Page 52 - GBC winter 2015

NO
GBC: What were the major reasons
that you chose to eliminate the larger cups at your facility?
RW - Although our feedback was positive regarding the introduction of 8” cups, we did not continue to offer the large cups throughout our 2015 season. One reason for this was related to equipment and labour costs. In order to implement these cups on the course, the equipment was appro- ximately $900. However, more labour is required to switch these holes back, which resulted in an approximate $2,100 cost per season. Another reason we did not keep them is because we could not connect any increase in revenue from the larger cups.
HP - We did not implement the 8” cups for this season. Unfortunately, there was not any interest from our men’s and ladies’ night competitors when the idea was pitched.
CGC - We added FootGolf in 2015, and thought that too many flags and holes would be confusing for our golfers and would not provide the professional look that we want for our facility. We did have some complaints when the larger cups were removed as people seemed to like them.
MGC - We decided not to offer the larger cups this season based on two factors: the mixed response we received in the initial trial phase, 50% liked and 50% hated, so we wished to ensure we didn’t lose 50% of our customers. The second reason was the struggles our Turf Care Team had with changing the cups because they are awkward to move and difficult to cut.
We have now started to use the larger cups in promotional and special events. We still believe it is a good option to mix up the traditional game but for the day-to-day oper- ation it became counterproductive.
YES
GBC: Were you able to connect any increase in revenue to offering the larger cups again in 2015?
CC - Revenue speaking, we have had several new group events to our course, who used the large cups for their events.
TGC - Based on our customer feed- back and tracking revenue year- over-year, we did not see any in- crease in revenue as a result of using 8” cups.
SH - Unfortunately, no.
MH - While we have not seen a specific increase in revenues, we have seen increases in junior play and we are hopeful that these new players to the game will be an in- vestment in the future of the game.
YES
GBC: Do you plan on offering the larger cups in 2016?
CC - We plan on continuing with both cups on every hole for the 2016 season. The additional cup being present has become normal for our traditional regulars and most do not notice it anymore. The 8” cups add a different element for beginners and group events at our facility, as well as attracting new customers and events.
TGC - We will likely offer the 8” cups again in 2016 on a limited basis, similar to this past season. SH - Yes, it will continue into 2016. MH - We plan on continuing the Big Cup program going forward.
YES
GBC: What recommendations would you suggest to any facility considering implementing the larger cups at their course?
CC - I would suggest shorter pins and different flags for any facility considering implementing the cups (as a second cup on green). As well as proper signage to help educate new golfers at their facility.
TGC - Try the cups out on a limited basis first and get customer feed- back before offering it on a more frequent basis. Promotion and education is also important.
SH - We found that saving the plugs would only last approximately two to three days. Therefore, you had to be careful with the length of time that the plug is out.
MH - Having the Big Cups available in addition to the regular cup allows players to choose where they play to and helps to negate any potential negative pushback from players not willing to give them a try.
The Big Cups are rarely moved around the green so placing them in a central location allows the regular pin to be moved around them throughout the green without interfering with regular play. The Big Cups do require some regular trimming to maintain their edges because they are not cut often. Training for Maintenance staff should stress that a mowers’ tire could damage the cup edge so they must plan their routes on the greens appropriately.
Golf Business Canada
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Golf Business Canada