Back From the
tories of golf and you’ll likely notice 100-plus operations that course closures certain patterns. At times, go of ine each year. and bankruptcies it seems that the same By contrast, tales of abound,S as golf’s con- four or ve ill-advised courses that staved off traction cycle continues. strategies and reactions elimination tend to all Listen to enough of them end up dooming the have a different theme
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GB-MAR-SECT2.indd 36 2/11/15 9:58 AM FOUR COURSE OPERATORS, Brink FOUR TALES OF SURVIVAL
BY DAVID GOULD
or avor to them. In the toward safety. They still days are helping guide pages that follow, Golf face the daily challenge them forward. No doubt Business pro les four fa- of pleasing golfers with- those same lessons can cilities that were headed out overspending their serve as both inspiration over the falls but man- budgets, but lessons and caution for most any aged to paddle back learned from the darkest course owner.
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GB-MAR-SECT2.indd 37 2/11/15 9:58 AM RONNIE KELLEY OWNER RIVER’S BEND GOLF CLUB Chester, Virginia
HOLDING ON he comeback story of River’s Bend Golf Club is still unfolding Tand a long way from certain, but its plot hinges on a premise that’s com- pelling and novel enough to bear watching. Some 16 months following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy ling that has kept the course in owner Ronnie Kelley’s hands, work continues on a
conservation easement plan that has win-win poten- © 2015 Photo by DJ Bromley tial for the course owner and for environmentally- minded citizens of Chester eld County, Virginia. A third win could be achieved by the county’s tax col- pean settlement in America, after gan will, along with other spruce- lector, insofar as the multi-million dollar conserva- nearby Jamestown. up work now underway, allow for tion credit that would be due to River’s Bend poses Kelley, 62, is a golf profes- a bump in per-round green fee a solution to Kelley’s sizable property-tax arrears. sional who has triumphed and revenue in 2015. With a prominent conservation consultancy also tanked over his lengthy golf The magic bullet remains guiding River’s Bend through its application pro- career. Proceeds from the sale of the conservation easement plan, cess, the possibility remains for permanent dona- a course he and his late business which in Kelley’s view has been tion of course development rights, which currently partner owned—as part of what slowed due to administrative include a residential subdivision. “All I can say is was a ve-course portfolio—have problems in the early years, when that we are deep into the process, and our 1.5-mile been tapped to keep River’s Bend developers reportedly snagged frontage on the James River makes us an ideal can- in some sort of playable condi- unduly large credits on properties didate for easement status, according to the law,” tion. Bunker repair is a particularly that didn’t deserve them. Pursuing says Kelley, referring to the Virginia Land Conserva- urgent need, by all accounts, and the easement plan so relentlessly tion Incentives Act of 1999. Along with the environ- rounds played for 2014 totaled has made him so well-versed in mental value for wildlife and waterway protection, just more than 22,000. Kelley is the law that, in Kelley’s words, “I his golf property lies across from the Henricus hoping that a piecemeal bunker could hire myself out as a consul- Island historical site, which marks the second Euro- upgrade program he recently be- tant to other landowners.”
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GB-MAR-SECT2.indd 38 2/11/15 9:58 AM In November 2010, the golf course and two clubhouses were purchased at auction by a 12-person syndicate com- posed of club members plus one pro- fessional golf manager. (The residential piece of the project is still owned by the lender.) The informal leader of the stalwart members was Al Ruggirello, one of the rst to join at the beginning and whose belief in LochenHeath never wavered. Many a group of homeown- ers has had to watch maintenance terminated on their neighboring links. Most of them have complained and perhaps led suit, while in this highly unusual case members toiled in the sun to physically maintain the course. KEVIN O’BRIEN The core group was helped greatly GENERAL MANAGER LOCHENHEATH GOLF CLUB Williamsburg, Michigan by the efforts of Joe Ettawagiac, the former assistant superintendent who was brought back as the new super- intendent. Ettawagiac oversaw the spadework that would reclaim and re- store the course from near-wilderness conditions. Reportedly, one bunker required 65 man-hours of hand labor to x, but for all that the rescue mission was accomplished rapidly, allowing for a celebratory reopening in May 2011. Another former employee —chef Joseph George—was also rehired and STAYIN’ ALIVE has proven equally important to the golfer’s online review from 2010 told the gloomy resurrection of LochenHeath. tale of LochenHeath, just before its foreclosure Presently, the facility is managed Aauction later that year: “Sad to see a once-great course deserted, by Kevin O’Brien and open for public overgrown and burnt out,” the website blurb lamented. There were mournful play—at a posted weekend rate of feelings as well among principals in Pinnacle Arizona Development Partners, $130—and positioned to go private which defaulted on its mortgage covering the club and surrounding residen- again by the end of the decade. tial community and left owing $120 million to the lender, a Wells Fargo unit. “This is really quite a story, one that At that point, 60 of the 200 approved homesites at LochenHeath had been we’re glad to share with prospective new purchased, but less than a dozen homes were completed. members and homebuyers,” O’Brien LochenHeath today is living proof that defunct golf properties can be says. “The members didn’t sit by during reborn. Beautifully sited above East Grand Traverse Bay, this Steve Smy- the shutdown. They came out and kept ers layout had gone unplayed and unmaintained for two-plus years before the course alive—mowing, weeding bun- devoted members acquired it. The facility had opened in 2002 as a public- kers, whatever they could do.“ access course, went private in 2004, brie y reverted to daily-fee in 2008, and That dedication, it turns out, did soon thereafter suffered the bankruptcy that led to the shutdown. not go unrewarded.
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© 2015 Photo by Meg Paxton
GB-MAR-SECT2.indd 39 2/11/15 9:58 AM DAVID WETLI GENERAL MANAGER NORTH SHORE GOLF COURSE Tacoma, Washington
STAYING POWER ne of the ways a golf course can disappear is through redevelop- ment,O most often as a residential sub- division. North Shore Golf Course, a daily-fee serving golfers in Tacoma, Washington, since 1961, was ticketed for just that fate. Managers and staff— along with regular customers—endured an arduous limbo period that began in 2007 and lasted nearly ve years, marked by court lings, hearings, appeals and a haze of uncertainty. The course’s ownership group was committed to selling out if it could secure the necessary approvals and variances. At a certain point, the public became convinced there would be no more North Shore. Even now, years later, general manager Dave Wetli runs into
© 2015 Photo by Chris Leavitt people who think the houses got built and the course is no longer there. The drama reached its peak in April 2010, when care of the short term,” he says. among that contingent there was Tacoma’s city council met to hear an appeal of a “You don’t replace mowers, you little inside information on the longstanding zoning decree that blocked the course don’t do any serious work on controversy forthcoming. As Wetli from being plowed up for housing. Pro-golf, anti- the clubhouse, not when there’s explains, however, the effect on development forces prevailed, all but ending the a purchase-and-sale agreement morale wasn’t all negative—there controversy. Council members took every possible that says the fairways are going to were unexpected positives that step to burn the decision into public memory. For get plowed under.” emerged as well. starters, the hearing was broadcast live on local tele- Of all employment scenarios, “We make an effort to show vision and streamed live on the city’s of cial website. there are few as awkward as appreciation to our customers Immediately afterward, a video of the hearing was reporting to bosses who are every day in the way we serve posted on the municipal website and a DVD copy, taking steps to eliminate the them,” he says. “We also make it plus printed transcript, was made available at the workplace where you and your a point to have the professional main public library. staff earn your livelihoods. Odder staff join our members club for Under these trying conditions, Wetli and his club still, some employees whom each of their monthly tourna- staff hung on and continued serving golfers, feel- Wetli had worked closely with for ments as well as joining them ing they had one hand tied behind their backs. “We years were the sons and daugh- and public golfers for golf on a kept operating, but in that scenario you only take ters of owners, although even weekly basis.”
