T
he golf industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity since the late 2010s, when it was struggling to recover from a prolonged decline. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this turnaround, with people seeking outdoor activities that allowed for social distancing. As a result, golf has become a multibillion-dollar real estate market, creating new opportunities and niches.
Golf Life Navigators is a Florida-based company that specializes in matching golfers with housing. The company's founder likens it to "eHarmony meets Zillow for golf," suggesting a personalized approach to finding the perfect property for those who want to live a golfing lifestyle. With its expansion nationwide, Golf Life Navigators has partnered with realtors like Anne Fish, who is based in Wyoming and has extensive knowledge of the state's golf courses.
Fish notes that understanding the relationship between golf clubs and neighborhoods is crucial for buyers. Some courses require membership, while others do not. She emphasizes the importance of navigating these complexities, which is why she appreciates Golf Life Navigators' approach. Fish grew up around golf courses and has been an avid golfer since her 30s. Her experience living at Teton Pines Resort and Country Club and playing across Wyoming has given her a unique perspective on the industry.
The demographics of golfers have shifted in recent years, with millennials becoming increasingly interested in the social aspects of golf clubs. According to Golf Life Navigators' research, 44% of survey respondents cited wine tastings as a desirable event for club members. This trend is driving growth in the golf real estate market, which has already reached $147 billion.
Fish attributes the pandemic's impact on golf's popularity to the industry's ability to adapt and innovate. The Netflix show "Full Swing" has also contributed to the sport's resurgence, with its portrayal of professional golfers' daily lives captivating audiences worldwide. Wyoming offers a unique combination of natural beauty and challenging courses, making it an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts.
Properties offering a golfing lifestyle in Jackson start at around $1.5 million, while others can reach up to $12 million or more. Fish notes that some homes in Teton Valley have stunning views and amenities like floor-to-ceiling electric glass doors. Her expertise extends beyond real estate, as she is well-versed in the ins and outs of each golf club, including membership requirements and perks.
As a realtor specializing in golf properties, Fish's motto is "watch it, play it, sell it." With her extensive knowledge and passion for golf, she is ideally suited to help clients find their dream property.
