Page 36 - GBC winter 2016 Eng

How have you increased participation in league play at your facility?
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
In 2014, to complement our membership, our Pro Shop Manager implemented 5 League programs: Senior Men’s Day, Ladies’ Night, Men’s Night, Ladies’ Day and Couples Night to satisfy the needs of every golfer.
Each League begins with an icebreaker banquet (in April), an evening where we provide cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to welcome all and discuss the upcoming season. The Leagues span over a 22 week period, with the last official golf day at the end of September barring any rain out games to be made up. A yearend banquet is also provided to each League including a complimentary game of golf, full buffet dinner, prizes for every participant and awards.
Throughout the season a dedicated League Coordinator puts together weekly prizes and a pro shop draw and the Food & Beverage Manger provides menu specials to create variety and fun.
Several theme weeks are also created to further entertain. Our themes have included the Olympics, World Cup of Soccer, NHL/ Senators, CFL/Redblacks, and NFL. Depending on the theme, trivia questions are posted at each tee and prizes are awarded. Participants can also accumulate VIP points by bringing guests to a night and those points can be used for proshop merchandise.
Having Leagues that incorporate all demographics of golfers provide our sponsors and community partners with an opportunity to target a market of their choice and their support further enhances the entertainment and enjoyment of our League members. It’s a win-win for everyone.
In a 3 year span Manderley has progressed from no Leagues to over 350 League members each week!
Doug Ferne, Chief Operating Officer Manderley on the Green, North Gower, ON
FRIENDLY, FLEXIBLE AND FUN
Metcalfe Golf Club offers 3 Ladies’, 1 Men’s and 1 Junior League open to public players. League players are provided with personalized friendly service, great course conditions and fantastic food.
Special touches that have helped grow our Leagues include a dedicated on-site Coordinator, staff who address players by their first name, an online booking system, flexibility to play with friends or meet new people, reduced rates at non-League times and pay as you play or full season League rates.
We cater to the nuances of the Leagues, with weekly stats for men, spirit days and cart decorating contests for the women, and a two person 3 hole match play format for juniors.
In addition, our restaurant offers opening and closing banquets and weekly features targeted to the preferences of our League players. Our best market- ing tool has been renewing our League members and their word of mouth.
Rob Howell, General Manager
Metcalfe Golf & Country Club, Metcalfe, ON
36 Golf Business Canada