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GB-MAR-SECT2.indd 40 2/11/15 9:58 AM THREE KEY STEPS ven when they bleed red ink for prolonged periods, operation was on the brink of collapse,” public courses nestled in prosperous neighborhoods Wikel recalls. enjoyE a cushion against closure. Outside Chicago, a sporty par-60 Indeed, the situation was dire. “This layout operated by the not-for-pro t Evanston-Wilmette Golf Course Association property spans two towns, and the water (EWGCA) is a case in point. bills from both of them had gone unpaid “The community around this course wasn’t interested in a soccer park or some oth- for a couple of years,” Wikel says. “Sev- er alternative use,” explains Dan Wikel, a business turnaround specialist. In response, eral greens were cooked, and a lot of the Wikel and others worked pro bono as part of a dream team to rescue Canal Shores. maintenance equipment was obsolete Their group even included the Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs. and unusable.” There was even a lawsuit The EWGCA replaces a previous board of directors that took a lax approach at alleging misuse of funds by certain board best to its oversight responsibilities. It caught up to them nally in 2011, when the members. The suit was a net positive rst of two consecutive money-losing seasons started the course on a tailspin. “The because it gave a Cook County judge the opportunity to appoint a new board of residents and business leaders who would come in with their eyes wide open. The approach the new board took has the structure of emergency medi- cal care, involving triage, stabilization of the patient, then a course of treatment going forward. The most prominent tool deployed was a 13-week cash- ow model for the operation, to be constantly monitored over its course and then reca- librated appropriately for the ensuing 13- week period. Vendors and creditors were reassured enough by this device to set up terms and workouts until they could nally be made whole—which indeed happened in early 2014. Along with the urgent x to cost-side DAN WIKEL problems, the turnaround crew also BOARD ADVISOR CANAL SHORES pumped up revenues through sales of Wilmette-Evanston, Illinois hole sponsorships and other fundraising activities. Chicago politics often gets a bad rap, but the Canal Shores turnaround is a glimpse of how the complex web of relationships and loyalties it’s known for can lead to speedy, effective measures bene tting many.
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© 2015 Photo by Jill Brazel
GB-MAR-SECT2.indd 41 2/11/15 9:59 AM One of every three operators of privately-run golf courses in America feels NGCOA membership matters to their success.
Here’s Why It Should Matter To You
A National Voice: A Powerful Ally: The NGCOA works tirelessly to ensure its members are heard The NGCOA advocates for on the national level. all golf course owners, regardless of location or size.
An Intimate An Community: Authoritative The NGCOA’s Resource: reach is wide, but its The NGCOA is the members remain a definitive source of close-knit group of information for industry veterans owner-operators. and newcomers. Membership Matters
Learn why membershipbership matters and pputut the ppowerower ooff the NGCOA to work fofor your business. www.ngcoa.org/membershipmatters
GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 42 2/11/15 9:51 AM ideas & insight s t hat unit e
nished product. Identify the talent you need and bring that talent together. But don’t even think about calling that talent a team yet. ST EP 2 : Bui l d ar ound cl ear l y de ned goals. All teams organize around speci c objectives. On successful teams, every member knows the primary goal or goals. It’s communi- cated thoroughly and consistently. The goal provides a direction so powerful team mem- bers know when they have drifted o course. What’s the clearly de ned goal or goals that will help reshape the talented individuals you have brought together into a team? ST EP 3 : Create a shared success bene t for each team member. Everyone arrives Pu l l i n g To g e t h e r at work each day motivated by his or her The National Football League has 32 teams. Not gr oups— wants, desires and hopes. Harnessing that teams. That’s a huge distinction. All teams are groups, broad spectrum of ambitions and motives but not all groups are teams. Calling a group a team doesn’t requires clarity. The success bene t for a make it one. That’s the team myth. team has to extend beyond each team mem- The team myth leads business owners and operators to think they ber’s salary and each member’s individual can borrow a word or a label from sports to replace or expedite a motivations. Salary is a personal bene t. process. Sure, you can call a group of sta ers your (insert whatever Successful teams revolve around shared department you like here) team, but that doesn’t mean they’ll act like bene ts. What is the shared success bene t one. Neither will your leadership team, your operations team or any for your team members? team until they commit to these ve steps needed to form a team. ST EP 4 : Elicit team buy-in with a speci c ST EP 1 : Assemble a talented group of people. Like it or not, talent mat- and shar ed sacr i ce. A team has members ters. But talent alone is never enough. Talent is the starting point, not the who sacri ce something important, some-
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GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 43 2/11/15 9:51 AM thing they all surrender. That surrender creates a buy-in, the foun- leadership for dation of a merit system. On the best teams, individuals who lead a speci c category see their e orts as a way to bring their team to a a New er a higher level of shared accomplishment. Ironically, on losing teams the statistical leaders often draw more attention to themselves—it As a small business grows becomes an individual focus—and that tears a team apart into a and the company culture group of individuals. Have the members of your team paid a price evolves with the various and to belong? Name the price. Make it a high price. People value what shifting industry landscapes, the they pay the most for. leadership style of its owner tends to re ect ST EP 5 : Hold the team to a speci c time period. Groups, asso- those changes. Terry Powell, founder of Ad- ciations and organizations are open-ended; teams are not. Teams have a speci c start and end date. The rst four steps help your viCoach, a national business coaching and advisory rm customized for small- to mid- size businesses, offers these three tips to help A team has members w ho sacri- lead a company forward in a new era: fice something important. That LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Employees often surrender creates a buy-in, the look to their supervisors for guidance and1 advice. So as long as the business owner foundation of a merit system. follows the rules and guidelines that they themselves have set for their staff, employees team reach the start date. The fth step—the end date—helps push are encouraged to follow suit. Leading by the team with a sense of urgency, purpose and focus. Your team example can help shape your image as a role needs a speci c time period that drives it toward achieving excel- model within the business and the community, lence. Is it a month? A quarter? Six months? Two years? You decide. which can in turn lead to increased productivity Just as every NFL team knows the date of next year’s Super Bowl, make sure your team knows the date of its “super bowl.” and a healthier bottom line. These ve steps will transform your groups into teams, and your BE MORE HONEST. Sometimes, it’s teams can transform your organization into an industry leader. But 2easier to tell a white lie rather than being just because you embrace the team approach doesn’t guarantee blunt; however, each occurrence reduces cred- success. That ’s t he l ast par t of t he t eam myt h. Thi r t y- one t eams i n ibility. When leaders lose their credibility, they the NFL fail to win the nal game of the season. And all 32 set out to lose authority and respect among their peers. build a stronger team the next year. To prevent this, be completely transparent with employees and customers. For example, if you — By Gerry Sandusky. a speaker, corporate trainer and author of “Forgotten Sundays” (www.GerrySandusky.com) make a mistake with a customer or employee, don’t try to blame it on another factor or per- son. Owning fault will increase the trust that customers and employees have in the business Fo o d Fo r Th o u g h t and you as a person. BECOME A SAVVY NETWORKER. It’s THINK TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE IS A PRODUCTION-KILLER? all about who you know, and the best Not necessarily. According to several course managers who attended leaders3 have the most connections. Set a goal the Syngenta Business Institute in December 2014, allowing employees to attend a certain number of networking to use their smartphones on the course is an e ective way to com- municate with each other and leaders. Gen-Y workers, in particular, events. The more people you meet, the more prefer this communication tool, and it’s one way to ensure you always potential customers or business partners you stay in touch. So before you make a blanket rule prohibiting the use meet in turn. This could be a real bonus for of phones on the course by employees, consider the possibilities your business. rather than focusing on potential negatives.
