Page 44 - GBC summer 2018 english

The Parting Shot
As I pen this article, it is the middle of Masters Weekend and I am still waiting on a nasty polar vortex to move out of the area so that we can nally get the 2018 golf season started!
As I re ect on the NGCOA Canada’s off season events, I am excited about the momentum for the 2018 golf season.
I am pleased to report that our GOLFEXPOs were yet again a resounding success with almost 50,000 attendees! New in 2018, is the Vancouver GOLFEXPO (previously the Vancouver Golf & Travel Show) and the new GOLFEXPO we launched on the South Shore of Montreal.
We now own 7 GOLFEXPOs across the country: Ottawa, Laval, South Shore of Montreal, Quebec City, Atlantic (in Halifax), Winnipeg and Vancouver and are involved at various degrees in the London, Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary consumer golf shows.
These GOLFEXPOs are a great way to showcase your course to anxious golfers while getting a jump start on your season. Our shows have evolved into sales centres for golf courses, with sales soaring into the $100,000s for several courses.
Spring Ahead
As for the yearly Spring Warm Up events across the country, for me they are a no-brainer! I consider this event as the ‘start of the season.’
The Spring Warm Up provides me with all the info I need heading into a new season. For example, in Ottawa, not only did we hear about all the new Golfmax programs available to me as an operator, but our regional director brought in a guest speaker that focused on all the changes to the Ontario Employment Standards Act. It’s confusing and affects our industry so I’m glad my Association makes sure that I have all the tools to be successful going into the 2018 season.
I feel the excitement around golf this year and in my opinion, Tiger’s resurgence into the game is helping. He is not only back, healthy and playing...he is competing. You may not be a Tiger fan, but nobody can argue that Tiger is good for golf. The TV ratings spike, as does spectator attendance when he’s playing.
In case you haven’t heard, the golf industry is coming to Ottawa on May 28 and 29 for National Golf Day! The NAGA partners are
meeting with over 40 MPs and Senators and golf will be showcased on the front lawn of Parliament Hill. Our message is that golf is a huge contributor to the Canadian economy and we are a viable business that employs thousands of people. Perhaps your course can plan an event that will recognize our National Golf Day.
In closing, I wish you all the best for your 2018 season. I encourage you to get out and support the NGCOA Canada initiatives this season and I look forward to talking to you all about the best shots made this summer at this year’s Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show in Calgary!
Sincerely,
Steve Spratt
Co-owner, Falcon Ridge Golf Club, ON President, NGCOA Canada steve@falconridgegolf.ca
44 Golf Business Canada
Message From The President – Steve Spratt