How EV Charging Can Improve Member Experience at Golf Clubs

It is widely acknowledged that millennials are driving the success of the EV market, both vocally and financially. Still, the impact of the older “baby boomers” generation cannot be overlooked or underestimated.

Of course, this demographic accounts for a large portion of golf club members, and therefore, their advocacy and adoption of electric vehicles represents a real opportunity within the leisure sector.

With around 2,500 golf clubs in the UK (which accounts for about 8% of the world’s golf courses), the possibilities for EV adoption are vast, as are the opportunities for increasing member satisfaction and overall experience.  

How hosts like RAW Charging can help improve member experience.

RAW Charging, a leading destination charging player in the UK’s EV infrastructure, stands out with its experienced team that is adept at meeting the needs of clients in the leisure and hospitality sectors. Their strong relationships and successful partnerships with significant clientele, including St Andrew Links, McArthurGlen, Greene King, Exclusive Hotels and Merlin Entertainments, make them an experienced, valuable partner for golf clubs.

RAW Charging offers golf clubs various ownership options, including the popular host ownership. This option not only relieves golf club owners of the management of equipment and installation of their EV facilities but also allows them to share in the revenue, making it a financially savvy choice.

Recent successes have shown that golf clubs can significantly enhance guest experience following the acquisition of EV charge stations. They offer each club a unique selling point that ensures EV drivers enjoy an enjoyable, stress-free experience as their vehicle charges during their round of golf.

Why are EV charging facilities now a necessity for golf clubs?

With the increasing number of EVs on UK roads, the need for reliable and efficient access to EV charging facilities has never been more crucial. This significant factor can influence potential new members to choose your club over others. 

Many EV drivers will prioritise golf clubs with on-site EV charging facilities that allow them to enjoy focusing on their game with the peace of mind that their vehicle is safely charging for the duration of their visit. 

By installing EV charge stations, you will enhance the allure of your golf club, adding a unique selling point that ensures you stand out from the competition yet to future-proof their site. You’ll also benefit from a hands-off approach and zero maintenance, thanks to RAW’s complete management of your hardware and software. These factors give you complete peace of mind and ensure no staffing is required while earning additional revenue. 

The facts and figures supporting the need for EV charging facilities.

SMS recently conducted a report with EV drivers; their findings revealed that:

• 45% of drivers now depend on destination charging.

• 67% of EV drivers choose their destination based on EV charging. 

• 48% of drivers would discount a leisure or hospitality site that does not offer EV charging.

• 68% of respondents revealed that a lack of availability regarding public charging stations can be stressful. 

• 88% of EV drivers believe improvements need to be made regarding destination charging accessibility. 

Golf clubs that have adapted EV charging stations are already seeing the virtues of offering their members access to these facilities.

These golf clubs have found they can attract a new pool of eco-conscious members, thus promoting the public image of their golf club into a forward-thinking, eco-conscious one.

Alongside the opportunity to earn additional revenue, the advantages of offering EV charging are easy to see when it comes to improving member experience and satisfaction.

How EV charging can positively impact member experience at golf clubs.

1. Convenience: As the above data suggests, the lack of access to public charging facilities can be stress-inducing for many EV drivers. Knowing there will be convenient access to EV charge stations at a golf club can be a huge pull.

2. Member satisfaction: Fully catering to the needs of EV drivers with dependable EV charging facilities is a no-brainer that will increase customer satisfaction.

3. Cost-effective: By offering on-site EV charging, golf club members can avoid additional costs at off-site parking facilities. Besides convenience, they will benefit from value for money.

4. Member loyalty: Golf clubs that offer EV charge points demonstrate that they are catering to the needs of their members. Through this, their reputation will be positively impacted, as will the potential to attract new members.

5. Environmentally conscious: With climate change firmly in the global spotlight, many potential members will prioritise the sustainability of a golf club. With EV charging facilities at your club, an eco-conscious demographic will take note, ensuring you turn heads as a forward-thinking business doing its bit to go green.

What do EV drivers expect from EV charging facilities?

When planning to implement EV charging stations into your golf club facilities, it is worth bearing in mind three of the most essential factors that EV drivers tend to look for: 

• Charge speed: Opting for the correct charging technology is paramount to any successful EV charging facility. RAW Charging offers turnkey solutions such as destination charging, which RAW can install with minimal disruption to your site. The installation, hardware, software, and ongoing maintenance come at no charge with their host ownership option. Choosing suitable facilities with efficient charging speeds allows EV drivers to access reliable EV charging, ensuring their vehicle charges during the duration of their visit.

• Availability: Competition for EV charge points can be highly contested on busy sites. By assessing the demand for EV charging and installing ample charging stations, you can ensure that all members are accommodated.

• Cost: By offering EV charging at your golf club at an attractive price point or including charging benefits within a membership, you can cost-effectively appeal to EV drivers. Consider your demographic, study the market and your competition, and offer EV charging fees that accurately represent your site while ensuring it is promoted as an EV-friendly destination. 

An investment in EV charging facilities is a step towards future-proofing your club.

With the ever-increasing number of electric vehicles on UK roads, accessible golf club charging facilities are a must for those looking to stay ahead of the curve and ensure the future of their premises. 

RAW Charging is the perfect partner for achieving your goals. By providing convenient charging solutions, golf clubs can work towards attracting environmentally conscious potential members or see to the needs of current EV-driving members.

At the same time, they will benefit from a boost in revenue and positively promote the club’s public image, all while contributing to a greener future. RAW’s EV charging installation aligns perfectly with the ever-evolving needs of EV-driving guests while signposting the leisure sector's commitment to sustainable practices.

If you are interested in future-proofing your premises and want to learn more about EV charging installation, please contact the RAW team for a free site assessment.