The winners off a combined handicap of 10.16 were
Tony Dick, Alastair Fotheringham and Robert Eriksson
with a score of 57.84
Runners up
John Cummins, Bill Pope, David McGinnes (10.5)
Score 58.5
Our membership over the years is between 500 to 600 comprising members both golfing and non golfing. Much is written in the press and magazines about the changing paradigm of golf. Membership of a golf club with a golf course is only one type of golf club. Companies, licensed clubs, hotels, professional bodies, associations etc very often will have their own golf groups or clubs, not having a home course but playing on different courses from time to time.
The financial model of most golf clubs now has changed and changed in a large way. Clubs that once were strictly private are now competing for weddings, functions and corporate golf days. The funds produced from these activities is significant and most clubs could not operate in the same way and provide the same services to their members if it were not for the income visitors and functions provide.
Looking quickly around the web I note that of the finalists in the Australian Bridal Industry Awards for club receptions included 7 golf clubs in the top ten clubs including Manly, Pennant Hills, Bonnie Doon and Concord. (Golf clubs also scored well as a ceremony venue with 8 finalists in the top 21.) Corporate days are well promoted and provide an excellent source of income. All of the Group One golf couses in Sydney promote and enjoy the income from corporate days. Of course there is a trade off in that members amenity is lost and the availability of tee times for members is very much reduced. It is a balancing act between gaining needed income and keeping the members happy !
Visitor income at Bowral Golf Club last year was $155,000 - on a very good day we get 50 visitors. (At Concord visitor income last year was around $700,000 and the minimum number required for a trade day on a Thursday is 72.) Now we are developing other income streams with the John Oxley Room and Phatt Duck fare. Our John Oxley Room will be open for lunch 7 days a week starting next month and on Friday nights starting Oct 5th.
visitor_group.jpg |