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GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 44 2/11/15 9:51 AM Golf Industry A Ta st y Offering Calendar time, Wine, Women & Chocolate has Mar ch 8-12 evolved into a popu- lar event that attracts 88TH WORLD CONFERENCE & approximately 300 CLUB BUSINESS EXPO women. It’s also be- San Antonio, Texas come a signi cant www.cmaa.org revenue generator, albeit one exclusively Mar ch 27-Apr il 1 for charity. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE “We raise be- ARCHITECTS ANNUAL MEETING tween $15,000 hen the men at IMA Brook- and $18,000 net,” says marketing La Jolla, California W wood Golf Course & Ban- director Diane Wojciechowski. “So, www.asgca.org quet Center saw how popular an I’d say you can make money on a annual women’s winter event had golf course in the winter if you’re Apr il 15 become at the Burton, Michigan, creative and you do it the right way.” NATIONAL GOLF DAY public facility, they wondered if After a few years of hearing Washington, D.C. they might get a little taste of the about how much fun the ladies were www.wearegolf.org action themselves. having at Wine, Women & Choco- The item on the table, so to late, the men at Brookwood started speak, was the annual Brook- getting a bit envious. In response, Jul y 21-23 wood Wine, Women & Chocolate general manager Chris Allard cre- GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION event, which for one day each ated Burgers, Brews & Dudes, a OF AMERICA SUMMER MEETING year turns the course into a virtual men’s-only gathering ($35) that in- The Mining Exchange, a Wyndham winter wonderland and quasi-day cludes a build-your-own-burger bar, Grand Hotel spa. Now in its 10th season, the craft beer tasting, hot towel shaves, Colorado Springs, CO event features cross-country ski- men’s grooming services, two ta- www.gcbaa.org ing (equipment provided); five bles of poker, a raf e and two 50/50 hospitality tents that provide cof- drawings. Now in its third season, fee, teas, cookies, hot chocolate, the annual event has steadily grown Augus t 17-19 soup and bread; and stations of- to 150 participants. PGA FA LL EXPO fering chair massages, manicures, For those looking to try some- Las Vegas, Nevada hair refreshers, paraffin, make-up thing similar, Allard offers one bit www.pgalasvegas.com items and more. The price to par- of advice: be patient. “Don’t ex- ticipate in this daylong pamper- pect the world in the rst year,” he Sept ember 4-7 fest: $50, all-inclusive. says. “We’re up to 300 now with PA T R I O T G O L F D A Y To maintain costs, management the women and 150 with the men. Nationwide partners with local sponsors for food We were nowhere near that in the and supplies, then brings things full beginning, but we stuck to it and www.foldsofhonor.org/patriot-golf-day circle by using the event as a fund- it grew and grew. Now it’s a great raiser for the Boys and Girls clubs moneymaker, and people have a lot FOR MORE EVENTS, INCLUDING NGCOA and IMA Recreation Group. Over of fun in the process.” —Jeff Barr CHAPTER HAPPENINGS, VISIT WWW.NGCOA.ORG
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GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 45 2/11/15 9:51 AM Thanks to Our Sponsors
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GThBa-MnkAYRo-uSAEdC.inTd3d.i n d1d 46 12/1/131/1/155 1 91::5212 AM Wr it ing a new Cha pt er The 2015 NGCOA Course of the Year is penning a unique story in the small hamlet of Atkinson
istory isn’t written quickly or in short chap- ters around tiny Atkinson, New Hampshire. HIt’s quaint and quintessentially New England ar ound these par ts, and the stor ies typically take time to build and reveal themselves. All of which makes Atkinson’s most recent chapter stand in such stark contrast to the town’s long, storied past. Ironically, it was written fairly quickly and involves a proud family and its wide- Atkinson Resort & Country reaching, privately held business enterprise, along Club is the winner of the 2015 with a deep commitment to all members of this NGCOA Course of the Year. working-class community. And it involves golf. Three generations of the Lewis family (see Then out of nowhere, the family business expanded in an entirely new “All in the Family”, January 2015) have called direction. In 1996, nine holes of golf were carved from a portion of 420 roll- Atkinson home. Peter Lewis originally launched ing acres of eld and forest, and the story of Atkinson Resort & Country Club a building company with his par ents Ralph and began. A second nine followed two years later, completing the par-72 course Lillian back in 1958. Along the way, the Lewis that plays 6,580 yards from the tips. In 2002, the family opened a sprawling, Group of Companies added lumber and building 75,000-square-foot clubhouse that features two restaurants, 16 overnight guest supplies, home and apartment building, land rooms, a sweeping veranda, an outdoor wedding venue and a large, elegant development and a private water utility serving function space to host receptions, special events and business meetings. half the town’s homes and businesses. If you live A par-3 course was added in 2009 and quickly earned PGA Family in Atkinson, you know of the Lewis family. Course Designation. Also that year, o cials launched Willowcreek Golf continued on page 48
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ThankYouAd.indd 1 1/13/15 11:22 AM GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 47 2/11/15 9:51 AM IIndustryndustry PPulseulse
December 2014 Monthly Average Rounds Played / Days Open Comparison Average Rounds Average Rounds Average Days Average Days Facility Type Played 2014 Played 2013 % Change Open 2014 Open 2013 % Change All Facility Types 777 766 1.4% 15.8 14.0 12.9% continued from page 47 Private 653 649 .6% 16.7 15.0 11.3% Academy, which boasts 15,000 square feet Daily Fee 791 777 1.8% 14.9 13.1 13.7% of natural grass tees, 12,000 square feet Muni/Mil/Univ 906 887 2.1% 16.1 13.9 15.8% of putting surfaces, a handful of practice Resort 1,037 1,044 -.7% 19.5 17.4 12.1% bunkers and a 65-yard practice hole. 2014 Year-to-Date Average Rounds Played / Days Open Comparison Uncharacteristically for Atkinson, things were happening—and happen- Facility Type YTD 2014 YTD 2013 % Change YTD 2014 YTD 2013 % Change Rounds Played Rounds Played Days Open Days Open ing fast. In a mere fraction of the town’s All Facility Types 23,312 23,653 -1.4% 266.0 271.6 -2.1% existence—13 years to be exact—a full- Private 18,012 18,184 -0.9% 263.8 269.0 -1.9% ser vi ce, w i l dl y i mpr essive, year - r ound, Daily Fee 24,652 25,018 -1.5% 264.7 271.0 -2.3% Muni/Mil/Univ 28,884 29,432 -1.9% 270.8 275.4 -1.7% public golf facility emerged and has Resort 23,335 23,801 -2.0% 279.4 283.6 -1.5% quickly become Atkinson’s epicenter. Atkinson Resort & Country Club is now a December 2014 Median Golf Fee Revenue Per Facility gathering point for townsfolk of all ages Facility Type Median 2014 Median 2013 % Change Sample Size to play golf, dine, socialize and celebrate All Facility Types $27,500 $27,000 1.9% 965 together. The National Golf Course Own- Private $17,084 $16,053 6.4% 238 ers Association honored the club last Daily Fee $27,410 $27,547 -0.5% 347 month with its 2015 National Golf Course Muni/Mil/Univ $27,952 $28,371 -1.5% 299 of the Year award, announced in San Resort $118,833 $109,257 8.8% 81 Ant oni o at t he NGCOA Annual Confer - ence. (Other nalists included Currahee December 2014 Median Gross Revenue Per Rounds Played Club in Toccoa, Georgia; Haggin Oaks Median Merchandise Fee Median Total Revenue Facility Type Median Golf Fee Revenue Revenue Median F&B Revenue Golf Complex in Sacramento, California; All Facility Types $17.47 $12.38 $39.77 $124.60 and The Legend at Shanty Creek Resor ts Private $12.96 $28.56 $104.89 $306.35 in Bellaire, Michigan.) Daily Fee $17.64 $5.31 $13.55 $48.77 The NGCOA bases its Course of the Muni/Mil/Univ $19.45 $3.80 $3.90 $29.03 Year award on four factors: quality of the Resort $45.23 $14.02 $20.49 $87.04 golf course, quality of ownership and December 2014 Spotlight: NGCOA Competitive Golf Marketplaces management, signi cant contributions to the game of golf, and outstanding contri- Arizona Georgia butions to the local community. The last criterion may have been what tipped the scal es i n favor of At ki nson Resor t because it’s the people of Atkinson—including 250 full-time, part-time and seasonal em- ployees at the club—that matter most to owner-operator Christine Lewis Morse. “People, families are so spread out these RevPATT* RevPUR* RevPATT* RevPUR* 0.2% 4.6% 9.9% 5.6% days,” she says. “So it means a lot when Percent change vs. same period last year they come up to us after events and thank *RevPATT = revenue per available tee-time *RevPUR = revenue per utilized round us on their way out for giving them some- where to come together. It’s attering.” The What about my state? See more details on your market by registering at www.pgaperformancetrak.com club also helps feed the local economy All Rounds Played averages are starts per 18 holes. Detailed data provided based on suf cient response. Responses are from all participating facilities with 9 holes or more. Data presented was submitted by the 24th of each month for the with $8 million in revenue generated in prior month’s data. Rounds Played are weighted by facility type. 2014, coming equally from social events, restaurants and golf operations. When harsh New England winters roll in and the courses shut down in
Some rounds played data included in this report have been collected and supplied by NGF and Golf Datatech. late November through March, the Learn more at www.ngcoa.org/benchmark. For more report details, visit www.pgaperformancetrak. continued on next page
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GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 48 2/11/15 9:51 AM Purchasing Network resort continues to operate its play opportunities at the club, with Suppliers restaurants, serving three meals a one of the club’s golf sta serving as day. Meanwhile, golfers continue head coach. In the spring, Atkinson Saved Members to hone their skills in the club’s Resort hosts a tournament bene t- more than $1 Million heated hitting bays, on the winter- ting the local Boys and Girls clubs. It’s ized practice range or in an indoor this all-around, open-arms commit- gaming room that features four ment to community, and to the game The industry’s leading suppliers of products and services for golf operations and the NGCOA golf simulators installed at a cost of of golf, that makes the club the crown have teamed up to extend members-only pricing, nearly $800,000. jewel of the Lewis family business rebates and value-added packages exclusively to Each year, the Lewis family busi- and a shining star among golf cour se NGCOA members.
ness donates a 45-foot Christmas tree owners nationally. Last year, participating members received, on and hosts a tr ee-lighting event that Indeed, an exciting new chapter in average, $528 in rebates and collectively, saved o ers a wide variety of family-friendly the town’s rich history has been writ- more than $1 million. activities. A local high school’s golf ten, and it’s titled “Atkinson Resort & teams enjoy unlimited practice and Co u n t r y Cl u b .” PREMIER PARTNER
A LASTING IMPRESSION PREFERRED SUPPLIERS or 20 years, it seems, Anne FLyndrup didn’t have a job. Rather, she had a mission in her role as direc- tor of player development and direc- tor of conference and trade show at the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). “Anne is one of those truly special During her tenure, Lyndrup cre- people who was always a terri c team ated the highly successful Take Your player,” says Mike Hughes, CEO of Daughter to the Course Week, an the NGCOA. “She was never out annual program that encourages for individual glory. It was all about course owners and parents to get moving the ball forward for the asso- young girls off on the right foot when SMART BUY SUPPLIERS ciation and its members. Our mission venturing into the game of golf. She was always foremost in her mind: to also spearheaded the NGCOA’s bene t our members.” grow-the-game efforts, which bene t- Retired for two years, Lyndrup ted the association, its members and received the NGCOA’s 2015 Don the golf industry in general. Perhaps Rossi Award at the association’s Lyndrup’s most signi cant contribu- Annual Conference in San Antonio tion, however, was overseeing the last month. The award is named for NGCOA Annual Conference, the golf Members: Rossi, who served as president of industry’s largest gathering of owners Start Saving Today! the National Golf Foundation and and operators of daily-fee, private, executive director of the Golf Course resort and municipal courses. Builders Association of America, and Above all, Lyndrup was known for later helped found the NGCOA. It is her role as a true advocate for course Visit www.ngcoa.org/purchasingnetwork given to individuals in recognition of owners and carried with her the daily or contact Rutledge at [email protected] signi cant and long-lasting contribu- question, “What can I do for the or (800) 933-4262 ext. 270. tions to the NGCOA. members today?”
