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2007 marked the start of the global economic crises, which in-turn was the catalyst of a decreasing number of individuals taking membership at clubs. Since then, the club industry has suffered, with the variable of weather worsening the crises. Although the majoruty of clubs are struggling and good financial management critical to keep clubs operating, there are some clubs that are investing wisely, creating unique selling points which in-turn increases membership sales.

One club that has invested wisely is Reigate Hill Golf Club….

A persisting problem every club faces is finding a way to avoid the downwards spiral of discounting prices, decreasing profit margins. The solution: adding value to membership because it has the potential to increase membership, revenue generation, and customer loyalty. Taking this into consideration, there is no guarantee of success but with a highly competitive market, clubs must take the risk to avoid discounting.

There are many ways to add value to membership at a club, but one practical, inexpensive way that not only adds value to membership, but rewards existing members for their loyalty whilst attracting new members is…

There are multiple ways to get juniors to become members at clubs, but a question that has gone unanswered is how do we increase junior engagement once they are members?

Stoke Park, UK, recently applied a new scheme that has already had a significant effect at the club.

Do you know what actually happens when grass meets the mower? What impact blade sharpness has on grass health and operating costs, not to mention fairway and green condition, a major golf course selling point?!

Following the news that major changes are being planned to The Old Course at St Andrews, the EIGCA have polled their membership to get their views.

Twenty-six club managers from all over Scotland participated in the third Management Development Programme (MDP) Level One course held recently at the University of Stirling, Scotland (October 29 – November 2). The course, hosted by the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and the Scottish Ladies Golf Association (SLGA), was piloted a year ago in October 2011, and the second course followed five months later in March 2012. This full week of education has been designed by the CMAE to match the high standards set by the very successful ‘MDI’ programme of 5-day courses staged by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) in the USA, to international standards that is also being matched by the club managers association in Canada, South Africa, China and in the near future, Australia.

British Golf Industry Association & Federation Sport & Play Marketing & Membership Manager

Michael Leemhuis, CCM, CCE – CEO of Congressional Golf & Country Club, Washington D.C. is heading a unique and one off event in Dublin, St Stephens Green Club, talking about leadership and private club trends.

Woking Golf Club in Surrey (England), one of the world’s most architecturally significant golf courses, has begun work on a complete rebuild of its par three sixteenth hole.

Dr. Wilson Spoorly has produced an article depicting the managers entanglements with a clubs “ethic Police” that sit stiffly in the club, sermonising constantly, chastising committee members, management and staff. The article explains the different types of ethical extremists with their motives and advice on how to handle these individuals.

The Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) and the International Foundation Club Managers Spain (CMS) have signed a co-operation agreement in order to promote best practice for the management of golf clubs which will lead to the promotion, support and development of course’s in particularly the world renounced CMM qualification.

Golf du Rhin along the board of France, Germany and Switzerland is an excellent example of golf’s natural fit with sustainability with its recent accolade of being aGEO Certified™ ecolabel golf club. This certification has emerged as an international mark for environmental sustainability.