Here - National Golf Course Owners Association

Transcription

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GOLF BUSINESS JOURNAL
LEADING THE WAY
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 2 • A N E W S L E T T E R F O R M E M B E R S O F T H E N G C O A • W W W. N G C O A . O R G • 2 N D Q UA RT E R 2 0 0 4
The NGCOA is
poised to step
up its role as
the national
advocate for the
interests of golf
course owners
and operators.
Alert NGCOA
of Pending
Legislation
The NGCOA has a new online tool for
tracking and responding to state and
federal legislation that might affect the
golf industry. Go to www.ngcoa.org and
click the Legislative Affairs button on the
left side. Members can survey local legislation and see what issues the NGCOA
and its chapters are asking you to
BY
J AY
respond to. If you know of any local or
KAREN
federal issues that the NGCOA and its
INSIDE
For centuries, societies and guilds have
wielded their collective bargaining power
to represent their constituencies in the
political arena. Things are no different in
today’s world, in which professional and
trade associations engage in grassroots
advocacy programs and lobbying activities to seek favorable industrywide change
or protect their industries from adverse
regulations and legislation. The National
Golf Course Owners Association, now in
its 25th year, along with several wellestablished chapters and international
affiliates, is poised to effectively represent
the business interests of golf course owners and operators.
Golf course owners are generally aware
of the NGCOA’s leadership role in convincing the Internal Revenue Service to
write new revenue code allowing the
depreciation of certain elements of the
course developed or modified according
to modern construction techniques. “Our
dialogue with the IRS was a perfect example of strength in numbers,” says Mike
Hughes, NGCOA executive director. “It’s
chapters should be aware of, please contact Jay Karen at [email protected] or
(800) 933-4262 ext. 211.
not likely the IRS would respond to a
small handful of individual owners on
such a matter. Representing thousands of
course owners and operators goes far in
opening doors.” The depreciation issue
germinated in the Myrtle Beach area, and
the baton was passed along to NGCOA to
persuade the IRS.
Several NGCOA chapters have found
success in activating the membership on
the local level to make changes in the legislative arena. Recently, the Illinois Golf
Course Owners Association (IGCOA) was
able to protect golf course owners from
two attempts to include golf in a mandate
for business owners to purchase and main-
tain automatic external defibrillators
(AEDs). “We feel the voluntary purchase
of an AED is prudent and a wise business
decision,” says John Page, IGCOA executive director. “But the issue we had was
with the way the state was attempting to
mandate such an implementation.
Operationally it could have been unwieldy
and completely unworkable in an environment like a golf course. In addition, the
liability issues remain too nebulous to support such a legislative mandate.” The
Maryland chapter of the NGCOA was
able to galvanize statewide support for
new property tax legislation, which resulted in a cap on valuation for golf course
properties. Several years ago, the
Pennsylvania chapter was able to protect
golf course owners and operators from an
unusually high amusement tax on golf.
Taking a different approach with the
property tax issue, the Myrtle Beach Area
Golf Course Owners Association made an
effort to collectively appeal the most
recent tax notices for golf courses in the
area. “The Myrtle Beach golf industry has
been built on fair value to our golfing customers,” says George Hilliard, Myrtle
Beach chapter executive director. “We
consider fairness as a way of life as well as
in the business community. For a number
continued on page 2
Mark Your Calendars Now for the 2005 Solutions Summit
February 8-12, 2005 • The Rosen Plaza • Orlando, Florida
Member News ...........................................2
Legislative Update ...................................10
Member Happenings .................................5
NGCOA Purchasing Programs .................12
PRE SORT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CHARLESTON, SC
PERMIT NO. 137
Chapter News............................................8
Get Linked. Play Golf ...............................14
M E M B E R
N E W S
LEADING THE WAY continued from page 1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Mark Seabrook
President
Canadian Golf & Country Club
Ashton, ON, Canada
Henry Delozier
Vice President
Pulte Homes
Phoenix, AZ
Charlie Birney
Secretary
Atlantic Golf
Edgewater, MD
Meriam B. Leeke
Treasurer
Old Channel Trail Golf Course
Montague, MI
Michael K. Hughes
Executive Director
Golf
Enterprise
Management
Program
Update
In
late
December The Toro
Foundation awarded the University of
Wisconsin-Stout a $50,000 keystone
gift and a matching grant of
$50,000 for the new Golf Enterprise
Management (GEM) Program. In
January Dean John Wesolek was
able to secure another commitment
from a UW-Stout alumnus for
$50,000, thus activating the foundation grant for a total of $150,000
BOARD MEMBERS
currently. The President’s Cup match
Bill Aragona
Boulder Creek Golf & C.C.
Boulder Creek, CA
held each year by the Golf Course
John Baker
Pinecroft Golf
Gillett, PA
Dan Clark
Willow Creek Golf Course
Des Moines, IA
Owners of Wisconsin will be held
in Menomonie, Wis., home to UWStout, on July 20. Organizers hope
to have a “virtual ribbon cutting”
ceremony by officials of the university, golf course owners and repre-
Charlie Floyd
Arrowhead Country Club
Myrtle Beach, SC
sentatives of suppliers. The program
Larry Giustina
Tokatee Golf Club
Eugene, OR
in focus many owners are looking
James Hinckley
Olympus Partners/Arnold Palmer Golf
Management
Dallas, TX
Ray Holohan
Middle Island Country Club
Middle Island, NY
Walter Lankau, Jr.
Stow Acres Country Club
Stow, MA
Cliff Rampy
Treeline Golf Club Inc.
Tomball, TX
Frank Romano
Scenic View Country Club
Slinger, WI
seems to fit nicely with the change
for to strengthen management
best practices and ultimately the
seed stock of future management
candidates in golf. With the help of
industry leaders and the endorsement of the NGCOA Board, the
GEM degree program is off to a
great start to improve the business
of the game of golf.
On March 20, representatives from the NGCOA, the NGCOA Dutch chapter and owners
associations from France, Germany, Spain and Denmark gathered in Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, to discuss the creation of the European Golf Course Owners Association. The
idea garnered unanimous support. Marcel Welling, longtime member of the NGCOA, was
Jim Scott
Gull Lake View Golf Club
Augusta, MI
named volunteer chairman for the effort, and Lodewijk Klootwijk will supervise the administrative efforts as executive director.
Bill Stine
Golf Enterprises
Kissimmee, FL
The following goals were agreed upon for the EGCOA:
To form an interest group for the golf industry on a European level on legal and other matters;
To form a service organization for the chapters in the various European countries;
To organize a group purchasing program for European members;
To provide networking opportunities and intercountry communications for the members;
To be the authority on the business of golf;
To improve the golf business in Europe.
Peter Trenchard
Bay Ridge Golf Course
Sister Bay, WI
Marcel Welling
BurgGolf Holding,
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
chapter’s leadership on this issue has
resulted in Senate Bill 917, a piece of legislation sitting in the South Carolina
Senate, which would standardize the
methodology used to determine “fair
market value” for golf courses.
Several municipalities in Canada are
considering new bylaws to ban or restrict
pesticide use on golf courses. “The
NGCOA Canada has stepped up to each
city council and defended the responsible
use of pesticides,” says Calderwood.
“Our purpose is to separate golf from the
purely cosmetic applications such as by
home owners.” In the United States, the
NGCOA staff sits on the Golf Advisory
Council for Audubon International and
the Golf Steering Committee for the
Center for Resource Management to
make sure the course owner’s voice is part
of the ongoing environmental dialogue.
The NGCOA also has a leadership role
with the National Association for
Accessible Golf to ensure that the owner
is part of the ongoing discussion regarding accessibility for disabled golfers.
In order to be most effective in dealing
with legislative and regulatory matters, the
NGCOA needs to be made aware of legislation or regulations that may affect your
business and our industry. The Legislative
Affairs section of the NGCOA Web site
allows members to see what local legislation is affecting the membership, how the
NGCOA or chapter stands on the issue
and how to respond. Through the
NGCOA Web site, course owners have the
ability to e-mail or send letters to local or
federal officials on those issues affecting
the golf industry. While the NGCOA is
poised to influence legislatures and government agencies, there is still no better
source of influence than the constituent
golf course owner. The NGCOA encourages owners to contact the NGCOA or
your local chapter when you hear about
any legislative or regulatory issue that
might affect the golf industry.
European Golf Course Owners Association Formed
Dick Schulz
The Oaks Course
Covington, GA
2
of years many of the golf course owners in
the Myrtle Beach area have been paying
property taxes exceeding a fair value.
Appeals have been numerous, time consuming and costly to our owners.” The
equalization has so far resulted in more
than $64 million in valuation rollbacks
and more than $800,000 in actual tax
savings for NGCOA members.
NGCOA Canada, recently celebrating
its 10th anniversary, has taken an active
role in representing members locally and
nationally. They have been involved in
securing the right for course owners to
serve alcohol from beverage carts in
Ontario and British Columbia. In addition, NGCOA Canada helped secure
approval for food and beverage expenses
at golf courses to be permitted as business entertainment deductions. “During
our early years, the NGCOA Canada did
not serve much of a role with respect to
government lobbying,” says Jeff
Calderwood, NGCOA Canada executive
director. “However, the growth in our
membership has now created a very
powerful, united voice for the business of
golf and we carry a lot of weight with
various government departments. In the
future, I expect that our ability to stand
up for the golf industry will be perceived
to be the greatest member service that
the NGCOA Canada provides.”
The NGCOA, its chapters and affiliated organizations, cannot rest on such
laurels. For example, the favorable property tax legislation that passed in
Maryland a couple of years ago is now in
jeopardy. At the time of publication,
Maryland Senate Bill 731 sought to
repeal those valuation caps. In addition,
Maryland House Bill 84 proposes a new
5 percent luxury tax to include golf
course membership and fees. In the case
of Myrtle Beach, the collective tax
appeal is not a permanent solution. The
South Carolina chapter is pursuing a
more lasting legislative solution. The
2nd Quarter 2004
M E M B E R S O N LY
Irrigation & Turf Equipment
Lease a new irrigation control system
before it’s too late.
Introducing the Toro Control System Operating Lease.
