Page 57 - english winter 2017

”Ordinary Need Not Apply” by Chris McNicol, Woodside Golf Course, Airdrie, AB (2013)
This is an employment branding concept that Wood- side Golf Course designed to elevate their work environment by making it more attractive to potential employees. The key components included: creative applications only (no standard resumes accepted); two interviews with key department heads (unanimous agreement or not hired); and 5 probations shifts to show you belong. This trans- formation allowed them to improve their recruit- ment, reduce their employee management hours, increase profits and have more fun at work!
“Mulligan Box” by Steve Young, Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club, Banff, AB (2012)
People love to use mulligans, however the negative effect of hitting mulligans is that the round takes longer and pace of play is slower, and other golfers become frustrated. In an effort to address this problem, Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club would sell mulligans to make the practice more acceptable and build awareness around mulligan use. The proceeds from mulligans went towards the junior golf program. A simple wooden box was constructed with the name ‘Mulligan Box’ displayed on it. It was placed on the first tee and the starters were provided with a spiel to explain the box, program, and purpose. The Mulligan Box was very successful! Golfers liked it and donated to the program.
“Mystery Bags – A Great Way to Make Inventory Disappear” by Doug Hawley, The Redwoods Golf Course, Langley, BC (2010)
The premise behind the Mystery Bags idea was to put extra stock that was in the shop, along with some high value - low cost items into shopping bags for late season pro shop sales. Bags were sealed with a minimum of $50 retail value product inside and were sold for $50 + tax each.
The mystery bags created a great deal of excite- ment as no one knew what was in the bag they were purchasing. The bags included golf shop items such as gloves, divot tools, brushes, shirts, hats, and balls. They mixed those items with driving range cards, yearly pull cart rentals, and complimentary power cart rentals. Their PGA of Canada instructors each donated a half hour private lesson. The “Grand Prize” mystery bag had an Annual Power Cart Pass valued at $1,200!
“Free Clubs” by Dan Kolar, formerly of Manderley on the Green, North Gower, ON (2005)
To add value for tournaments at a low cost and further enhance its image in the community, Manderley on the Green negotiated a deal to purchase 100 sets of golf clubs at $160 per set and incorporate them into their tournament package. Tournaments with over 135 golfers received the set of clubs, which had a value of over $400, and they were raffled off for fundraising/ charity. An average of $1000 per set of clubs was raised, in addition to an increase in new tournaments being booked at the facility.
“Junior League” by Lynn Zeppieri, formerly of Tamarac Golf & Country Club, Ennismore, ON (2005)
Seven local golf clubs agreed to work cooperatively in a junior golf exchange program which hosted juniors, broken into divisions, on a rotation between the 7 clubs. For $7, the junior received a round of golf, a hot dog and a drink. The program saw approximately 80-100 kids per day and throughout the 9 events held, over 1000 juniors have had the opportunity to use the program. Each of the 7 participating courses grossed $1000 to put towards the junior program.
“Big Person / Little Person League” by Carol Ann Baxter, Archie’s Family Golf Centre, Cornwall, ON (2004)
Archie’s Family Golf Centre developed a Big Person/ Little Person League night, which included mini- lessons on the range combined with 9 holes of golf. The result? The 1st tee was full at a historically slow time, tournaments were held in addition to this night, junior golf equipment sales increased and a trade-in program added, lessons revenues increased, BBQ sales soared and families including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbours all come back to play regularly.
Golf Business Canada
Golf Business Canada 57
2015