Industry Update
Drinks by Drone at Michael Jordan’s New Ultra-exclusive Private Golf Course
Those lucky enough to score a membership at legendary basketball player Michael Jordan’s new ultra-exclusive private golf course, located near Hobe Sound in South Fla., will enjoy the 18-hole golf course with a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, paying homage to the star athlete and the game of golf. The course was designed by Bobby Weed Golf Design and features an ingenious double-helix routing that can be played “in either four nine + nine combinations or shorter three- to six-hole loops.” One of the most notable features is the high-tech servers, which includes drones delivering drinks and snacks to golfers anywhere on the course. Robb Report.
Savannah is a captivating city with an unusual history. Among the many places to explore is The Landings, a premiere community boasting incredible dining options and six championship golf courses. Club members also enjoy the tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness and wellness center and farm-to-table dining options. The Landings clubhouse honors Arnold Palmer and recently won a Golf Inc., “Clubhouse of the Year” award. Kingdom.
Harrison Seeks to Seize Willow Ridge Country Club
The town of Harrison, N.Y., has started the process to turn Willow Ridge Country Club into a public facility in Westchester County via eminent domain, through a hearing held on Dec. 17. Club members have been soliciting bids to sell the property for months and have said they are open to negotiating the sale to the town. Willow Ridge members speaking out against the change mostly oppose the means of eminent domain to obtain the club rather than the transition itself. Westchester Magazine.
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The Club at Mediterra Takes 3rd in 2020 Clubhouse of the Year Competition (video)
GCSAA Honors the California Alliance for Golf with 2021 Excellence in Government Affairs Award
Interview with Shannon Older, First Female President of Fort Orange Club
Trends Watch
The Future of Travel
All-out travel trips take the top spot for travel trends to look for in 2021 when travel returns. For travelers looking to book trips, most will plan “bucket list’ trips with unique experiences in far-flung places. Nomadic travel with extended stays also tops the list as some employers make remote work the norm. Other trends include technology-focused perks including seamless payments and contactless check-ins, the resurgence of travel agents, and smaller footprints. Hospitality Tech.
Pew Research Releases 20 Distinct Findings of 2020
A study conducted by Pew Research Center reveals findings from 2020 in areas related to the pandemic, race-related tensions, the presidential election and other trends. In August, four in 10 adults said that they or someone in their household had been laid off, lost their job or taken a pay cut. Survey results also indicate the percentage of people from other countries who have a favorable view of the U.S., has declined to a record low. Pew Research Center.
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Consumer Shifts in Luxury Hotel Brands
4 Hotel Trends for the New Year
Guy Fieri Creates Restaurant Relief Fund, Raises $21M for Unemployed Restaurant Workers
On the Green
ASGCA’s Environmental Excellence Awards Program Recognizes Six Projects
The 2020 Environmental Excellence Awards program is presented by Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply and recognizes clubs with innovative work to address the needs of the environment. Awarded was Diablo Country Club in Diablo, Calif., Links on the Bayou in Alexandria, La., Duxbury Yacht Club in Duxbury, Mass., Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, N.Y., Seletar Country Club in Singapore and Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield Township, Mich. By Design.
The Golf Economy
Golf is an important part of Arizona’s economy, contributing $3.9 billion annually. While courses have had to innovate during the pandemic, many have found creative ways to increase revenue as the tradition revenue streams dried up. Golf-centric economic factors for 35 states are included in a We Are Golf report that evaluates economic factors including total economic output, jobs created, number of golf courses, output per capital. Cronkite News.
X-Golf and Topgolf Continue to Grow and Evolve
Traditional golf alternatives continue to grow and evolve as the younger demographic is drawn to technology and entertainment. Throughout 2020, X-Golf has expanded to more than 25 locations with more locations planned. X-Golf facilities boast state-of-the-art simulators with technology that “performs over six thousand calculations per second, measuring ball speed, direction, launch and spin, alongside impact and path of the club used.” By 2019, Topgolf has owned, operated or franchised 58 venues across the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Topgolf’s Chief Customer Officer Firey-Oldroyd says, “Fifty percent of Topgolf’s guests are non-golfers aged between 18-34.” C+RB.
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Golfinity to Open First Indoor Performance Club, Partners with Troon
The Road Back: Weymouth Country Club Talks “Short-List” (Video)
ClubCorp CEO Talks Golf and COVID (Video)
Club Car Announces 4-Year Partnership with the PGA Tour, Title Sponsor
Moving to a Golf Course Community? A Few Considerations
Diversity & Inclusion
2020 PGA Tour Charity of the Year Announces Women of Color Golf & Girls on the Green Tee as Winner
Women of Color Golf & Girls on the Green Tee, a Tampa-based nonprofit beneficiary of the Valspar Championship, was named the 2020 PGA Tour Charity of the Year. The nonprofit focuses on promoting the inclusion of minority women and girls in golf through organized clinics, business networking and mentoring opportunities and recreational activities. “Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the future success of the golf industry. We are proud that the PGA TOUR is dedicated to make golf more accessible to under-represented communities, equally and inclusively,” said Clemmie C. Perry, Founder & Executive Director, Women of Color Golf & Girls on the Green Tee. We Are Golf.
More Pressure to Diversify Boards Brings Recruiting Challenges
As Nasdaq Inc. issued a new board-diversity proposal and Calif., passed a similar diversity-focused mandate, the pressure to add diversity to boards is increasing. Nasdaq has found that three-quarters of its nearly 3,000 listed companies don’t meet its proposed criteria. Companies are noting awkward challenges in recruiting diverse candidates and, according to some recruiters and directors, “a board candidate’s ethnic background or sexual orientation isn’t always obvious and scouting those candidates can require some unconventional digging.” Company leaders also face the challenge of making diverse candidates feel valued, rather than a check-the-box exercise. WSJ.
The Pandemic Has Shaken Up the Job Landscape, A Look at the Numbers
A September survey of 330 human resources leaders, conducted by Conference Board, evaluated productivity related to those working from home. The results show an increase in time spent in meetings, work hours, employee burnout and mental health problems for employees, while work-life balance, employee engagement/morale and levels of personal well-being decreased. Some 865,000 women dropped out of the workforce since September—mostly due to remote work and day-care closures, with the unemployment rate especially high for Black and Hispanic women. Hispanics report the highest job loss, temporary job loss or a pay cut for themselves or someone in their household followed by Black, Asian and white groups. WSJ.
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Moving the Race Conversation Beyond 2020
Religious Clothing, Women as the Target for Harassment
Operations and Membership
The Future of the Workplace
As workplaces shifted amid the pandemic, the future may look different than what workers left back in March, as trends could become permanent fixtures in the post-pandemic workplace. According to a WeWork and Brightspot study, the vast majority—90% of people—want to return to the office at least one day a week while 20% of that group wants to return five days a week. For those who want to return, more than half cite the importance of their employer prioritizing health and safety. The main takeaway is the desire for more adaptable workspaces with a focus on what people need. Axios.
Trump’s Latest Attempt to Restrict Legal Immigration Shot Down by Judge
On Dec. 1, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order to set aside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security interim final rule, “Strengthening the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program,” as well as the U.S. Department of Labor interim final rule, “Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States.” The courts findings show the government failed to show good cause to excuse public notice and comment for the two rules- and recognized the contributions of immigrants. National Law Review.