There’s no better way to keep your course in shape than by upgrading your
irrigation control system. And now with low monthly lease payments, you
have the flexibility to do it every three years. You’ll also have Toro’s latest
technology, allowing you to gain superior control over water usage and
application. So why wait years to get into the system you really need? Update
your control system now without breaking the bank. Just contact your local
authorized Toro distributor for more information or visit toro.com.
©2003 The Toro Company.
M E M B E R
N E W S
NGCOA CommunityEvents
Nevada Chapter Membership
Meeting
May 17
Thunder Canyon Private Golf
Washoe Valley, NV
www.golfnevada.org
(702) 524-7930
NGCOA Key Leaders Retreat
September 29-October 1
Charleston, SC
(800) 933-4262
New England Chapter Annual Charity
Golf Outing
October 4
Stow Acres Country Club
Stow, MA
www.negcoa.org
(774) 430-9030
Michigan Chapter
Legislative Day
May 19
Lansing, MI
(800) 860-8575
Increasing Customer Retention—
NGCOA e-Learning Web seminar
June 24, 2-3 p.m. EDT
Live on the Internet
www.ngcoa.org/elearning
Take Your Daughter to the Course
Week
July 5-11
Participating courses around the United
States
www.ngcoa.org
NGCOA Canada’s Take A Kid To The
Course Week
July 5-11
Participating courses around Canada
www.ngcoa.ca
Michigan Chapter Educational
Support Foundation “Work then Play”
—Membership Makes Cents!
July 8
Mystic Creek Golf Club
Milford, MI
www.mgcoa.org
(800) 860-8575
New England Member Meeting
& Education
July 14
Montcalm Golf Course
Hanover, NH
www.negcoa.org
(774) 430-9030
Indiana Owner/Vendor Meeting and
Golf Outing
August 5
Rock Hollow Golf Course
Peru, IN
www.ingcoagolf.org
(317) 850-6138
Michigan Chapter Annual Golf Outing
and Supplier Field Day
August 19
Gull Lake View Golf Course
Augusta, MI
www.mgcoa.org
(800) 860-8575
2nd Annual Georgia Chapter Owners
& Sponsors Golf Outing
August 23
www.ggcoa.com
(770) 886-4926
Today, healthcare costs are getting higher and higher. If you are not insured properly, how will you pay your medical bills if
you become ill or injured? Health insurance is critical to the financial stability of
you and your family. Many Americans
Midwest Chapter Annual Conference
& Trade Show
October 25-27
Prom Center
Oakdale, MN
www.golfinthemidwest.org
(952) 888-1366
Ohio Chapter Golf Outing
and Supplier Field Day
June 14
Pine Hill Golf Course
Carroll, OH
www.buckeyegolf.com
(614) 436-9299
4
Health Savings Solutions
Indiana Chapter Fall Meeting
November 3-4
Indianapolis, IN
www.ingcoagolf.org
(317) 850-6138
New England Chapter Annual
Meeting & Trade Show
November 10
Brookmeadow Country Club
Canton, MA
www.negcoa.org
(774) 430-9030
Ohio Chapter Annual Meeting
and Trade Show
November 14-15
Embassy Suites Hotel
Dublin, OH
www.buckeyegolf.com
(614) 436-9299
New York Chapter Annual Conference
November 16-18
Riverside Convention Center
Rochester, NY
www.golfny.org
(631) 689-7582
Golf Business Canada Conference
& Trade Show
November 18-20
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel
Whistler, BC
www.ngcoa.ca
Michigan Golf Business 2004
November 28-30
Somerset Inn
Troy, MI
www.mgcoa.org
(800) 860-8575
wait until after developing an uninsurable
medical condition when it is too late to
purchase health insurance. The majority of
Americans who do purchase health insurance often do not understand their policy
or just accept anything that their employer
is willing to pay for.
The number of employer-sponsored
health insurance plans is decreasing.
The trend in health insurance is
towards individual coverage, designed for
the particular situation and family, owned
by the employee, who cannot be cancelled,
who cannot be increased in premium due
to the development of future medical conditions and at premiums that represent significant savings year after year. This can be
accomplished with a medical reimbursement plan from the employer or a Section
125 cafeteria plan.
Another option for an employer, who
already offers high deductible health coverage, is the Health Savings Accounts
(HSA), a new benefit of the Medicare Act
of 2003. An HSA is on an IRA type
account that is established by an individual to pay for qualified
healthcare
expenses.
Payments from an HSA
may be made on a taxfree basis for qualified
medical expenses up to
allowable limits. If the
money is used to pay for
anything other than eligible medical expenses, the
account beneficiary must
pay normal taxes plus a
10 percent penalty.
Anyone under 65
who is covered by a
high deductible plan and is not covered
by any other health plan offering the
same coverage is eligible for an HSA.
Eligibility is not affected by longterm
care coverage, accident or critical illness,
or dental or vision care. Any money not
used at the end of the year may be rolled
over into the account for the following
year—a big advantage over the previous
MSA plans. And both employees and
employers can contribute!
Contact the NGCOA Association’s
Health Programs office to find out how
to better and more cost effectively protect
you and your employees.
Please contact NGCOA Association
Health Programs for more information.
(888) 450-3040 or (913) 341-2868,
www.associationpros.com/assoc/ngcoa/
or [email protected].
Hundreds of Operations Documents
Available at Info Central
The NGCOA’s new Info Central is an electronic repository of golf course operations
documents published by the NGCOA and its members. Nearly 200 documents are online
NGCOA Solutions Summit
February 8-12, 2005
Rosen Plaza
Orlando, FL
www.ngcoa.org
(800) 933-4262
behind the Members Only section of the NGCOA Web site (www.ngcoa.org), and these
Golf Industry Show
February 10-12, 2005
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL
www.ngcoa.org
(800) 933-4262
employee handbooks, etc. Info Central is replacing the Golf Course Operations CD-
2nd Quarter 2004
documents are in Microsoft Word and PDF format for easy downloading. Word documents can be modified by the member downloading the document, which may be
appropriate for documents such as sample job descriptions, tournament contracts,
ROM and Online Documents Bulletin Board. New documents and articles will be placed
on the Web site as they become available. A key word search engine makes it easy for
members to find documents. If you have any documents you would like to share with
the NGCOA and fellow members, please e-mail them to [email protected]
M E M B E R
BEST SELLERS
Member Happenings
Shad Gordon has been named the new general manager of The Wilds Golf Club, in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
He is succeeding Mike Regan, who will maintain his
position as managing partner.
Willobend, in Mashpee, Massachusetts, has announced the
appointment of Larry Demers as golf professional.
For the second year in a row, Muskego Lakes, in
Muskego, Wis., is hosting the Golf Channel’s Drive,
Chip and Putt contest on Thursday, Aug. 5. They have
also hired Paul Shippers as the new superintendent.
Coyote Creek Golf Club, in Morgan Hill, Calif., has
been ranked the number one public course by Silicon
Valley Biz Ink, in their publication of the area’s top 50
courses. They have also hired Perry A. Tarsitano as the
new superintendent, and are currently completing a $1
million capital enhancements program.
Bucky Kenneff has been named Head Golf
Professional at Ballamor Golf Club, in Egg Harbor
Township, N.J.
ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance has expanded
its presence in the eastern region with two new long-term
contracts in Pennsylvania and three in Florida. The western
region currently has three new long-term maintenance
contracts and two grow-in projects.
Scuituate Country Club in Scuituate, Mass., announced
the opening of a new pro shop and locker facility.
Callippe Preserve Golf Course is under construction in
Pleasanton, Calif., and is scheduled to open in November.
Mark Flowers is the new general manager at Crystal
Springs Golf Course, in Burlingame, Calif.
Foxtail Golf Club, in Rohnert Park, Calif., was nominated by Golf Inc. as one of the top five renovations of
the year.
Long Nguyen is the new operations manager at
Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Calif.
The Ridge at Back Brook, in Ringoes, N.J., has
added two Class A PGA professionals to their staff:
Matthew Kent and Keith Ryan. Ryan also serves as
the president of the New Jersey PGA Section
Assistants Board of Directors.
Sean Taylor has been named director of golf at Grand
Cypress Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Dean Hedstrom has been promoted to director of
instruction and facilities for the Ben Sutton Golf
School division of Golf Schools Inc. , located in Sun
City Center, Fla.
Trappers Turn Golf Club in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., has
been awarded 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest’s “Best Places to
Play 2004-2005.” They have improved their ranking from
four stars last year, and are one of only 18 courses in
Wisconsin to receive a 4 1/2 star rating or better.
Falcon Crest Golf Club in Kuna, Idaho, has a new
nine-hole executive par 3 course called Robin Hood
opening for play on May 1, with a grand opening celebration to be held the first week of June.
The Georgia Golf Course Owners Association has
elected their new officers: President, Joe Guerra; Vice
President, Whitney Crouse; Secretary, John Ballard;
and Treasurer, Jeoff Hamilton.
Todd Gilchrist has been hired as head golf professional
at Crooked Creek Golf Club in Alpharetta, Ga.
Governors Towne Club in Acworth, Ga., will host its
grand opening in May.
Chisholm Hills Golf Club in Lansing, Mich., will be completing the expansion of their clubhouse in June. A 7,200
square foot banquet facility has been added to the current
clubhouse along with lower level cart storage.
Todd White has been hired as a sales representative
for Fairway Forms & Printing.
Stone Mountain Golf Club in Stone Mountain, Ga.,
was recently honored by GolfWorld Business magazine at the Annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando,
Fla., taking home two awards. Steve Hupe, director of
golf operations, has also been awarded the Association
of Golf Merchandisers Front Nine Award for his customer service idea.
N E W S
FROM THE
NGCOA BOOKSTORE
The Golden Bear at Keene’s Pointe in Orlando, Fla.,
has recently gone private.
Marion Walker, general manager at Highland’s
Reserve Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., was named
General Manager of the Year 2003 at Crown Golf
Properties Inc. annual general manager meeting.
