How to choose the right exterior shelter for your golf club’s dining area

With golf becoming increasingly popular across the UK, there has never been a better time for golf clubs to enhance their outdoor dining spaces.

In 2022, 5.6 million adults in the UK played on a nine or 18-hole course; an increase of 265,000 from 2021. And this growth is expected to continue.

Therefore, it’s of paramount importance for golf clubs to ensure their outdoor dining space is equipped to cope with this increase in players.

And external shelters are an excellent way for clubs to do just this, as our project at Alresford Golf Club highlights.

In this blog, we explain the different types of shelters available.

Parasols

Parasols still offer golf clubs a simple and cost-effective solution, but long gone are the days of small, pop-up type parasols that blew away in the wind and provided minimal shelter from the rain.

Now, the likes of MAY Parasols’ extensive range provide strong and robust shelter for outdoor dining areas.

From smaller al fresco dining spots to up to 78m2, MAY provide a versatile, wind-tested range for golf clubs to choose from.

We discuss the benefits of parasols further in this blog.

Canopies

Unlike parasols, canopies can be fitted with enclosed side panels and doors, making them a more weatherproof option for golf clubs.

And though commonly used in the education sector, canopies still have plenty to offer for hospitality venues like golf clubs.

From providing crucial additional covered seating to creating event space, there are a host of advantages for installing a canopy as we explain here.

Garden Rooms

Taking canopies to the next level, garden rooms are ideal for golf clubs.

Offering a waterproof and sunproof ceiling with sliding glass doors, garden rooms create a completely new area adjacent to an existing area.

Bioclimatic Pergolas

An option in between canopies and garden rooms, bioclimatic pergolas are the ideal option for golf clubs looking to bring a luxurious feel to their outdoor dining space.

With motorised slats or louvres on the roof, bioclimatic pergolas are versatile outdoor shelters that can adapt to the conditions or requirements of occupants underneath.

Although they come at a slightly higher cost to a standard canopy or parasol installation, bioclimatic pergolas still give golf clubs plenty of opportunity to generate a return on investment.

If you’d like to discuss an external shelter for your outdoor space, please contact us here and our expert team will be in touch.