golf courses need major improvements. Green fees will have to go up to cover these things. Jay shares how golf course owners and operators balance the financials and sustainability efforts in this wonderful conversation.

Topics covered:

Jay’s career journey and current role as CEO at NGCOA [2:04]
The different types of members at NGCOA [5:25]
How NGCOA approaches sustainability [8:16]
How different types of courses think about sustainability [17:15]
The democratization of access to the game [29:50]
How do we work together toward sustainability? [36:12]
What drives Jay? Why is he passionate about golf sustainability? [40:39]

Resources & People Mentioned

Lead Golf Together Summitt
National Alliance of Accessible Golf
Golf on Course
Roger Dow

Connect with Jay Karen

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National Golf Course Owners Association

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