Crown Golf Properties owned courses Northdale
Golf and Tennis Club, Lansbrook Golf Club, Bardmoor
Golf Club and Highlands Reserve Golf Club are participating in the CrownClub rewards program in Tampa and
Orlando. Members will accrue points that will entitle
them to discounts, special rates and offers and invitations to member-only events and tournaments.
Mike Marsh was recently promoted to superintendent
at Warrior Golf Club in China Grove, N.C.
Ko Olina Golf Club in Kapolei, Hawaii, kicked off their
Play Golf America program in April. As part of their campaign, they will also be featuring their Pau Hana Golf
League and the NGCOA’s Link Up 2 Golf program.
Slammer & Squire in St. Augustine, Fla., has recently
hired David Shaffer as assistant general manager and
Stephen Newman as assistant head golf professional.
Deer Ridge Golf Club in Bellville, Ohio, has rebuilt the
No. 18 green complex and added a new back tee on
No. 17 for the 2004 season.
The Plotkin Group, located in Carlsbad, Calif., hired
Joyce Hevrin for administrative support and marketing in January. Sue Shuff was hired in March for business development.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Golf Association has
formed the Golf Coast Foundation to educate juniors
and adults on the benefits of playing golf. Their first official act of the year will be the NGCOA’s Take Your
Daughter to the Course Week. Also, the MGCGA Golf
Tourism Initiative received the prestigious Silver ADDY
award for www.GolfCoast.com, and Kevin Drum
received a Summit Award for Outstanding Newcomer of
the Year in the advertising industry for his efforts in
branding the MGCGA.
Buffalo Communications has been selected to manage PR for three golf properties owned and operated by
Castle & Cooke Inc.—Coyote Creek Golf Club in
Morgan Hill, Calif., The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s
Point in Orlando, Fla., and Saddle Creek Resort in
Copperopolis, Calif.
The Groves Golf & Country Club in Land O’ Lakes,
Fla., is pleased to announce the grand opening of nine
additional holes.
Saratoga National Golf Club was recently ranked
No. 2 Best Public Access Golf Course in New York State
for 2004 by Golfweek Magazine.
The Nevada Golf Course Owners Association has
established the Las Vegas Golf Alliance, in association
with Sitewire, for member courses. This comprehensive
marketing program is designed to garner both increased
local and visitor/tourist rounds with no upfront costs.
Cottonwood Golf Club in Montgomery, Ala., celebrated its grand opening in April. The original design by
Byron Nelson and Joe Finger is one of Montgomery’s
finest golf courses and one of the true classic layouts in
the area.
The USGA awarded $85,000 to the Get A Grip
Foundation located at Cresta Verde Golf Course in
Irvine, Calif. The funding will be used to help 500 youths
learn the game of golf and will go towards construction
of junior tees, a 4,000 square foot chipping and practice
green and five practice bunkers out on the new tripledecker driving range.
1.
51 Ways to Increase
Customer Retention
Written by Michael T. Capizzi and Rick
Ferguson of The COLLOQUY Group. This is
the second manual of the 51 ways series.
Topics include customer identification,
tracking behavior, hard benefits, soft benefits, changing behavior, rewards, communications, redemption, staff considerations,
segmentation strategies, measuring success
and exit strategies. $50/Member,
$75/Nonmember
2.
Guide to Profitable
Food & Beverage
5.
Successfully
Marketing Your Golf
Course
This manual is designed to help the golf
course owner implement an effective marketing plan. The manual includes basic market research data; the pros and cons of
advertising vehicles such as yellow pages,
newspaper, radio and the Internet; a short
course in public relations; information on
destination marketing; a discussion of database marketing; and a section on tracking.
$85/Member, $150/Nonmember
6.
Safety Manual
Written by Mike Holtzman and Bob Mark of
Profitable Food Facilities. Topics include purchasing strategies, inventory systems, menu
management, cost controls, determining the
appropriate COG, labor costs and controls,
building the banquet business, and communication and management styles.
$95/Member, $150/Nonmember
Created to assist in developing a basic risk
management and regulatory compliance
program. Contains information on complying with OSHA safety and health regulations that may be required for your facility.
Also checklists and other forms to help
simplify efforts. $30/Member,
$50/Nonmember
3.
7.
2003 Compensation &
Benefits Report - U.S.
The report covers compensation levels for
over 20 key employees at both private and
public golf courses, including general manager, director of golf, golf professional,
superintendent, food and beverage manager and more. Additional information on
vacation days, health insurance and fringe
benefits. $125/Member, $195/Nonmember
4.
51 Ways to a More
Profitable Golf
Operation
Features 51 tips for giving your bottom line
a boost through efficiencies or creative initiatives. The first in a new series of manuals
to be offered by NGCOA. $25/Member,
$50/Nonmember
TO ORDER, PLEASE CONTACT:
Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., was set to celebrate their much-anticipated opening in late April. The
7,198-yard, par-73 layout is a strategically demanding yet
very playable golf course, featuring ample landing areas
and challenging green complexes.
National Golf Course Owners Association
ELCOT Golf has furthered their commitment to the
LPGA with a professional advisory team that includes
LPGA players Cindy Figg-Currier, Jackie Gallagher-Smith,
Jill McGill and Wendy Ward. They will serve as ambassadors and generate awareness for the full-service golf, turf
care and event-management company.
Fax 843-881-9958
291 Seven Farms Drive, 2nd Floor
Charleston, SC 29492
800-933-4262 x212
Pace of Play
Created to assist in developing a basic risk
management and regulatory compliance
program. Contains information on complying with OSHA safety and health regulations that may be required for your facility.
Also checklists and other forms to help
simplify efforts. $50/Member,
$75/Nonmember
8.
Get Linked. Play Golf.
Marketing Resources
This comprehensive marketing “how-to”
contains 5 complete, professionally
designed advertising campaigns for
Juniors, Parents, Women, Seniors and
Business Professionals as well as information on negotiating media buys and other
elements for implementing a successful
marketing program. More than 100 blackand-white camera-ready ads of various
sizes and radio scripts that can be tailored.
Color ads, posters, direct mail pieces and
television ads are also available.
$195/Members Only
www.ngcoa.org
w w w. n g c o a . o r g
5
M E M B E R
N E W S
Dining Service Training Videos
Now Available
The National Golf Course Owners
Association has entered into a partnership
with Club Services Inc. to offer NGCOA
members The Superior Club Experience, a
series of 4 service-training modules. The
Superior Club Experience was developed with
a philosophy of “explain, demonstrate and
review” in an effort to increase retention of
the service practices taught throughout each
session. Each training module includes: VHS
tape format; study guide with a workbook; test and answer key; A CD with complete study
guide files to customize the training sessions and manuals.
NGCOA Launches New
Section for Private Clubs
The National Golf Course Owners Association is a large community of all
types of golf facilities, including daily fee, resort, semi-private and private
clubs. Many times the greatest benefit of belonging to the NGCOA is the
idea sharing and problem solving among experienced operators, especially when like members are able to network. Therefore, the NGCOA is
launching new special interest sections, and the Private Club Special
Interest Section is now open for business! All identified private club members will receive quarterly e-mail newsletters with important information
concerning your community. In addition, the 2005 Solutions Summit will
have specific educational offerings just for private club members. Best of
all, we now have a new listserv just for private club members, so you may
share ideas and solve problems over e-mail—just like with the general
NGCOA members receive incentive pricing on the individual modules as well as a 20 percent
savings on the purchase of an entire set. The Superior Club Experience series includes:
NGCOA listserv. To sign up for the new listserv, go to Members Only at
Module
Retail Price
NGCOA Member Price
Members of the new Advisory Council for the Private Club Section are:
Name Recognition
Table Maintenance
Sequence of Service/Courses
Tableside Creations
Complete Set of 4 Modules
(volume discount)
$149
$199
$199
$ 99
$499
$125
$175
$175
$ 85
$399
www.ngcoa.org and look for the Private Listserv hyperlink.
Ed Eget, Olde York Country Club, Columbus, NJ
Jay Porter, Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA
Lawren Just, Persimmon Ridge, Louisville, KY
Mitch Galnick, Lake Valley Golf Club, Niowt, CO
Jim Collins, Indian Hills Country Club, Atlanta, GA
If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Council, e-mail
To order or receive a free preview CD-ROM, go to www.ngcoa.org or call (800) 933-4262 ext. 200.
Jay Karen at [email protected].
HOW MUCH WOULD IT BE WORTH
TO SPEED UP THE AUTHORIZATION
OF CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS?
Not as much as you’ll save by securing NGCOA
member rates and high speed processing via edatagolf’s
speed ePro
solution. As an NGCOA member you’ll
benefit from a host of amenities including:
• Process card transactions in less than three seconds
with speed ePro
• Reduce errors and balancing time with the single point
of entry on speed ePro
• Very attractive rate for the majority of member courses
• Also available are state of the art electronic
credit card terminal solutions
For more information call
877.908.4253
speed ePro
Express Merchant Processing Solutions utilizes First Data’s national transaction processing network
and through edatagolf USA is the Preferred Supplier for the NCGOA.
6
2nd Quarter 2004
Experience these leading companies and
more, at the new Golf Industry Show!
February 10-12, in Orlando
ADDISON LAW FIRM provides comprehensive legal representation to the golf and resort industries. Addison Law
Firm’s areas of specialty include membership plans, acquisitions, sales, new course development, management agreements, licensing and permitting and operational matters.
The professionals of Addison Law Firm have over 75 years
combined experience with over 800 transactions throughout
the U.S. and abroad. Because of its extensive experience,
Addison Law Firm has gained an in depth knowledge and
understanding of the issues that affect the profitability of its
clients. This vast knowledge and experience, combined with
hard working and talented professionals, translates into
unequaled legal service for the Firm’s clients.
