Page 25 - GBC ENG Winter 2025

numbers against industry
benchmarks gives us a clearer
picture of what’s actually
happening—not just what we feel is
happening—and that’s a huge asset
when we’re doing forecasting,
budgeting, or reporting to our
board.
SUPPORT, COMMUNITY AND
CONNECTION
One of the things I didn’t expect
when we first joined was how much
peer-to-peer support would matter.
The private Operators’ Corner
Facebook group has become a go-to
space for sharing challenges and
solutions. Whether it’s staffing
struggles, pace of play, or marketing
ideas, there’s always another
operator willing to share what
worked for them.
Programs like Take A Kid To The
Course have also been a great way to
connect with families in our
community and introduce new
players to the game. And the annual
Canadian GOLF GOLFEXPO Online has
given us a chance to showcase our
club to golfers travelling to our area
who may not have discovered us
otherwise. Both help us build
relationships with the next
generation of players.
GUIDANCE WHEN WE NEEDED IT
MOST
The COVID-19 years were some of
the toughest our industry has faced.
Navigating restrictions, protocols,
and government mandates was
overwhelming at times. What made
it manageable for us was the clear
and timely communication from
NGCOA Canada.
They consistently delivered the
latest updates and resources we
needed to keep both staff and
golfers safe. From downloadable
signage to practical step-by-step
guidance, they gave us confidence
when everything around us felt
uncertain.
LOOKING AHEAD
NGCOA Canada continues to
evolve alongside the industry. Their
commitment to sustainability in
conjunction with the GEO
Foundation is an initiative we’ve
embraced at Kingsville, and we
believe every club should explore.
Golfers today care about
environmental responsibility, and
programs like Sustainable Golf not
only help reduce operating costs
but also strengthen your reputation
with members and guests.
Labour is another challenge
facing all of us. Resources like
GolfJobsCanada.ca and the
partnership with HR Covered have
provided us with practical,
affordable tools to find and manage
staff more effectively. Knowing that
our HR person can speak directly
with professionals and access ready-
to-use templates gives us peace of
mind and saves countless hours.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
For me, being part of the
Southwestern Ontario Chapter
Advisory Board — and later serving
as Chapter President and on the
National Board — has been an
honour. It gave me a behind-the-
scenes look at the incredible
dedication and hard work the
NGCOA Canada staff put in every
single day. They may be a small
team, but the volume and quality of
work they produce is remarkable.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
After more than 25 years of
membership, I can say that joining
NGCOA Canada was one of the best
business decisions our club has
made. The savings are real, the
education is invaluable, and the
connections are what make this
industry feel like a true community.
If you’re already a member but
haven’t tapped into everything
available, I encourage you to dive
deeper. And if you’re on the fence,
take it from me — this membership
pays for itself, and then some. More
importantly, it connects you to
people who want to see you succeed.
At Kingsville, we’re proud to be
part of NGCOA Canada. And I
believe any operator who takes
advantage of all it offers will feel the
same.
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B Bu usi sin ness ess
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