Page 8 - GBC winter 2016 Eng

Message From The President • Gilles Debut
In The Fairway
As I prepare to hand over the President’s gavel, I am very encouraged by the positive signs in our industry! Rounds have been steadily increasing for the past 3 years, golf is now an Olympic sport and many talented young golfers are emerging on the world stage.
With such a dynamic industry, we will likely develop different golf course models in the future. Whether it is a unique take on driving ranges or alternate types of facilities, the one thing I know is they will be different.
Our business models might not look the same and our golf courses might look different but our client will always be the golfer. So, who will provide these playing options for the golfers? The answer is simple. We will...the entrepreneurs!
We Are The Future Of Golf
For this simple reason, I conclude that owners and entrepreneurs supported by dedicated pros, supers and general managers are golf’s future. We are the ones responsible for the success of these facilities, regardless of what the business model looks like today or in the future.
We build teams to execute our plans but in the end, we shoulder the responsibility of whether our businesses are sustainable, whether they are welcoming to golfers or environmentally friendly. Succeed or fail...that is up to us!
We need to believe in ourselves as entrepreneurs in order to believe in the future of golf. The NGCOA Canada is an association of entrepreneurs. It supports our business and provides us with platforms to share our experiences, successes and challenges so that we can learn from each other and become stronger business leaders in golf.
As entrepreneurs, we are constantly faced with challenges, but as part of the NGCOA Canada I have a support system that will never let me fail. From the expert advice during our annual Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show or Chapter events, to the networking platforms, to the significant savings I receive through the Golfmax Program, they provide me with the necessary tools to succeed!
As I say good-bye and pass the gavel to Steve Spratt, I want you to know that it has truly been an honour to serve as your NGCOA Canada President for the past 2 years. Thank you for this privilege.
As a proud member of the NGCOA Canada, I will continue to be active in the Association, as I believe that together we are much stronger and can overcome any challenges our industry faces today or in the future. But beyond the business, it’s the life-long friendships that I have developed with so many of you that really warms my heart. Our conversations about our renovations on number 6 or
the clubhouse or our children have all meant so much to me and I look forward to continuing this dialogue for years to come as we continue to grow the Canadian golf business TOGETHER!
I look forward to seeing you in Whistler and catching up over a glass of wine.
Respectfully,
Gilles Debut
Owner, Club de Golf les Quatre Domaines, QC President, NGCOA Canada GDebut@golf4d.ca
8 Golf Business Canada