Randy Addison
14901 Quorum Drive, Suite 650
Dallas, Texas 75254
972-960-8677
[email protected]
www.addisonlaw.com
ADVERSE WEATHER INSURANCE GROUP™ is the golf
industry’s leading provider of weather insurance products
and income stabilization programs. The programs are
designed to protect operating profits and allow course operators the ability to customize parameters to meet their specific course requirements. (PS)
Nate Yoder
5060 N 40th St Ste 217
Phoenix AZ 85018
800-662-0075
[email protected]
www.adverseweather.com
ENTEGRA PROCUREMENT SERVICES, brought to you by
International Club Suppliers (ICS), is your provider of
Procurement Management Services for Food and Related
Supplies. Existing entegra members have recognized a cost
savings ranging from 7-12% while gaining access to over
350 suppliers, such as Tropicana, Edward Don, Frito Lay and
Starbucks. (PS)
Jim Bailey
18302 Highwoods Preserve
Pkwy Ste 300
Tampa, FL 33647
877-922-0285
[email protected]
www.intlclubsuppliers.com
FORE! RESERVATIONS continues to be the industry leader in
providing software and marketing tools that help golf courses
"Increase Rounds & Revenues". With over 1,200 installations,
our products include a Reservation and Marketing System (tee
sheet, e-mail marketing, e-mail confirmations, customer database), Point of Sale System (purchasing, receiving, inventory
control, accounts receivable), as well as the Fore Internet
System (real time Internet bookings from your Web page).
Using our system, Fore! Reservations users win the NGCOA
Idea Fair EVERY YEAR. Don’t take our word for it, read the
NGCOA listserv and ask the users of our software. When the
NGCOA members speak, they recommend Fore! Reservations.
Harry Ipema, President
5019 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
630-789-9705
[email protected]
www.forereservations.com
CLUB CAR is the exclusive Premier Partner of the National
Golf Course Owners Association. As the Premier Partner,
Club Car brings you proven solutions that can help increase
golf course revenues, reduce operating costs and build your
business. Stronger golf courses mean a stronger NGCOA. A
stronger association will grow the game of golf. Together,
our professional lives are dedicated to delivering great golf
experiences, 18 holes at a time. Let’s play to win. (PP)
GOLFSCAN, a groundbreaking product of the Links
Consulting Group, offers the golf course owner/operator a
proactive measurement tool that tracks your customer opinions and the probability of retaining them as customers.
With speed and flexibility, the GolfScan product offers onsite feedback about each customer contact point in your
operation on the day they play your golf facility. (SB)
Sara O’Brien
PO Box 204658
Augusta GA
706-868-3859
sara_o'[email protected]
www.clubcar.com
Michael Davis
#310 - 1681 Chestnut St
Vancouver BC V6J4M6
604-739-4653
[email protected]
www.golfscan.ca
CYBERGOLF is an industry leader in online marketing solutions for today's competitive golf market. Since its inception
in 1995, Cybergolf has offered golf courses easy to use and
affordable online marketing tools that increase rounds and
revenue. The tools include Web Site Development, Email
Marketing and Event Management. (SB)
HOLE-IN-ONE U.S.A. specializes in handling prize
indemnification for hole-in-one’s at golf tournaments,
sports promotions and direct mail promotions. (SB)
Dan Murnan
110 W Dayton Ste 103
Edmonds WA 98020
877-640-7170
[email protected]
www.cybergolfcentral.com
EAST COURSE HEADWEAR is a premier custom embroiderer of top quality headwear and golf accessories. Well known
throughout the industry, East Course offers a diverse line of
quality headwear including caps, men’s and lady’s visors,
straws, buckets and knits, as well as golf towels. East Course
has been offering golf professionals the best in quality and
customer service for over 10 years. You will find our products
at many of the top golf clubs around the country. (SB)
Rob Roland
1206-A Technology Drive
Indian Trail NC 28079
800-235-5542
[email protected]
www.eastcourse.com
EDATAGOLF has partnered with two high-profile processors to provide state of the art credit card processing for
NGCOA USA member courses. Chase Merchant Services and
Express Merchant Processing Solutions both utilize First
Data national transaction network. Superior customer service and preferred pricing are something that edatagolf is
striving to obtain for its members. (PS)
Terry Tietzen
2323 E Magnolia #121
Phoenix AZ
877-908-4253
[email protected]
www.edatagolf.com
David Nelson
9500 Prototype Court
Reno NV 89521
800-383-7273
[email protected]
www.hiousa.com
LOSBERGER US warehouses, sells, distributes and services
the internationally recognized and respected Clear Span tent
products manufactured by Losberger Intertent of Bad
Rappennau, Germany, a 45-year-old leader in providing superior quality, engineered commercial tent systems. These tents
are used world-wide for three season use by resorts, clubs,
universities and many other end users who need beautiful,
expanded, cost-efficient facilities as a venue for banquets,
weddings, bar mitzvahs and many other types of gatherings
where elegant shelter is desired. Losberger’s cutting edge tent
technology translates into safe, attractive, maintenance-free
and long lasting tent products that work for profit.
David A. MacArthur, National Sales
95 Monocacy Blvd., Suite B20
Frederick, MD 2170
800-964-8368
[email protected]
www.losbergerus.com
MOTOROLA • NGCOA is now an official reseller of
Motorola two-way radios. Substantial savings are offered to
NGCOA members. Motorola on-site two-way business
radios can increase your workers' efficiency without monthly fees or service charges. From high power radios for your
superintendent to lightweight radios for your clubhouse,
Motorola has you covered. (SB)
Buffey Doster
30 Pelham Ridge Dr.
Greenville SC 29615
888-339-0217
[email protected]
www.wirelessradios.com
MYCON GOLF • Golf clubhouse construction is a small
world. Word gets around. Thanks to referrals from owners,
developers and architects, and our commitment to golf,
Mycon’s reputation is growing. Our custom work at private
clubs, country clubs and daily fee courses has made a name
for Mycon in the industry. Clients depend on us for construction expertise as well as our pre-construction planning services, which help create value before the building goes up,
and well after the project is complete. When it comes to big
names, we’re in the club.
Karen Keller
208 E. Louisiana Suite 200
McKinney, TX 75069
800-460-3710
www.mycon.com
M
M YCON
Matt Musolf
1080 Silver Bluffs Rd
Aiken, SC 29803
803-641-6663
[email protected]
www.subairsystems.com
General Contractors
PEPSI-COLA Company offers NGCOA members rebates on
Pepsi brand post-mix fountain products and preferred pricing
on packaged beverages including Aquafina. In addition to
competitive programming, Pepsi provides insights into an area
of business, which is one of the highest margin areas in golf
course operations - food & beverage. (PS)
David Biscan
4170 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd Ste 400
Atlanta GA
404-236-1852
[email protected]
www.pepsico.com
PHN ARCHITECTS is an award-winning architectural firm
focusing on the design of Golf Course Clubhouses and
related amenities. Our portfolio, of over 55 clubhouse projects throughout the continental United States, has allowed
us to develop an expertise in designing truly successful
clubhouses that are responsive to the unique requirements
of each golf course. Whether you are planning a new clubhouse, renovation to an existing clubhouse, need to update
your support facilities or would like to add club amenities
(tennis, fitness, swimming), our extensive experience distinguishes PHN as a leader in clubhouse design.
Karen Lellios
199 Town Square
Suite D
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-665-8400
[email protected]
www.phnarchitects.com
PRO CLUB CLEANER power washes an individual golf club or
grip in 2 to 3 seconds without the use of any additives, preservatives or chemicals. It strictly uses high water pressure. It
takes less than 5 minutes to assemble. There are no moving
parts and its maintenance free. It’s a service machine and
great for outside the cart barn to eliminate that old complaint
“You never clean my clubs”, in the cart barn for bag storage,
at the starter gate before a tournament, or on the driving
range for the golfers to clean their clubs while they practice or
before they go home.
Jeffrey R. Gallatin
409 S. Division
Ann Arbor Michigan 48104
734-368-0256
[email protected]
SAFETY SERVICES NETWORK provides your golf course with
a complete AED program, beginning with the purchase of an
AED, establishing training and medical direction and implementing an automated AED Management Program. (SB)
Jon Olson
4122 NE 185th Ave Ste B
Portland OR 97230
877-406-2354
[email protected]
www.aedinfo.com
SRIXON Sports USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber
Industries (SRI), has been distributing premium golf balls and
equipment in the US since 1997. SRI is the number one ball
patent holder in the world and manufactures several golf
balls played in the United States. SRI-made balls have won
73 PGA Tour events since 1989, including seven majors. (SB)
Marty Olinger
1850 Beaver Ridge Cir Ste D
Norcross GA 30071
770-248-1991
[email protected]
www.srixon.com
SUBAIR®, the inventor of subsurface aerification, provides
golf courses with the best possible putting surfaces, year in
and year out, by delivering superior air flow through the
green for optimal oxygenation, cooling (or heating), and
water removal. The result is a healthier, more disease-resistant putting green that requires fewer chemical applications
and less frequent aerification treatments. (SB)
THE TORO COMPANY, America’s leading provider of irrigation systems, mowing equipment and spraying equipment, is
the NGCOA’s Preferred Supplier of Irrigation Systems and
Turf Equipment. With 1% incentives for conversions and
new course purchases, Toro’s long history of product quality
and industry leadership will further strengthen the operator/superintendent team - helping both respond to the difficult challenges in today’s environment. (PS)
John Wright
8111 Lyndale Ave S
Bloomington MN 55420
952-887-8865
www.toro.com
THE UNIVERSAL GOLF TICKET™ benefits the entire golf
industry with its the single-use, pre-paid, premium voucher
card good for 18 holes of golf at one of over 2,300 participating golf courses nationwide. For more than 18 years, the
Universal Golf Ticket has been recognized as the ultimate
reward for companies and agencies looking for a compelling
incentive to place their customers and employees on the
links. (SB)
Tony Roth
170 Cambridge St
Burlington MA 01803
800-627-7547
[email protected]
www.universaltickets.com
WESTERN NON WOVENS / SAND MAT is a product that
combines manufacturing, geotechnical and geosynthetics
expertise in response to the growing need for improved
bunker management techniques. SandMat is an engineered
blend of high tenacity polyester fibers bonded to form a thick
blanket like matrix specifically designed to enhance bunker
drainage system performance, minimize sand washouts, prevent infiltration of contaminating fine or coarse subgrade
particles and improve course aesthetics and playability.
The product is available both directly from the manufacturer
and also locally through a national network of regional representative organizations.
