Roadshows show the right route
Golf experts have been giving Welsh clubs some top advice on how to secure their futures, in a series of roadshows run by the Golf Union of Wales. (To access more detail and downlable presentations from the roadshows click here )
The three events in North, Mid and South Wales were attended by more than 60 clubs who were given a series of advice on how to promote themselves better to members and visitors.
They were also given instruction on the new One Golf Network tee booking system which is now supported by the Golf Union of Wales.
The roadshows were very well received by the clubs. “It was one of the best seminars I have been to for a long time,” said Southerndown secretary Alan Hughes.
Golf Development Wales manager Hannah James was pleased with the response. “The roadshows were all about helping golf clubs with their marketing, recruitment and retention in order to help secure their future,” she explained.
“There were lots of different tips and advice. For instance data caption with visitors to help turn them into future members.
“There was also plenty of advice on maximising the website, which is the best tool for marketing and generating business these days.
“Then at the end we went through the new marketing and website business system, One Golf Network which is endorsed by the Golf Union of Wales, which went down very well.
“Even if clubs have their own online tee-time booking system then they can link with One Golf Network, or copy it across, because it allows them to promote it to a huge audience.
“We also explained what Golf Development Wales have planned for the next year and got a lot of clubs onboard with the changes and initiatives that are being planned.
“We have also increased the help for business planning through Golf Development Wales that goes alongside the recruitment and retention.”
The series of roadshows followed a survey of Welsh golf clubs to find out what assistance they wanted in these tough economic times. They included seminars by Jane Carter and Kate Davies of Gemini Network Media.
The reaction from clubs was certainly positive. “The Seminar was an eye opener in a lot of respects, particularly the need to capture visitor data and communicate with visitors in a cost effective manner i.e. by e-mails,” said Plassey GC secretary David Brayshaw.
“I also liked the session on web sites and our best to set them up, use them and monitor whether you are obtaining the results you seek.”
James Morgan, director of golf at Alice Springs echoed the comments, saying, “The GUW and GDW put on a really informative road show at Llandrindod.
“All the speakers spoke extremely well and their material was particularly relevant to the situations that all clubs in the UK and more importantly Wales are going through at this present time. I personally thought the road show was excellent!”
Tenby secretary David Hancock added, "We have made a conscious effort in the last year to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities and initiatives that the GUW have implemented or endorsed.
“These have included, Legacy funds, Junior accreditation schemes, Rules schools, and in particular the Recruitment and Retention Roadshows.
“In light of the current economic climate, any golf club that has declined the invitations to attend these excellent and informative presentations has really missed a trick"