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December 2014 Average Rounds Played by State Average Rounds Average Rounds Average Rounds Average Rounds State Played 2014 Played 2013 % Change State Played 2014 Played 2013 % Change Alabama 821 726 13.1% Nebraska 149 124 20.2% OPERATING Arizona 2,799 2,916 -4.0% Nevada 1,510 1,475 2.4% Arkansas 331 318 4.1% New Hampshire 5 13 -61.5% SOLUTIONS California 2,362 2,831 -16.6% New Jersey 380 326 16.6% WHEN IT COMES TIME TO DECIDE Colorado 424 338 25.4% New Mexico 552 492 12.2% WHAT EQUIPMENT and apparel Connecticut 128 95 34.7% New York 117 84 39.3% Delaware 367 462 -20.6% North Carolina 973 1,041 -6.5% to stock in the golf shop, manage- Florida 2,896 2,862 1.2% North Dakota 0 0 * ment of Bay Creek Resort and Club Georgia 1,125 1,005 11.9% Ohio 153 104 47.1% in Cape Charles, Virginia, makes Hawaii 2,129 2,086 2.1% Oklahoma 777 784 -0.9% sure to get plenty of input from Idaho 260 69 276.8% Oregon 689 538 28.1% female members. The result has Illinois 104 45 131.1% Pennsylvania 241 132 82.6% been increased sales and additional Indiana 106 80 32.5% Rhode Island 240 157 52.9% Iowa 70 40 75.0% South Carolina 1,361 1,387 -1.9% involvement by the women’s groups. Kansas 314 314 0.0% South Dakota 30 11 172.7% Director of golf Joe Burbee Kentucky 272 290 -6.2% Tennessee 594 638 -6.9% gets the ball rolling each year when Louisiana 1,066 925 15.2% Texas 1,454 1,379 5.4% he sends a survey to the women Maine 0 0 * Utah 1,086 399 172.2% who participate in the league. The Maryland 560 566 -1.1% Vermont 0 0 * survey allows the club to take stock Massachusetts 167 86 94.2% Virginia 681 708 -3.8% Michigan 65 19 242.1% Washington 716 603 18.7% of fashion trends and special needs Minnesota 16 3 433.3% West Virginia 243 135 80.0% or desires. “We keep it open-ended, Mississippi 710 688 3.2% Wisconsin 1 3 -66.7% asking if there was anything we Missouri 321 282 13.8% Wyoming 27 4 575.0% were missing or any brands they Montana 31 4 675.0% would like us to carry,” says Burbee, a two-time winner of the Mid-Atlan- December 2014 Year-to-Date Average Rounds Played by State tic PGA Section’s Merchandiser of Average Rounds Average Rounds Average Rounds Average Rounds State Played 2014 Played 2013 % Change State Played 2014 Played 2013 % Change the Year award. Alabama 19,102 19,265 -0.8% Nebraska 18,910 18,983 -0.4% By asking their opinion, Burbee Arizona 36,315 35,692 1.7% Nevada 29,838 29,236 2.1% not only gets a clearer indication Arkansas 13,820 14,165 -2.4% New Hampshire 22,163 21,935 1.0% of the items of most interest to the California 40,490 41,387 -2.2% New Jersey 19,924 20,333 -2.0% women, he’s also convincing them Colorado 24,763 24,584 0.7% New Mexico 19,566 20,179 -3.0% that the club is interested in deliver- Connecticut 22,241 22,514 -1.2% New York 17,313 17,822 -2.9% Delaware 20,126 20,312 -0.9% North Carolina 22,236 22,829 -2.6% ing what they want. As a result, the Florida 32,894 33,442 -1.6% North Dakota 16,533 14,409 14.7% club’s female members are loyal to Georgia 22,604 23,132 -2.3% Ohio 20,831 20,863 -0.2% Burbee and purchase most of their Hawaii 27,760 28,570 -2.8% Oklahoma 23,330 23,686 -1.5% golf attire and equipment from his Idaho 21,742 21,480 1.2% Oregon 25,162 26,092 -3.6% shop. “We think it makes the ladies Illinois 19,849 20,412 -2.8% Pennsylvania 19,788 20,367 -2.8% feel wanted,” says Burbee, noting Indiana 17,052 17,688 -3.6% Rhode Island 20,224 19,293 4.8% Iowa 18,582 19,527 -4.8% South Carolina 27,772 28,537 -2.7% that revenue numbers for men’s and Kansas 21,604 20,262 6.6% South Dakota 19,640 16,841 16.6% women’s apparel are approximately Kentucky 17,629 18,180 -3.0% Tennessee 21,879 22,069 -0.9% the same because of the support Louisiana 19,018 19,131 -0.6% Texas 28,596 28,792 -0.7% shown by the women. Maine 17,355 17,334 0.1% Utah 34,647 32,735 5.8% Catering to this clientele also just Maryland 23,336 24,981 -6.6% Vermont 13,763 14,411 -4.5% makes good business sense, consid- Massachusetts 20,291 20,068 1.1% Virginia 21,350 22,049 -3.2% Michigan 18,736 19,952 -6.1% Washington 27,634 29,212 -5.4% ering studies have shown that most Minnesota 20,696 19,990 3.5% West Virginia 13,835 14,392 -3.9% women today control spending in Mississippi 17,233 16,898 2.0% Wisconsin 19,103 18,731 2.0% their households. “If we’re not doing Missouri 20,396 20,701 -1.5% Wyoming 12,956 12,801 1.2% things to treat them as equals, it Montana 18,517 19,355 -4.3% really isn’t very smart on our behalf,”
All Rounds Played averages are starts per 18 holes. Detailed data provided based on suf cient response. Responses are Burbee says. “They might take the from all participating facilities with 9 holes or more. Data presented was submitted by the 24th of each month for the family’s business elsewhere.” prior month’s data. Rounds Played are weighted by facility type.
OPERATING SOLUTIONS IS A MONTHLY FORUM PRESENTED BY NGCOA PREMIER PARTNER CLUB CAR TO PROVIDE INNOVATIVE IDEAS THAT HAVE INCREASED REVENUES AND/OR REDUCED OPERATING EXPENSES. Some rounds played data included in this report have been collected and supplied by NGF and Golf Datatech. Learn more at www.ngcoa.org/benchmark. For more report details, visit www.pgaperformancetrak.
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GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 50 2/11/15 9:51 AM Champ ions of the Game Streamline the world’s seven continents, many of Your Search which have been heralded for sensitiv- ity to ecological interests and concerns. Norman’s business empire also includes Tap into your association’s incredible a tur fgr ass company, a nancial network of golf industry suppliers investment rm, and residential and with the NGCOA Buyer’s Guide. land development. Perhaps his most www.ngcoabuyersguide.com well-known o -course business is his Greg Norman Estates portfolio of ne t’s hard to tell whether legendary wines, which happen to pair well with golfer Greg Norman has achieved Greg Norman Australian Prime, a line of I greater success on the course or premium steak and beef o erings. o . “The Shark” dominated tournament As successful as he’s been in elds in the 1980s and 1990s (ranked No. business, the 60-year-old native of 1 in the word for 331 weeks) and took Queensland is equally adept at giving that same erce desire to succeed from back. Norman operates the Greg Nor- the locker room to the boardroom. In man Champions Golf Academy and recognition of his storied competitive heads the Greg Norman Foundation, and golf industry career, the NGCOA which focuses on advancing the game honored the charismatic Aussie with of golf by introducing school-aged the association’s 2015 Award of Merit for youth, children with disabilities and long-term and signi cant contributions junior members of golf clubs to the to the game of golf. game. He also hosts the annual Frank- Instead of wading through endless One of the most colorful and suc- lin Templeton Shootout, a 54-hole, listings of distributors, manufacturers cessful golfers in the game’s history, st r oke- pl ay event t hat r ai ses money and vendors to service your operation, Norman used his daring, swashbuck- for childhood cancer. choose the NGCOA Buyer’s Guide. ling style to capture 90 international In other news, the NGCOA honored victories, including two majors (The We Are Golf and Aaron Gleason of Dy- Our guide applies the latest search Open Championship 1986, 1993) and namic Revenue Services as co-winners engine functionality to ensure that you 20 PGA Tour events. Norman is also of its annual Champion Award. The quickly and easily find the most relevant a three-time winner of the Vardon award is “bestowed upon individu- partners to deliver what your facility Trophy, awarded by the PGA of America als or entities that have succeeded in needs to succeed. each year to the PGA Tour player with working on behalf of a group of own- the lowest scoring average. ers—locally, regionally, nationally or “We selected Greg Norman for our internationally—and have garnered a Award of Merit for the many, many si gni cant victory for our members.” years he has dedicated to advancing Founded in 2009, We Are Golf is the game of golf and the lifestyle that a coalition of the industr y’s leading comes with it,” says Mike Hughes, CEO organizations, including the NGCOA, of the NGCOA. “Greg’s accomplishments that was formed, in part, to help in tournament golf are well-known, but elected o cials better understand the he has also been very successful in his contributions the game makes to the various golf business ventures.” national economy and to ensure golf is Norman’s global business enter- fairly represented on Capital Hill. With prise encompasses everything from nearly 2 million Americans working in Start your search today at course design to wine, and seemingly the industry, We Are Golf advocates for www.ngcoabuyersguide.com everything in between. He has designed the thousands of small businesses that more than 70 golf courses on six of make up the industry.