Clive Mills
1590 Constitution Drive
Brookfield, WI 53045
314-385-0200
[email protected]
www.westernnonwovens.com
KEY
PP = Premier Partner
PS = Preferred Supplier
SB = Smart Buy Supplier
For specific information on the NGCOA's
Premier Partner, Preferred Suppliers or
SmartBuy Partners listed above, call
(800) 933-4262, ext. 264.
C H A P T E R
&
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
A F F I L I AT E
N E W S
CHAPTER & INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATE DIRECTORY
CALIFORNIA
California Golf Course Owners Association
Bill Aragona, President
Boulder Creek, CA
Phone: (831) 338-2111
Fax: (831) 338-7862
Ted Horton, Co-Executive Director
Canyon Lake, California
Phone: (909) 246-2928
Fax: (909) 246-2929
www.Californiagolf.org
COLORADO
Colorado Golf Course Owners Association
Glen “Bart” Victor, President
Elizabeth, CO
Phone: (303) 646-4240
Fax: (303) 646-2273
Jeff Monroe, Executive Director
Denver, Colorado
Phone: (303) 477-4504
Fax: (303) 477-4597
FLORIDA
Florida Golf Course Owners Association
Ray Finch, President
West Palm Beach, FL
Phone: (561) 687-1700
Fax: (561) 684-2730
Mark Farrow, Executive Director
Orlando, FL
Phone: (407) 344-4004
Fax: (407) 344-9316 www.fgcoa.com
GEORGIA
Georgia Golf Course Owners
Joe Guerra, President
Sharpsburg, GA
Phone: (770) 463-3342
Fax: (770) 463-3039
Cindy Acree, Executive Director
Cumming, GA
Phone: (770) 886-4926
Fax: (770) 887-0624
www.ggcoa.org
HAWAII
Hawaii Golf Course Owners
Ron Huffman, President
Ewa Beach, HI
Phone: (808) 441-4653
Fax: (808) 440-1112
[email protected]
Jim Cullen, Executive Director
Phone: (808) 532-0557
Fax: (808) 532-0560
[email protected]
ILLINOIS
Illinois Golf Course Owners Association
Bert Coghill, President
Orland Park, IL
Phone: (708) 349-6940
Fax: (708) 349-6407
John Page, Executive Director
Downers Grove, IL
Phone: (630) 322-8623
Fax: (630) 214-3902
INDIANA
Indiana Golf Course Owners Association
Linda Rogers, President
Granger, IN
Phone: (574) 277-4653
Fax: (574) 273-0089
Priscilla Dillow, Executive Director
Phone: (317) 839-2249
Clayton, IN
[email protected]
KANSAS
Kansas Golf Course Owners Association
John Wright, President
Wichita, KS
Phone: (316) 721-2192
Fax: (316) 721-6750
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Golf Course Owners Association
Clarke Fenimore,
Exec Director
Louisville, KY
Phone: (502) 896-4716
Fax: (502) 551-1818
MARYLAND
Maryland Golf Course Owners Association
John Shields, President
Glen Dale, MD
Phone: (301) 262-1166
Fax: (301) 464-2814
Chris Tomlinson, Executive Director
Baltimore, MD
Phone: (410) 605-9381
Fax: (410) 605-9389
www.mgcoa.net
MICHIGAN
Michigan Golf Course Owners Association
Steve Ramey, President
Lansing, MI
Phone: (517) 694-7765
Fax: (517) 694-7765
[email protected]
Kate Moore, Executive Director
Lansing, MI
Phone: (517) 482-4312
Fax: (517) 267-8984
www.mgcoa.org
MIDWEST
Midwest Golf Course Owners Association
(Minnesota,
North and South Dakota, Nebraska)
Michael Malone, President
Jordan, MN
Phone: (952) 492-2644
Fax: (952) 492-2650
Curt Walker, Executive Director
Bloomington, Minnesota
Phone: (952) 854-7272
Fax: (952) 888-1366
www.golfinthemidwest.com
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Gulf Coast Owners Association
Greg Williams, President
Ocean Springs, MS
Phone: (228) 875-7730
Fax: (228) 875-0107
Kevin Drum, Executive Director
Biloxi, MS
Phone: (228) 374-4653
Fax: (228) 374-4655
www.GolfCoast.com
NEVADA
Nevada Golf Course Owners Association
Stan Spraul, President
Las Vegas, Nevada
Phone: (702) 263-1000
Fax: (702) 263-1003
www.golfnevada.org
Ted Tylman, Acting Executive Director
Henderson, NV
Phone: 702-565-7933
Fax: 702-565-4786
IOWA
Iowa Golf Course Owners Association
Dan Clark, President
West Des Moines, IA
Phone: (515) 285-4558
Fax: (515) 287-2071
8
NEW ENGLAND (Connecticut,
Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont)
New England Golf Course Owners
Association
Dudley Darling, President
Northboro, MA
Phone: (508) 393-2444
Fax: (508) 393-2279
Sue Curtin, Executive Director
Norton, MA
Phone: (774) 430-9030
Fax: 774-430-9101
www.negcoa.org
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Golf Course Owners
Association
Bob Twomey, President
Cranbury, NJ
Phone: (732) 521-2900
Fax:(609) 395-8289
Olive Taylor, Executive Director
Jackson, NJ
Phone: (732) 833-1095
Fax: (732) 833-6886
[email protected]
Greater Atlantic City Golf Association
Teddie O’Keefe, Executive Director
Egg Harbor Twp, NJ
Phone: (609) 927-1810
Fax: (609) 927-9217
www.gacga.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Golf Course Owners
Association
David Lucas, President
West Columbia, SC
Phone: (803) 755-2000
Fax: (803) 755-2030
Terry Sedalik, Executive Director
Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 722-7799
Fax: (843) 722-2905
Charleston Golf Course Owners
Association
Tommy Cuthbert, President
Kiawah Island, SC
Phone: (843) 768-2727
Fax: (843) 768-2896
Terry Sedalik, Executive Director
Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 722-7799
Fax: (843) 722-2905
NEW YORK
New York Golf Course Owners Association
Ray Holohan, President
Middle Island, NY
Phone: (631) 924-3000
Fax: (631) 924-3445
Dick Rocchio, Executive Director
Stony brook, NY
Phone: (631) 689-7582
Fax: (631) 689-9286
www.golfny.org
Lowcountry Golf Course Owners
Association
Cary Corbitt, President
Hilton Head Island, SC
Phone: (843) 842-1807
Fax: (843) 842-1464
Hank Johnson, Executive Director
Hilton Head, SC
Phone: (843) 842-4138
Fax: (843) 842-4779
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina Golf Course Owners
Del Ratcliffe, President
Charlotte, NC
Phone: (704) 399-0980
Fax: (704) 399-1803
Mike Wilder, Executive Director
Mathers, NC
Phone: (704) 8144420
www.northcarolinagolf.org
Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners
Association
Steve Taylor, President
Surfside Beach, SC
Phone: (843) 215-4916
Fax: (843) 650-7977
George Hilliard, Executive Director
Myrtle Beach, SC
Phone: (843) 477-8822
Fax: (843) 477-0930
Sand Hills Golf Association
Doug Thompson, President
Southern Pines, NC
Phone: (910) 692-3752
Fax: (910) 692-2765
Mike Campbell, Executive Director
Pinehurst, NC
Phone: (910) 295-6467
Fax: (910) 295-7505
www.sandhillsgolf.com
Upcountry Golf Association
John Gramling, President
Duncan, SC
Phone: (864) 433-9192
Fax: (864) 433-9293
www.upcountrygolftrail.com
OHIO
Ohio Golf Course Owners Association
Gary Wilkins, President
Norwalk, OH
Phone: (419) 668-8535
Fax: (419) 668-9087
Ken Guenther, Executive Director
Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 436-9299
Fax: (614) 2625
www.buckeyegolf.com
OREGON
Oregon Golf Course Owners Association
Ralph Stading, President
Woodland, WA
Phone: (360) 225-8566
Fax: (360) 225-5869
2nd Quarter 2004
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners
Association
Frank Ricco, Jr, President
Cambridge Springs, PA
Phone: (814) 398-4692
Fax: (814) 398-4800
Sharon Hansen, Executive Director
McKeesport, PA
Phone: (412) 751-3379
Fax: (412) 751-2756
www.golfinpa.com
Midlands Golf Course Owners Association
David Lucas, Sr., President
West Columbia, SC
Phone: (803) 755-2000
Fax: (803) 755-2030
Steve Shields, Executive Director
Irmo, SC
Phone: (803) 781-5940
Fax: (803) 781-6197
TEXAS
Texas Golf Course Owners Association
Cliff Rampy, President
Tomball, TX
Phone: (281) 376-0973
Fax: (281) 370-7175
Don McCullough, Executive Director
Austin, TX
Phone: (512) 454-8626
Fax: (512) 454-3036
www.tgcoa.org
WISCONSIN
Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin
Chip Bromann, President
Harshaw, WI
Phone: (715) 282-5500
Fax: (715) 282-4984
Terianne Petzold, Chapter Executive
Director
Milwaukee, WI
Phone: (414) 540-3833
Fax: (414) 540-3831
www.wisconsin4golf.com
www.gcow.org - members only
CANADA
NCCOA Canada
Larry Ungerman, President
Toronto,Ontario
Phone: (416) 484-9111
Fax: 416-482-8230
Jeff Calderwood, Executive Director
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: (613) 226-3616
Fax: (613) 226-4148
www.ngcoa.ca
NGCOA Canada, BC / AB / SK / MB
Chapters
Glen Bosecke, Regional Director
Sherwood Park, Alberta
Phone: (780) 464-6221
Fax: (866) 497-9780
NGCOA Canada, Southwestern Ontario
Chapter
Katherine Nelson, Regional Director
St Catherines, Ontario
Phone: (905) 934-0841
Fax: (905) 934-7961
NGCOA Canada, Central Ontario Chapter
Vince Kishimoto, Regional Director
Mississauga, Ontario
Phone: (905) 826-6790
Fax: (905) 439-1511
NGCOA Canada, Quebec Chapter
Justine Freund, Regional Director
St Lambert, Quebec
Phone: (450) 465-2535
Fax: (450) 465-2545
NGCOA Canada, Atlantic Provinces
Chapter
David McCafferty, Regional Director
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Phone: (506) 451-6201
Fax: (506) 451-6202
NGCOA Canada, EON Chapter
Steve Meabry, Regional Director
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: (905) 731-8147
Fax: (905) 731-6189
THE NETHERLANDS
NGCOA - The Netherlands
Marcel Welling, President
Phone: 011-31-20-672-0203
Fax: 011-31-20-672-0206
Lodewijk Klootwijk, Executive Director
Phone: 011-31-34-352-4789
Fax: 011-31-34-352-4788
C H A P T E R
&
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
A F F I L I AT E
N E W S
Chapter News
Georgia
New officers for the Georgia chapter were elected in April. The are:
Joe Guerra, President (Sequoia Golf Holdings), Whitney Crouse,
Vice President (Affiniti Golf Partners), John Ballard, Secretary (Eagle
Greens), and Jeoff Hamilton (Lake Spivey Golf Club). The chapter
has partnered with the Atlanta Braves to help participating GGCOA
member clubs generate revenue and create excitement at their
clubs. Golfers from these clubs will compete from Home Plate right
before game time for valuable prizes, including NikeGolf equipment, autographed items and a Lexus. There are a few spots left.
