Page 16 - GBC summer 2015

Photos by Peter A. Sellar
“From an economic perspective the governments have to start treating the golf business as a serious business.“
What do you think golf needs to do better to attract more juniors to the game?
Young people are the future for us. We have many programs for juniors. We offer junior golf clinics and camps during the summer, and programs that allow juniors to play for free when accompanied by an adult. At our courses we have a specific place for juniors to practice so they feel comfortable. At our halfway house we also have a special place for them to sit down, eat, and chat. Without young people there is no business for any of us. We need young people ... they will be running the show. We have to show them the door and let them open it themselves.
In your opinion, what are the key issues affecting the future of golf?
From an economic perspective the governments have to start treating the golf business as a serious business. For example, if you take your client to a hockey or baseball game your company can write off that expense, but with golf, the government doesn’t allow the same write off.
Golf is an excellent tool for business people and is no different than other sports and activities that benefit from the tax deduction. People don’t realize that today, golf is very good medicine for all people; you are outdoors, walking, enjoying your friends’, families’ and colleagues’ company! If we didn’t have a place to relax and chat about business then where would we do it? We have to push the Parliamentarians to make sure they commit themselves to putting us on equal footing of other sports.
In 20 years from now, we are going to face quite a bit of pressure from the municipality taxing the properties. We fought to postpone the taxes and reduced the taxes quite a bit, but they are still way too high. We need to do more politicking. We have to lobby. Unless you bring an issue to government’s attention they will not know it is an issue.
The future of golf courses will depend how much we lobby. The government needs to realize that we are employers and are providing work for people and entertainment for our customers. We also provide leisure and health benefits for people. It will be up to us to lobby the government and make sure golf is treated fairly and taken seriously as a business.
Golf Business Canada Magazine would like to thank Mr. Kaneff for sharing his personal story and his unique insight into the golf industry. We wish him all the best with the Caledon development and look forward to seeing him on the links!
Golf Business Canada
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Golf Business Canada