Page 46 - GBC Eng winter 2021

As another season winds down in most parts of Canada, we can be thankful for another record year of rounds played across the country. At the beginning of the season, there was talk that as other activi- ties opened up, golf could experi- ence a leveling off in participation, however our Rounds Played Report presented by Club Car shows that play is up 13.8% over 2020 and up 27% over 2019.
I would like to extend my best wishes to any courses that have experienced challenges related to tourism or the food and beverage side of our business during the past two years. I am hopeful for a recov- ery from the pandemic that equips you with a chance to regain losses and build for the future.
While progress is being made on the pandemic, after consulting with our members, partners and health experts, we made the decision to once again hold our annual conference virtually in 2021. It was a difficult decision, but a membership survey indicated that the majority of delegates were still reluctant to travel or be in large groups indoors. The safety of our delegates remains our priority and the success of our first virtual event last year made the decision easier.
A virtual event also allows courses to have more staff partici- pate as expenses are minimized
The Parting Shot
Can’t Hold Us Down
46 Golf Business Canada
since travel and hotels are not required. Some courses took the opportunity to use the virtual conference as a team building exercise. The dates of the confer- ence are November 30 and Decem- ber 1 and I look forward to connect- ing with many of you. Although we won’t be in-person, we will still be face-to-face.
You can be guaranteed that the virtual event will contain all of the education and networking that regular attendees look forward to. The staff at the NGCOA Canada are working very hard to bring you the best event in Canadian golf with 100% focus on advancing your business. I know that my team and I greatly benefit each year.
Ultimately, we look forward to getting back to in-person events, but we hope the virtual format again this year will expose the conference to even more members and staff. I know we share the hope for an in-person conference in 2022 and I await the opportunity to meet with members from across the country.
I would also like to thank our NGCOA Canada staff and all the Chapter Advisory Board members for the support they have provided courses through these demanding and unprecedented times. I am thrilled to share with you that last year was a record breaking year on the membership front. We ended the year with a 98% retention rate which is unheard of for voluntary trade associations who typically enjoy a retention rate in the mid to high 80s. Thank you for your confi- dence in everything the NGCOA Canada does for you and your business.
Best wishes for an enjoyable off season and every success as you prepare for 2022.
Sincerely,
Harry Brotchie, Owner
Lakeland Golf Management Inc., MB brotchie@lakelandgolfmanagement.com
Message From The NGCOA Canada President – Harry Brotchie