For your club to participate in the season-long promotion, call
(770) 886-4926.
Indiana
The Indiana chapter of the NGCOA conducted its first spring owners meeting titled “Indiana Golf Course Reality” on March 25.
Special thanks to owners at Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center
in Greenwood, Ind. Twenty-eight golf courses were represented
with 54 persons in attendance. Meeting attendees agreed that the
key legislative issues they wanted monitored were eastern daylight
savings time, property taxes and environmental issues. Growing the
game and increasing membership in the Indiana Association are
two additional discussion items.
Maryland
Maryland Senate Bill 731 seeks to repeal those valuation caps
and House Bill 84 proposes a new 5 percent luxury tax to include
“golf course membership and fees.” Contact your senator or representative today.
Michigan
The MGCOA is busy working in opposition to newly proposed
legislation that would require golf courses to receive a permit
from the Department of Environmental Quality when water withdrawals are greater than 2 million gallons per day or greater than
100 million gallons per year (Senate Bill 1087). They are also
working in opposition to the rumored sales tax shift from the current 6 percent to a lowered 5 percent which would include a tax
on services such as cart rentals and green fees.
Midwest
The MWGCOA has been busy with tax-parity discussions with their
assessors committee. Currently, they have used a model suggested
by the South Carolina chapter to arrive at a formula that would for
the first time in Minnesota history use the earnings approach to
value. The chapter hopes to develop a new joint summer outing
with the Wisconsin chapter as a “President’s Cup Challenge”
between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The MWGCOA endorsement of
the UW-Stout initiative, resulting in an endorsement by the NGCOA
board, has resulted in raising $150,000 from industry sources and
the Toro Foundation to launch the program.
Mississippi Gulf Coast
The Golf Coast Foundation was formed and will act as the playerdevelopment organization for the entire coast. The MS Gulf Coast
chapter will move all junior golf activities to the control of the new
foundation as well as adult player-development programs. Its first
official act under the newly formed foundation will be support of
the NGCOA’s “Take Your Daughter to the Course Week” this July.
Myrtle Beach Area
The MBAGCOA continues to be involved with the legislative
process of S.C. Senate Bill 917 to standardize how property taxes
are assessed in South Carolina. They also continue sales and
marketing of a newly revised MB Golf Passport that now has
2,500 customers for 2004. Enhancement of the TLinks tee time
reservation system is ongoing, as are marketing projects such as
Golfapalooza, which makes its debut in Myrtle Beach this spring.
New England
On March 30, the New England Golf Course Owners Association in
conjunction with the New England PGA conducted a Grow the
Game Symposium. More than 150 participants, mostly PGA professionals and course owners, gathered to learn, discuss and promote ways of increasing traffic to their golf facilities. The Golf
20/20-style conference ran from 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., followed by
a networking reception. The seminar featured presentations about
the state of the game, changes in society that are impacting golf
and successful strategies to cope with the changes in the game.
Ted Eleftheriou of the PGA of America and Mary Hollingsworth of
the NGCOA were featured speakers.
New Jersey
The New Jersey chapter is undertaking an economic impact study, with
the results available this fall. They are also putting together the first
Golf Rounds Book, which will be available for sale by July. The chapter
golf outing will be held at the end of October or early November.
continued on page 11
9
L E G I S L A T I V E
U P D A T E
Maine Governor Signs
Bill Allowing Alcohol
Sales on Golf Courses
Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill sponsored by Rep. William Browne (R-Vassalboro)
that will allow the sale of beer on golf courses. The measure will take effect 90 days after
the Legislature adjourns, probably in mid-July. Though he said the safety issues surrounding the beer-sales bill concerned him, Baldacci said he wanted to make Maine golf
courses competitive with those in other states. Forty-seven other states allow beer or
liquor sales on golf courses. Under the law, mobile carts will roam golf courses and
employees will sell beer in bottles and cans. Golfers can carry a beer with them and
drink it as they play the golf course. No beer can be taken off the golf course. (Source:
Courier Publications)
Golf Course Market
Proves Successful
Immigrant Labor Shortage
Golf course owners across America who rely on immigrant labor face a challenge this year due
to the decision of the Department of Homeland Security to put an early halt to the H-2B visa application process. H-2B visas are granted to foreign workers who come to the United States to perform temporary seasonal labor. On March 10, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) announced that it had received enough H-2B petitions to meet this year’s congressionally mandated cap of 66,000 new workers. In order for course owners to legally bring in temporary foreign workers, they must first demonstrate to the Department of Labor that they tried
to hire local American workers. Only after an employer has demonstrated a legitimate attempt
to hire local labor, and that attempt has been verified by the DOL, will the Department of
Homeland Security consider the appeal for foreign labor. Employers cannot apply for their share
of H-2B visas until 120 days before the start of employment, which is why so many employers
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a golf course, The Golf Course Market is the
are panicking as a result of the announced cap of visas. With the summer fast approaching,
employers who did not apply for H-2B visas prior to March 10 may be in jeopardy of losing the
place to be. The two primary components of this marketplace are the Web site,
foreign labor they typically rely on during the peak season. Several industries, including tourism,
www.golfcoursemarket.com, and a section in each issue of Golf Business magazine
landscaping and golf, have been lobbying Congress to either provide exemptions to those
dedicated to property listings and promotion of participating companies. There is also
employers who had H-2B workers last year or to re-open the application process and raise the
a listing of professional services on the Web site, including appraisals and brokers, as
cap. To learn more about the issue, visit www.raisethecap.org. To write your elected represen-
well as an educational resource to help prepare for the sale or purchase.
tatives on the matter, go to the Legislative Affairs section at www.ngcoa.org
The Web site has become tremendously popular—receiving approximately 120,000
visits each month. And the added exposure of being listed in Golf Business magazine, which goes out to every course owner and operator in the United States and
Canada, adds to the effectiveness of the service.
“The response and number of inquiries we received (after listing on the service)
was extraordinary,” said Linda Hughes, a real estate broker who recently used The Golf
Course Market to sell an 18-hole course in southern Vermont. “We received 45
inquiries (about the property) from a wide geographic area.” And within six weeks of
listing in The Golf Course Market, the course was under contract, Hughes said.
The Golf Course Market is also a great value with 60-day listings on the Web site
and a one-time listing in the magazine running for as little as $300. To learn more
about this powerful service or to place a listing, visit www.golfcoursemarket.com, or
call (877) 933-4499.
10
2nd Quarter 2004
Bill Would Allow Free Golf
for Veterans in New York
Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle (D-Irondequoit) introduced A10383 to
the New York General Assembly, which would allow any U.S. war veteran
to play any state park golf course free of charge. Currently, all state golf
courses allow disabled war veterans to play free, and this would extend the
privilege to all war veterans. On April 20, the bill was referred to the Ways
and Means Committee. A similar bill sits in the state senate as well.
NGCOA members in New York, who may be interested in this legislation,
should contact your state assemblyman or senator. Go to the Legislative
Affairs section at www.ngcoa.org for more information.
CHAPTER NEWS continued from page 9
New York
The New York chapter will partner with the N.Y. State Turfgrass
Association at this year’s Turf & Grounds Exposition to be held in
Rochester, N.Y., on Nov. 16-18. “Collaborating with the NYGCOA
will bring added value to exhibitors and attendees. Golf course
owners and superintendents will be offered programs specific to
their needs,” said Jim Hornung, NYSTA president. In addition to
certification seminars for superintendents and their crews, programs directed toward issues relating to efficient business operations, client services and play development will be offered to the
owners. According to Raymond Holohan, owner of Middle Island
Country Club on Long Island and president of NYGCOA, “We are
relatively new as a trade group and this will broaden our outreach
as well as serve our members in a meaningful way.”
North Carolina
The N.C. chapter has launched the 2004 Platinum Passbook
for an unprecedented attempt in North Carolina to build the
financial resources necessary to engage in legislative issues
more effectively. Two regional meetings were held in the
Charlotte and the Triad areas to introduce the new executive
director and educate members on all that is available through
the NGCOA. The chapter is heavily supporting the Play Golf
America initiative by helping coordinate and support the Play
Golf America Video Teleconference at eight universities across
the state to instruct the golf industry on how to best prepare
for and make use of the campaign.
Ohio
The governor declared May as “Golf Month” in Ohio. The chapter
has lined up a series of promotions for all golf courses in Ohio to
use to promote the event and to draw attention to playing golf in
Ohio. The OGCOA and the NGCOA are engaging in a cooperative
membership campaign this summer to grow the roster of members in Ohio to 320 facilities.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania chapter is currently accepting applications for a
new executive director position. Anyone interested should contact
PGO President Frank Ricco at [email protected] or (724) 966-7500.