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GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 51 2/11/15 9:51 AM -ARKET 0LACE GOLF COURSE MARKET
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BROKERAGE LEADER #/.&)$%.4)!, #/523%3 !6!),!",% FRIENDLY FAMILY ORIENTED GOLF CLUB LOCATED MILES MILES Suite 150 EAST OF THE PERIMETER IN #ONYERSNYERS !MENITIES INCLUDEY !MENITIES INCLUDE Las Vegas, NV 89169 WWWMMAGOLFCOM s BRETT MMAGOLFCOM A SQUARE FOOT CLUBHOUSE WITH FULL SERVICE SQUARE FOOT CLUBHOUSE WITH FULL SERVICE Q FOOT CLUBHOUSOOT CLUBHOUS +1 702 735 5700 LOUNGE DINING AND BANQUET FACILITIESGGD BANQUET FAC Q TWO LIGHTED TWO LIGHTED www.colliers.com/golf TENNIS COURTS AND SWIMMING POOLTENNIS COURTS AND SWIMMING POSWIM #ONTACT (ILDA ÀÊ->i !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC 7 HILDAHWA GMAILCOM "ROOKSVILLE #OUNTRY #LUB AT -AJESTIC /AKS "ROOKSVILLE &, (OLE FULL SERVICE COUNTRY *ENNINGS -ILL ##"OGART '! 2ANK ED ONE OF CLUB WITH AMENITY PACKAGE INCLUDING FITNESSDING FITNESSG '!S TOP COURSES ! SHORT DRIVE FROM !THENS !THENS 4HE 4HE CENTER ,OCATED IN CENTRAL &LORIDA WITHIN HOURRAL &LORIDA WITHIN HOUR WITHIN HWITHIN H SF CLUBHOUSE ANCHORS THE HOLE CHAMPION NCHORS THE HOLE CHAMPION P OF 4AMPA AND /CALA :ONED FOR RESIDENTIALAMPA AND /CALA :ONED FOR RESIDENTIALP /CALA :ONED FOR RESIDENT SHIP "OB #UPP DESIGNED GOLF COURSE AND ITS AME PPPGG"OB #UPP DESIGNED GOLF SIGNED GOLF COGGG OURSE AND ITS AME #ONFIDENTIALITY !GREEMENT REQUIRED FOR INF#ONFIDENTIALITY !GREEMENT REQUIRED FOR INFORMA NFIDENTIALITY !GREEMENT YGY REQUIRED REQUIR NITIES 3PECTACULAR LANDSCAPE VIEWSPPLANDSCAPE VIELANDSCAPE VI ! MUST SEE TO ! MUST TION 0/33)",% /7.%2 &).TION 0/33)",% /7.%2 &).!.#).'N 0/33)",% /7N5.$%2 ,%!3%/04)/. 0/33)",% #ONTACT (IL APPRECIATE @02)#% .%'/4)!",% #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN APPRECIATE @02)#% .%'/4)!"PP DADA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC !LLEN AT AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC AT (ILDA 7 HILDAHWA GMAILCOM HILDAHWA GMAILCOM #ONl DENTIAL+ENTUCKY #OURSE HOLES ,IGHTHOUSE 0OINT 9ACHT 2ACQUET #LUB,IGHT ACRES 7ELL KEPT ZOYSIA FAIRWAYS BENT GRASS GREENS HOUSE 0OINT &, TOTAL ACRES UPLAND ANNUAL ROUNDS COUNTYS ONLY LIQUOR LICENSE SLIP MARINA CLUBHOUSE SWIMMING POOL TENNIS PRO SHOP BANQUET FACILITY AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY COURTS RACQUET BALL COURTS AND PARKING LOT #ONTACT $ONT BUY A LOSER 4HIS COURSE MAKES MONEY !NNUAL (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC SALES NEAR + !SKING 3END BUYER HILDAHWA GMAILCOM PROl LE TO GOLFPROKY GMAILCOM -ATTAPONI 3PRINGS '#2UTHER 'LEN 6! 4HE #ONl DENTIAL.ORTH #AROLINA YARD ONLY COURSE IN #ENTRAL AND .ORTHERN 6! RANKED IN CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE RECENTLY AW ARDED 'OLF $I !MERICAS 'REATEST 0UBLIC #OURSES 'OLF $I GESTS COVETED 3TAR RATING 0AR WITH 0 ENNCROSS GEST 0RISTINE GOLF ON ACRES "ENTGRASS GREENS AND "ERMUDA FAIRWAYS 4HE MANOR FULL AMENITY CLUBHOUSE EXCELLENT PRACTICE FACILITIES STYLE #LUBHOUSE CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO GUESTS LODGE CONFERENCE CENTER ON SITE #ONVENIENT TO /THER AMENITIES INCLUDE A SWIMMING POOL AND TEN 2ICHMOND $# AND "ALTIMORE #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN NIS COURTS #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC %STATE )NC HILDAHWA GMAILCOM HILDAHWA GMAILCOM #ONl DENTIAL#OASTAL 'EORGIA #OASTAL 'EORGIA /SAGE .ATIONAL 'OLF 2ESORT,AKE /ZARK -/ SIGNATURE DESIGN /WNER MOTIVATED TO SELL #ONTACT 4HE /.,9 HOLE !RNOLD 0ALMER SIGNATURE COURSE “We need listings in FL, (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC IN -ISSOURI WITH AN ADDITIONAL HOLE ,INKS STYLE HILDAHWA GMAILCOM COURSE AND ALL OF THE AMENITIES !LSO OFFERING A GA, SC, NC and TX, private ACRE MIXED USE TRACT COMPLETED 2ESIDENTIAL $URHAM ,AKES&AIRBURN '! HOLES CON LOTS WITH INFRASTRUCTURE UNDEVELOPED ACRES AND and semi-private clubs.” VENIENTLY LOCATED JUST OFF OF ) IN METRO !TLANTA ACRES ZONED AND PARTIALLY DEVELOPED FOR CONDOS 6OTED ONE OF '! S 4OP -UST 0LAY #OURSES BY #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE 'OLF 3TYLES -AGAZINE 02)#% 2%$5#%$ #ONTACT )NC HILDAHWA GMAILCOM (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HILDAHWA GMAILCOM 1UAIL 2IDGE 'OLF #LUB3ANFORD .# *UST SOUTH OF 2ALEIGH NORTH OF 0INEHURST IS THIS HOLE &ALL "RANCH 0ARCEL-URPHY 4OWNSHIP .# CHAMPIONSHIP DESIGN BY LEGENDARY %LLIS -APLES ACRES NEXT TO THE NEW #HEROK EE 6ALLEY #A m AT TO ROLLING TERRAIN MATURE TREE LINED FUNCTIONAL SINO OPENING IN .INE MILES OF ROADS 02)#% CLUBHOUSE RANGE PRACTICE GREEN #ONTACT "RETT !T 2%$5#%$ #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL -ILLER -ANAGEMENT !SSOCIATES )NC %STATE )NC HILDAHWA GMAILCOM BRETT MMAGOLFCOM 'REENSBRIDGE 'OLF #OURSE'ARLAND .# 2IVER 0OINTE '#!LBANY '! "UILT IN ON ON "UYS AN (OLE 'OLF #OURSE IN .ORTH #AR THE BANKS OF THE &LINT 2IVER ESTUARY AND VOTED STUARY AND VOTED h"%34Y ND VOTEDD VOTED h"%34 OLINA /N !CRES /WNERS ARE OFFERING '2%%.3 /& 4(% "%34v IN THE !LBANY AREA FOR FOUR CONSECU 34v IN THE !LBANY AREA FOR FOUR CONSECU HE !LBANY AREA FOR FOUR COE !LBANY AREA FOR FOUR COY "2)$'% 'OLF #OURSE IN 'ARLAND .# WITH TIVE YEARS 4HIS COURSE PLAYS TO YARDS AND OF YPYEARS 4HIS COURSE PLAYS TO YARDS AEARS 4HIS COURSE PLAYS TO YARDPYP $EVELOPMENT ACRES IN A HALF ACRE ZONE 3OME HOMES FERS ALL OF THE AMENITIESL OF THE AMENITIES CLUBHOUSE POOL PRACTICE CLUBHOU CLU ALREADY BUILT 4HIS IS A l RM ROCK BOTTOM PRICE AND IN FACILITIES AND A NEWLY RENOVFACILITIES AND A NES AN ATED PRO SHOP 'REAT
GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 52 2/11/15 9:52 AM CLASSIFIEDS
TURN KEY OPPORTUNITY #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HILDAHWA GMAILCOM 2OSE )SLAND0ORT 2OYAL 3# #OASTAL ,OW #OUNTRY PRIVATE ISLAND SECLUDED YET CONVENIENT ACRE UPLAND ISLAND WITH AN ADDITIONAL ACRES OF +INGS 'RANT MARSH LAND %XISTING FEATURES /NE "2 "! ELEVATED HOME POOL HORSE BARN AND STABLES DOCK DEEP WELL SUB DIVIDED LOTS PERMIT FOR MORE DOCKS BARGE PERMIT AND LANDING IN PLACE AND MORE #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HILDAHWA GMAILCOM 0,%!3% 6)3)4 3EVEN ,AKES #OUNTRY #LUB7EST %ND .#7EST %ND .# ! 0ETER 4UFTS! 0ETER 4UFTS ))) DESIGN (OLE COURSE WITH AMENITIES(OLE COURSE WITH AMENITIESSE WITH AMENE WITH AMEN 2ANKED FOR THE TH 2ANKED FOR THE TH YEAR IN A ROW AS ONE OF THE Y F THE 4/0 COURSES IN .# #4/0 COURSES IN .# #ONTACT 4/0 (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STA(ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC !LLEN!LL WWW'OLF#OURSE-ARKETCOM HILDAHWA GMAILCOM 3TONECREST '#3UMMERl ELD &, ! SEMI PRIV ATE GOLF COURSE LOCATED IN THE ROLLING HILLS OF CENTRAL &LORIDA 4HE COU4HE COURSERSE ÀÊÀi>ÊÌiÊÃÌ}ÃÊÀÊV>ÊÌÊ«>ÀÌV«>Ìi° IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WIAL FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITHTH THE ADULT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY OF 3TONECRESTMENT COMMUNITY OF 3TONECRESTMUNITY OF 3UNITY OF 3Y 3TONECREST IS A LINKS STYLE COURSE DESIGNED BY 3TEVE .EWGENTYGYSIGNED BY 3TEGYG 7ATER 7ATER CAN COME INTO PLAY ON EIGHT HOLES OF THIS PARCOME INTO PLAY ON EIGHT HOLES OF THIS PAR LAYOUT THAT MEA PY G HOLES O SURES YARDS FROM SURES YARDS FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIP TEES #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN!LLEN AT (ILDA A 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HIL DAHWA GMAILCOM 4HE 0LAYERS #OURSE AT 7YBOO 0LANTATION-ANNING 3# HOLE SEMI PRIVATE %ARNEST 7ALLACE DESIGN NESTLED ALONG THE SHORES OF ,AKE -ARION AND SITUATED ON ACRES -EASURES YARDS FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIP TEES STATION DRIVING RANGE CLUBHOUSE INCLUDES PRO SHOP AND GRILL #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HIL DAHWA GMAILCOM 4OTTERIDGE '#'REENSBURG 0! 4OTTERIDGE IS THE /., 9 2EES *ONES COURSE IN WESTERN 0! 4HIS HOLE LINKS STYLE COURSE HAS RECEIVED GREAT ACCOLADES AND WAS HONORED THIS YEAR BY 'OLF $IGEST AS THE TH BEST GOLF COURSE IN 0 ! IN ADDITION TO A 3TAR 2ATING ON 'OLF!DVISORSCOM 4HIS LAYOUT TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE ROLLING HILLS AND THE BREATHTAKING VISTAS !DDI TIONAL LAND AVAILABLE #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HILDAHWA GMAILCOM 4WISTED /AKS 'OLF #OURSE"EVERLY (ILLS &,S &, 2ELAXING PIC GP TURESQUE SETTING IN A ROLLING LANDSCAPE SITUATED IN 7EST &LORIDG LANDSCAPE SITUATED IN 7EST &LORIDAGPP A ,INKS STYLE COURSE WITH YEAR ROUND PLAYYYPYYLE COURSE WITH YEAR ROUND PLAYYEAR ROUND PLAYEAR ROUND PLYPY YARDS FROM THE YARDS FROM THE BLACK TEES #HIPPING AND PUTTING AREASPP GD PUTTING AREAD PUTTING ARE P G 3EMI PRIV 3EMI PRIVATE #ONTACT (ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EA(ILDA !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HILDAHWA GMAIGMAILCOM 7HITE 2IVER 'OLF #OURSE2OCHESTER 64 HOLE COURSE ON SE ON ¢ ACRES )T IS A REGULATION HOLE GOLF COURSE WITH THREE 0GOLF COURSE WITH THREE 0G SE WITH TE WITH AR SELL S FOUR 0AR S AND TWO 0AR D TWO 0AR S 4HE S 4HE SALE OFFERING CONSISTS OF THESALE OFFERING CONSISSALE OFFERING CONSISALE OFFERING CONSISTS OF THE G GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE WITH OWNERS QUARTERS APARTMENTS ANDGQOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE WITH OWNERS QUARTERS APARTMENTS AE CLUBHOUSE WITH OWNERS QUARTERS APART CLUBHOUSE WITH OWNERS QUARTERS APAQ A "AR2ESTAURANT FULLY FURNISHED AND EQUIPPEDA "AR2ESTAURANT FULLY FURNISHED AND EQUIPESTAURANT FULLY FURNISHED AESTAURANT FULLY FURNISHED Y #ONTACT (ILDA THROUGH THE GB CLASSIFIEDS !LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EAL %STATE )NC HILDA!LLEN AT (ILDA 7 !LLEN 2EA(ILDA 7 H WA GMAILCOM )N CONJUNCTION WITH $ 2 3YMMES !SSOCIATESGMA Call 800-933-4262, ext. 212 7INDY (ILL 'OLF #LUB-ONROE 470 /( HOLES 2ANGE 0RACTICE !REA #ATERING SQ FT BRICK #LUBHOUSE 0AVILION !DDITIONAL RENTAL )NCOME FROM CAMPGROUND AND MORE 3OME for information on placing your ad #ARTS AND %QUIPMENT INCLUDED "EER LICENSE INCLUDED /VER ACRES + /WNER S (OME AV AILABLE SEPARATELY $AVID"YC ZEK %2!COM ÕVÌÃ %LK #REEK 'OLF #OURSE-OBERLY -/ 'OLF #OURSE ,IQUIDA TION !UCTION -ARCH TH AT !- ACRES IN TRACTS *OHN $EERE %QUIPMENT 'AS GOLF CARTS TOOLS CLUBHOUSE l XTURES AND MORE ,AND!ND!UCTIONNET
