What is the first step in developing a business plan for a golf operation?

The initial step in developing a business plan for a golf operation centers on establishing the goals for the upcoming year. Setting clear, measurable objectives is essential because it provides direction for all subsequent planning activities. Goals serve as a foundation for strategizing and prioritizing efforts, whether they relate to financial performance, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency. By defining what the operation aims to achieve, it allows for a focused approach in later stages, such as gathering input from stakeholders, creating sales forecasts, and analyzing past data, which should all align with the established goals. This clarity ensures that everyone involved understands the desired outcomes and can contribute effectively toward reaching them.