South Carolina
Due to the efforts of the South Carolina chapter, Senate Bill 917 now sits
in the S.C. Senate. This new legislation would standardize the methodology used to determine “fair market value” for golf courses throughout
the state. To view the full text of this bill, go to the Legislative Affairs section of www.ngcoa.org and use the search engine to find SB917.
Texas
The Texas Golf Course Owners Association plans to hold its annual
conference and table top trade expo on Dec. 4-5 in Grapevine, Texas,
in conjunction with the Texas Turfgrass Association at the Opryland
Hotel. For more details, contact TGCOA, P.O. Box 140647, Austin, TX
78714-0647 or call (512) 454-8626, or visit www.tgcoa.org.
Because course operators cannot always travel
the necessary miles to attend educational opportunities in person, we are bringing select educational opportunities directly to the owners beginning this summer with a Web class. The beauty
of this opportunity is that you can gather your
staff members around the computer to listen and
watch! Participants will need Internet access
and a separate phone line. High-speed Internet
access is recommended, but not required. There
will be opportunities for you to interact with the
speaker at the end of the presentation.
Don’t miss this key opportunity to learn
how your golf operation can benefit!
LeARNING
Increasing Customer Retention at the Golf Course
Speaker, Mike Capizzi • Mike Cappizzi, author of the NGCOA’s new “51 Ways to Increase
Customer Retention,” will make the first e-Learning presentation. Mike is the vice president and
general manager of The COLLOQUY Group, the educational, research, publishing and consulting
unit of loyalty marketing specialist Frequency Marketing Inc. Mike has been actively involved in
the golfing industry, serving as a featured presenter at industry forums such as the Golf 20/20 conference and conducting private consulting engagements for course operators and club organizations. He has published numerous articles on the benefits of loyalty marketing and is a renowned
expert, speaker and consultant in the loyalty industry.
Web Seminar Topics will Include: Customer Identification • Tracking Behavior •
Rewards & Incentives • Segmentation Strategies • Staff Considerations • Redemption & Success
To register go to www.ngcoa.org/elearning
Thursday, June 24
2-3 p.m. EDT
www.ngcoa.org/elearning
PGA members will receive
1 CEU point for participating.
For more information, call the NGCOA at
(800) 933-4262. Registration includes a copy of the
NGCOA’s new book, “51 Ways to Increase Customer
Retention”—a $50 value!
11
opportunity:
N G C O A
P U R C H A S I N G
P R O G R A M S
Leasing Versus Purchasing Golf Cars
A
Solid
Investment
by David Hamilton
Should your facility lease or purchase its
golf cars?
The trend today certainly favors leasing. But
just because leasing is the current trend does-
When it comes to
n’t make it right for you. Here are three questions you should consider when considering
performance, reliability,
whether you should lease or buy.
1.) What are your long-term plans for the
durability and ease of
club? If you’re committed to a major project
ownership, nothing pays
such as renovating your greens or rebuilding
off better than an IQ
your clubhouse, you’re probably going to want
System Fleet.
argues for leasing since lease payments are
to conserve as much cash as possible. That
usually going to be less than the monthly
Take advantage of exclu-
finance payments associated with owning.
sive NGCOA/Club Car
the image of your course. If you operate are a
Another long-term consideration involves
high-end facility or want to upgrade its image
Premier Partner benefits.
within your market, the age and appearance of
your golf car fleet can reinforce that strategy.
Call Michele Klecha at
1.800.994.6535 ext 204.
With these types of courses you may prefer
leasing since you can apply the equity of your
existing golf cars to a new lease arrangement.
Ready for another solid
investment? Club Car is
the solution.
This not only reduces your monthly payments,
od of time. This may be part of the equation
course more for this type of service, not having
but also gives you a fresh, up-to-date fleet to
where your accountant should be consulted.
to worry about storage and knowing the fleet is
enhance the golf experience for your customers
and to use as a competitive advantage.
3.) How do you handle service and maintenance of your fleet? In some parts of the coun-
2.) Are you familiar with the IRS’s recently
try, dealers or distributors provide full-service
enacted depreciation guidelines? Depreciation
maintenance, servicing the cars during the sea-
guidelines changed in 2003 and now allow
son, picking them up for storage and mainte-
owners to take a depreciation deduction up to
nance in the off-season and returning the cars in
$100,000 of the purchase price in the first year
top condition to begin the new season. These
of ownership. Prior to the change, depreciation
types of turnkey arrangements are typically
deductions were scheduled over a longer peri-
lease deals. Though it’s obviously going to cost a
ready to roll when you need it is peace of mind
that many believe is well worth the price.
David Hamilton is vice president of sales for
Club Car’s Golf Americas group. Hamilton
joined Augusta, Ga.-based Club Car in 1988
and in his current position is responsible for golf
car sales in Club Car’s direct and distribution
channels in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.
Making A Difference in the Fight Against Hunger
In today’s economic climate, with
bucket, but the ripple that one single
SM
hunger relief agencies being asked to
drop creates can have lasting effects
feed more with fewer resources, even a
and make an impact.
little money can go a long way toward
The most rewarding part about
helping the 33 million Americans who
getting involved in the fight against
don’t get enough to eat each day.
hunger is that no matter how big or
A quick review of today’s hunger sta-
your club do makes a difference. Involvement does not demand
in nine Americans suffers from lack of food or lack of resources to
elaborate activities or significant amounts of your time. You and
obtain food, and there is no “typical” hungry person. Rather, he or
your club can offer anything from giving time, money or services to
she looks like the rest of us and is usually someone who, due to some
assisting in a local community hunger relief event to planning your
unforeseen events, finds himself needing help.
own event at your club.
The effects of hunger are far reaching, prompting health problems
You can make a difference. For suggestions on how your club can
and deteriorating productivity. Poor nutrition disables the immune
get involved in the fight against hunger, visit entegraPS.com 1.) Click
system and causes social withdrawal and poor concentration. From
on “about entegra;” 2.) Click on “our commitment to S.T.O.P. Hunger.”
young to old, we are all affected. In 1999, more than half of all Food
This article provided by entegra Procurement Services.
Entegra, brought to you by International Club Suppliers (ICS), is
the NGCOA’s Preferred Supplier for Food and Related Supplies.
Existing entegra members have recognized cost-savings ranging
from 7-12 percent while gaining access to more than 350 suppliers, such as Tropicana, Edward Don, Frito Lay and Starbucks.
For more information, call (877) 922-0285.
Stamp recipients were children (Children’s Defense Fund), and hungry
seniors suffer greater health problems.
It is no secret that fighting hunger can be an overwhelming
task—one that requires a concerted effort by individuals, businesses and agencies alike. The hunger relief efforts you put forth at your
club and in your community may seem to be a small drop in the
12
small the effort, everything you and
tistics unveils an even more sobering reality in the United States. One
2nd Quarter 2004
N G C O A
Amplify Your Acquisition
Power with Toro
Toro’s “Great Deals for Better
Greens” sales event provides even
more incentive to take advantage of
the federal tax programs to depreciate capital equipment purchases*.
Toro is offering preferred financing
terms on its most popular products
for greens maintenance including all
Toro Greensmaster walk mowers, the
new Flex 21 walk mower and all riding greensmowers. The sales event
also covers the Toro ProCore 648
greens aerator that promises to multiply any course’s productivity during
aeration with its 48-inch coring
swath, superior ground following
capability and peak transport speed.
Time is running out to take advantage of the federal tax relief under
the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2003. Act now
to take advantage of the Section 179
provisions AND bonus depreciation.
The Toro Great Deals for Better
Greens Sales event also covers greensmower transport trailers purchased
with a Workman utility vehicle. The
promotion ends Sept. 30.
Contact your local Toro distributor or visit toro.com/torogreens for
more details.
*Consult your tax advisor for actual tax implications.
P U R C H A S I N G
P R O G R A M S
NGCOA Purchasing Network
NGCOA Preferred Suppliers
Insurance
Local agent representation for property, umbrella, liquor and D&O
liability, workers’ compensation, maintenance equipment/golf car
floater. Call (800) CNA-6241.
Irrigation Systems & Turf Equipment
The Toro Company is America’s leading provider of irrigation
systems, mowing equipment and spraying equipment. With
incentives for conversions and new course purchases, Toro’s
long history of product quality and industry leadership will further strengthen the operator/superintendent team—helping
both respond to the difficult challenges in today’s environment.
Call (800) 933-4262, ext. 264.
Beverage Supplier
Pepsi-Cola Company offers NGCOA members rebates on Pepsi
brand post-mix fountain products and preferred pricing on packaged beverages. To sign up, call the NGCOA/Pepsi hotline at (877)
894-4688, and a Pepsi representative will contact you to present
the program.
Credit Card Processing
Edatagolf has partnered with two high-profile processors to provide
state of the art credit card processing for NGCOA USA member
courses. Chase Merchant Services and Express Merchant Processing
Solutions both utilize the First Data national transaction network.
Superior customer service and preferred pricing are something that
edatagolf is striving to obtain for its members. Call (877) 908-4253.
Food & Related Services
Entegra Procurement Services, brought to you by International Club
Suppliers (ICS), is your provider of Procurement Management
Services for Food and Related Supplies. Existing entegra members
have recognized a cost savings ranging from 7% to 12% while
gaining access to more than 350 suppliers, such as Tropicana,
Edward Don, Frito Lay and Starbucks. Call (877) 922-0285.
Adverse Weather
Adverse Weather Insurance Group is the golf industry’s leading
provider of weather insurance products and income stabilization
programs. The programs are designed to protect operating profits
and allow course operators the ability to customize parameters to
meet their specific course requirements. For additional information
or to receive a quote, contact Adverse Weather Insurance Group at
(800) 662-0075, e-mail [email protected] or visit
www.adverseweather.com
NGCOA Smart Buy Suppliers
Activate your savings today! Questions?
Call (800) 994-6535, ext. 202. Visit www.ngcoa.org.
13
G E T
L I N K E D .
P L AY
G O L F.