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2)Which one option best character- 7)What is the average greens fee for a typical izes your organization? (check one only) round of golf at your facility? If you work at NGCOA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 46 800.933.4262x207 ngcoa.org/conference 01 q Golf Course Facility/Group of Facilities multiple facilities, please indicate the average 02 q Off-Course Golf Retailer greens fee across all facilities. 03 q Golf Industry Manufacturer/Vendor/Distributor 01 q nothing/private 05 q $75 - $99 04 q Golf Course Consultant 02 q o less than $25 06 q $100 - $149 03 q $25 - $49 07 q $150 or more 3) What one option most closely matches 04 q $50 - $74 08 q not applicable NGCOA BUYERS GUIDE 51 ngcoabuyersguide.com your job function/title? (select one only) 01 q President/CEO 02 q Owner/Operator 8)What is the total annual budget or 03 q Chairman of the Board expenditures for which you are responsible? 04 q CFO/Financial Manager 50 q less than $99,000 53 q $500,000 - $999,000 51 q $100,000 - $249,000 54 q $1,000,000 - $2,499,000 NGCOA MEMBERSHIP 42 800.933.4262x222 ngcoa.org/membershipmatters 05 q General Manager 06 q Club Manager 52 q $250,000 - $499,000 55 q $2,500,000 or more 07 q Director of Golf 08 q Executive/National/Regional Director/Manager 9) In which ways are you personally involved 09 q Purchasing Manager/Buyer in your organization’s purchasing decisions? 10 q Golf Professional 60 q Determine annual budget expenditures NGCOA PURCH. NETWORK 49 800.933.4262x270 ngcoa.org/purchasingnetwork 11 q Golf Superintendent 61 q Authorize final purchases 12 q Member, Board of Directors 62 q Determine needs of the operation 13 q Marketing/Sales Manager/Director 63 q Specify/recommend vendors or suppliers 15 q Other (please specify)______64 q Specify/recommend specific brands 4) Which one best describes the 65 q Evaluate brands for purchase PEPSI IBC pepsico.com nature of your organization? (select one only) 10) Which products/services listed below do 10 q Private you specify, recommend, buy or approve the 11 q Privately-Owned Daily Fee purchase? (select all that apply) 12 q Semi-Private A q Golf Cars 13 q Resort SKECHERS 9 skechers.com/GOGOLF B q Turf Equipment 14 q Municipal/State/County C q Course Design/Construction/Renovation 16 q Military D q Irrigation & Drainage 17 q University/College E q Chemicals, Fertilizer & Seed 18 q Driving Range/Practice Facility G q Clubhouse Design/Construction/Renovation 20 q Development Company H q Financial Services 28 q Golf Course Builder SYNGENTA BC 866.796.4368 greencastonline.com/operationpollinator T q Legal Services 21 q Other (please specify)______F q Course Accessories 21 q Not Applicable J q Insurance 5)Are you affiliated with a golf course U q Marketing Services management company? L q Pro Shop Apparel TORO 2-3 800.803.8676 toro.com/turfonomics 01 q yes 02 q no M q Pro Shop Equipment P q Food & Beverage 6)How many facilities, in total, are R q Computers/Technology you personally responsible for? V q Furniture/Fixtures 80 q less than 2 83 q 10 or more W q Human Resources/Staffing 81 q 2 - 4 99 q Not applicable K q Consulting TROJAN BATTERY 4 800.423.6569 trojanbattery.com 82 q 5 - 9
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GB-MAR-SECT3.indd 55 2/11/15 9:52 AM Best mar ket ing init iat ive you’ve r ecent l y impl ement ed
Allison George We selected a local charity. Wizard of Fun When golfers checked in Toad Valley Golf Course to play, they were asked if Pleasant Hill, Iowa they’d like to donate $1 to it. Around our property, we also had signs posting that we would donate 25 cents for every “check in” we re- ceived on Facebook. It w as a great w ay to give back to our community and in- crease our online presence through social media.
Biggest chal l enge you’ve faced in recent years
A few years ago, the main road to our course w as closed, causing our golfers to travel an additional 15 One t hing t hat keeps minutes on a detour. It cust omer s coming back was an incredibly diffi- cult year, and w e spent Our overall atmosphere. the next several years There’s an unmistakable digging out of the hole charm that comes from that it caused to our being a family-owned bottom line. Through and -operated business. creative marketing Our laid-back demeanor and a lot of hard w ork, trickles dow n to our staff, we were able to suc- which results in a large cessfully recover. workforce of warm em- ployees who are genuinely happy to see each golfer.
© 2015 Photo by Terry Kuzniar © 2015 Photo by Terry 56 " 1- -- March 2015
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GB-MAR-SECT1.indd CD 2/11/15 9:22 AM Make your own environmental impact. Sustainability begins with you. Operation Pollinator is a way to beautify your course and provide pollinating insects the habitat they need to thrive. Syngenta provides over ten years of expertise in developing pollinator friendly plots, as well as communication tools to promote the positive environmental benefi ts of Operation Pollinator to golfers and local communities. To see how your course can benefi t from a sound ecological initiative, visit greencastonline.com/operationpollinator #OperationPollinator
© 2014 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The label contains important conditions of sale, including limitations of warranty and remedy. All products may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Please check with your state or local extension service before buying or using Syngenta products. The Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368). MW 1LGG4029-P2 6/14
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