Press releases
How can golf clubs retain nomadic golf members all year round?
10 December 2007
The GTC has recognised a growing breed of so-called ‘nomadic golfers’ who seek to play on golf courses in pristine condition as near to 12 months a year as possible meaning they get full value for their annual membership subscriptions.
In many golf clubs reducing waiting lists, removal of entry fees and marketeers actively promoting new member packages, offer the nomadic golf club member the ideal opportunity to satisfy his/her needs to move between golf clubs at will.
Kevin Weir, The Scottish Golf Union’s, Golf Service Manager, says: “The reasons for joining a golf club are obvious - location, cost, length of waiting list, ease of access to the course, practice facilities, condition of the course and many more. But fundamentally golfers simply join clubs to play golf.”
Kevin explains: “Golfers will therefore seek a course that is presented in the best possible playing conditions at all times for as near to 12 months of the year as possible, having had their expectations significantly fuelled by current TV and golfing media coverage. Augusta and the Masters inevitably kick start this in early Spring every year.
“Expectations such as these will apply whether playing in a club championship, an open competition, a monthly medal, a bounce game with friends or a few holes on a summer’s evening - the player will always want to enjoy the best possible course conditions at all times.” Kevin continues.
It is important for golf clubs to identify and implement course management practices appropriate for their courses that will best deliver high quality playing surfaces for their members and visitors alike. To do this golf clubs must plan ahead into a long term Course Management Policy document. This should include commitment of the golf club to support and fund an agreed maintenance and development plan for the golf course.
The policy document should be openly shared and communicated to the golf club membership, allowing them to understand the agreed long term plans for the golf course, some elements of which they will have voted for. The policy should be reviewed regularly and updated as required.
Kevin adds: “The success of the golf club will depend on high quality playing surfaces that can reap huge rewards for a club and also significantly enhance the reputation of its green staff. This will retain existing members, attract new members, establish the club as an attractive venue for visiting parties, visiting golfers and corporate events, and external sponsorship. Most importantly golfers will achieve value for money, have access to the quality of a golf course they desire and become extremely satisfied customers!”