Forward Tees Made Easy
NGCOA STAFF
291 Seven Farms Drive, Second Floor
Charleston, SC 29492
(843) 881-9956; (800) 933-4262
(843) 881-9958 (fax)
e-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.ngcoa.org
Mike Hughes
Executive Director, ext. 201
[email protected]
Mike Tinkey
Deputy Executive Director, ext. 206
[email protected]
Trudy Eyrich
Controller, ext. 205
[email protected]
Thomas Smith
Network/Web Administrator, ext. 220
Stephen Penley
Business Development Coordinator, ext. 218
[email protected]
Rutledge Baker
Account Manager Corporate Sales, ext. 270
[email protected]
Cindy Wiggins
Office Manager, ext. 200
[email protected]
Bill Gurney
Director of Special Projects,
Director of Partner Relations, ext. 264
[email protected]
Michele Klecha
Director of Partner Relations, ext. 204
[email protected]
Reagan Bobb
Account Executive—Partner Relations, ext. 202
[email protected]
Anne Lyndrup
Director of Get Linked. Play Golf., Director of Trade
Show & Conference, ext. 209
[email protected]
Scotti Finnerty
Meeting and Trade Show Coordinator, ext. 207
[email protected]
Mary Hollingsworth
Player Development Coordinator, ext. 208
[email protected]
Jay Karen
Director of Membership, ext. 211
[email protected]
Barbara Searle
Associate Director of Membership, ext. 203
[email protected]
Lynn Hill
Membership Coordinator, ext. 214
[email protected]
Joe Rice
Publisher, Golf Business, ext. 222
[email protected]
Greg Gormley
Account Manager, Golf Business, ext. 219
[email protected]
Brook Patterson
Account Manager, Golf Business, ext. 221
[email protected]
Rodney Foushee
Editor, Golf Business, ext. 224
[email protected]
Mary Rose
Art Director, Golf Business, ext. 271
[email protected]
Jay Karen, Editor
Rodney Foushee, Editorial Director
Mary Rose, Art Director
phone (843) 881-9956 fax (843) 856-3288
e-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.ngcoa.org
14
A new marketing plan generated on the heels of the most
recent Golf 20/20 conference states: “Winning the interest of
kids, women and minorities—the fastest growing golf segments—will require that golf facilities and golf professionals
take decisive steps to demystify golf, welcome these groups,
establish tailored programs to teach them the skills and traditions of the game and earn their loyalty.”
Dan Van Horn, the founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf,
could not agree more. In fact, this is the same message he and
his Georgia-based company have been preaching since opening
its doors eight years ago.
“Currently, golf ranks 39th in terms of activities that kids
ages 6 to 17 participate in 25 days or more during the year,”
Van Horn said. “That should tell us something.”
What the statistics tell Van Horn is that golf can be frustrating for kids and beginners and, as a result, easy to leave for
other activities. He says many modern golf courses present a
real challenge to enjoying the game.
“Golf courses are not set up for kids and families to enjoy the
game together. Most courses are far too long for kids and beginners. As a result, kids get frustrated the first time they play. And,
if mom or dad is trying to play with them, they get frustrated,
too. No wonder we’re losing kids to other sports.”
Van Horn said golf could take steps to make the game more
kid and family friendly by making a few simple changes to the
traditional-length golf course. “Reducing the yardage makes the
game less intimidating and more fun and immediately makes
golf a sport the family can participate in together.”
U.S. Kids Golf introduced its Personal Tee program several
years ago as a way to help kids learn the game and stay involved
in the sport. One of the keys to the program is encouraging
courses to add forward tees that reduce the length of the hole.
From the program’s Green tees, a Personal Tee course measures
approximately 2,200 yards and from the Yellow tees the course
is approximately 3,800 yards for 18 holes.
“Shorter courses make it easy for parents to bring their sons
and daughters to the course and play at a comfortable pace,”
Van Horn said. “Everyone has fun. Dad can play from his tees,
mom from hers and the kids from whatever tees and distance
best suit their games.”
After the course has been shortened with family-friendly tees,
which improve the pace of play, other opportunities present
themselves. Kids and beginners naturally will seek out instruction and better equipment to improve their game further.
Implementing the program is easy and cost-effective, according
to Van Horn. “All the course really
needs to do is mow a flat area near
the cart path and add tee markers,”
he said. Van Horn also suggests a
scorecard that shows kids and beginners the yardage and par for each hole.
A number of highly respected courses throughout the
United States have adopted the Personal Tee program. In addition, many courses use other elements of the program—
instruction booklets, incentives and a turnkey model (free
download at www.uskidsgolf.com) for designing and implementing their junior programs.
Funding Available For Golf Course Owners
Who says nice guys finish last? Nice
Legacy Foundation for Education, has also
Butts.” Each junior has to promise not to
course owners may find themselves in a
received grants from the USGA. The PGA
smoke, and their program identification
position to receive free cash from unexpect-
allocates grant funds for similar projects. In
cards features the Putts not Butts logo.
ed sources. Many facility owners-operators
addition, the First Tee makes funding avail-
Golf course have always been known for
are awarded grants—large grants—from
able to facilities that host a First Tee facili-
giving back to the community—hosting the
both inside and outside the golf industry. If
ty/program, such as NGCOA member
local high school golf team, letting an
you form a non-profit (find the necessary
Highland Park Golf Club in Alabama.
underprivileged kids play for free, hosting
paperwork on www.irs.gov) to enhance your
The possibilities for funding are not limit-
charitable goals, you are then eligible to
ed to those with an obvious interest in char-
According to a recent Golf 20/20 study, the
apply for grant funding from a variety of
itable golf ventures. Crystal Springs Golf
impact of golf on charitable giving exceeds
sources. Cresta Verde Golf Course of
Course of Wisconsin, home base for The First
$3.2 billion annually. You are already a hero
California, through its Get a Grip Foundation
Tee of Green Bay/Golf Foundation of
in your community. But if you wish to do
Junior Golf Program, just received a sizeable
Wisconsin, received sponsorship funding
more, don’t overlook the grant and spon-
grant from the USGA. Historic Clearview
from Phillip Morris. Together they imple-
sorship opportunities that could help you
Golf Course of Ohio, home of the Clearview
mented a campaign called “Putts not
achieve your charitable goals.
2nd Quarter 2004
tournaments
for
local
charities
etc.
G E T
L I N K E D .
P L AY
G O L F.
Get Involved! Take Your
Daughter to the Course Week
Businesses have to get creative when the
The NGCOA is once again providing assis-
chips are down. Sometimes it helps to borrow
tance with promotion of the event. Interested
a great idea from another industry. When
courses should log on to www.ngcoa.org to
Alka-Seltzer’s revenues were down a few
download the new advertisements, press
years ago, the company held a brainstorming
release and tips on marketing and developing
session. One bright fellow shared his idea by
special promotions for Take Your Daughter to
holding up two fingers. “I know how we can
the Course Week. Additionally, participating
double our sales,” he said. “Take two.”
courses should fill out the form provided online
Put this idea to work at your golf course by
to indicate their participation in Take Your
participating in the fifth annual Take Your
Daughter to the Course Week. Courses reg-
Daughter to the Course Week, July 5-11,
istering for the program will be listed on the
2004. Sponsored by the National Golf Course
NGCOA’s heavily advertised consumer Web
Owners Association (NGCOA), the initiative is
site, www.getlinkedplaygolf.com. Potential cus-
backed by the LPGA, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf,
tomers can visit that site and search by geo-
EWGA, Golf Business, Golf for Women,
graphic region to locate a course in their area
and boasts Suzy Whaley as the national
that is hosting the event.
spokesperson. All you have to do is offer a free
Think of what would happen to your sales
green fee to young ladies accompanied by a
over the next year if each of your customers
paying adult, and offer a free clinic for the
brings in a young lady that also becomes a reg-
girls sometime during the week. Take Your
ular customer. Minimal input for you and your
Daughter to the Course Week attracts
staff can equal maximum results. For more
much media attention, and consumers are
information, call (800) 933-4262 ext. 213 or
already calling to find out if there is a course
visit www.ngcoa.org.
in their area participating.
Together, we can make a difference.
By joining the fight against hunger, you support families and their
children with food, nourishment — and so much more.
Golf 20/20 Involved
in National Effort to
Market the Game
Beginning in April, consumers across the United States will view a series of
America’s Second Harvest reports:
public service announcements in conjunction with national golf telecasts of
■ Every dollar donated toward hunger helps
distribute more than four bags of groceries
to families in need.
PGA Tour and LPGA events. The NGCOA has teamed up with the PGA of
■ In 2001, 23.3 million people sought and
received emergency hunger relief from
Second Harvest’s network of charities.
■ Over 9 million children are the recipients
of food from either a pantry, kitchen or
shelter within the Second Harvest network.
Entegra is committed to contributing to a
hunger-free nation, and we encourage our
Program Participants to join us. We provide
our customers with opportunities throughout
the year to join our hunger relief efforts.
For more information on the entegra
program, contact us at 866-entegra or
[email protected].
America, PGA Tour, LPGA and USGA through Play Golf America to create
two creative television spots geared to drive people to the course. Celebrities
will help promote certain aspects of the campaign.
Additionally, the National School Golf Program is gaining momentum,
expanding to 400 schools and introducing 160,000 kids to golf. Link Up 2
Golf continues to bring new golfers into the fold. The rounds polls from 2003
have been compiled, with the findings that rounds played nationwide
decreased from 502 million in 2002 to 495 million in 2003. Rob Smith of
Focalpoint has been retained by Golf 20/20 to oversee a national marketing
plan to be called “Connecting with the Game of Golf.”
Golf 20/20 is a collaborative effort of the entire golf industry, with the mission of growing the game of golf. The NGCOA is a founding member of Golf
secondharvest.com
entegraPS.com
20/20. Mike Hughes, NGCOA’s executive director, sits on the executive board
of Golf 20/20 to represent the interests of golf course owners.
15
Is Precedent the most AGILE
golf car ever made?
Agility that stretches from the wheels all the way to your senses.
Agility that provides astonishing handling, control and acceleration.
Agility from the first golf car company to deliver fully customizable performance.
Is Precedent the most
Drive it once
agile car ever made?
and you’ll know.
800 CLUBCAR
www.clubcarprecedent.com
©2004 Club Car, Inc.

Here - National Golf Course Owners Association

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