Which of the following can be considered a direct influence on operational costs in a golf shop?

The correct answer relates directly to the concept of operational costs, which encompass the day-to-day expenses involved in running a business. Increased utility rates have a direct impact on these costs because they affect essential services such as electricity, water, and gas, which are necessary for the operation of the golf shop. As utility rates rise, the shop's overall expenses will increase accordingly, leading to higher operational costs that must be managed.

In terms of the other options, while new inventory arrivals can influence what a golf shop needs to purchase and stock, they do not inherently change the operational costs unless they affect how much space is used or how much is wasted. Changes in employee roles may impact labor costs but are not as directly controllable or immediate. Seasonal sales fluctuations could affect revenues and inventory turnover but are not classified as direct operational costs. Therefore, increased utility rates stand out as the option that clearly aligns with direct influences on operational expenses.