Industry Update
The COVID-19 Comeback, Private Club Communities Thriving
Private club communities experienced record home sales in 2020 as the pandemic created a high demand for security and privacy. Access to private, fully serviced facilities made private clubs particularly appealing adding to the increase in demand for real estate in private club communities. Kiawah Island Real Estate reported the most successful year in its history with an 185% increase from 2019 to 2020. Rob Duckett, president of The Cliffs, a collection of seven private clubs in the Western Carolina mountains, says, “Buyers are still looking for high-end real estate listings in remote settings that offer an abundance of club amenities and outdoor activities, as well as proximity to mid-sized markets.” Forbes.
As SoHo House gets ready to go public, analysts say it could reach a valuation of as much as $4 billion. The company, operating one of the world’s biggest networks of private members’ clubs, has submitted a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering (IPO). Amidst the pandemic, many SoHo House’s clubs around the world closed, but the club managed to maintain 90% of its 110,000 members. C+RB.
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- Inside Montecito Club, Ty Warner’s New $119.5M Private Club
- C+RB Highlights Top Ranked Fitness & Wellness Centers of 2021
- Fort Wayne Country Club “Man of the Year” Nominee
Trends Watch
Exercise Levels Rose During Pandemic and Other Wellness Trends
Gympass released data from users of its fitness and well-being platform from nine countries that highlights both physical and mental health changes occurring during the ongoing pandemic. Among its findings, Gympass reports an increase in physical activity for those already active and new to exercise, with mid-morning exercise increasing by 43% as work-from home schedules allow more freedom to take a break from being online. Increases in the demand for mental health support also rose with a reported 115% increase in people using Calm, the mindfulness app, with men being the fastest-growing demographic. Club Industry.
- A Look at Where States Get Their Revenue
- Security Concerns Over New QR Restaurant Tech
- Consumer Confidence Approaches Historical Record
On the Green
9 Holes or Less, The Strategy to Get Millennials to Play the Game
Some course operators along with the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) are challenging the idea of 18-hole courses and believe that shorter courses could breathe new life into the game. Steven Skinner, chief executive of Kemper Sports says the biggest complaint they hear is that “the game takes too long.” The “Play 9” initiative launched in 2014 by USGA, allows scores from nine-hole games to be posted on its USGA Handicap Index and includes marketing ideas to promote the nine-hole option at clubs. The goal is to get the game closer to the two-hour experience which fits more comfortably with the American lifestyle. WSJ.
The Numbers Behind Colorado’s Golf Industry
The reported economic impact from golf in Colorado was $1.3B in 2019 and golf courses contributed approximately 33,601 acres of green infrastructure for wildlife habitats. The Colorado Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report shows an estimated $2 billion generated by the golf industry to the wider Colorado economy. The report also shows 19,400 jobs supported by the golf industry, $696.5 million in wage income, and more than $166.5 million in state and local taxes. Golf Course Industry.
Nicklaus Renovation Project Set for Normandie Golf Course
Jack Nicklaus and Nicklaus Design will lead the renovation of North St. Louis County’s historic public golf course Normandie Golf Course. The course was built in 1901 and is regarded as one of the oldest public golf courses west of the Mississippi. Jack Nicklaus, who is donating his services says, “the appeal of this project to me was to be involved in an effort that could serve as a catalyst to change needed in our country today, beginning with parts of St. Louis County.” The Golf Wire.
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- The Effects on Working from Home on Golf
- New Course Plans in Jeopardy in Buffalo, NY, After Missing Mortgage Payments
- Indigo Golf Partners Announces National Award Winners
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Diversity & Inclusion
Analyzing Inclusivity in Your Organization
As many CEOs and other organization leaders have pledged to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces, specific actions and behaviors need to happen to put that pledge into action. Through “bridging” (connecting with people different from you) and “bonding” (connecting with people similar to you) managers can foster an environment of inclusion at their organization. Harvard Business Review.
Diversity and Inclusion is More Than Numbers
Janice Parks, First Hospitality’s chief human resource officer, says numbers only tell part of the story when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Focusing on reaching a number-focused goal in regard to diversity or inclusion can give organizations a false sense of the problem being solved. Parks says, “change involves more than simply hiring” and adds “it’s about retention and underlying culture, and about understanding the impact of microaggressions.” Hotels Mag.
Video: Andy Walker Talks About His Efforts in Building the Wakanda for Young Black Golfers
Andy Walker, director of the UGA Academy and Player Development, is leading the effort to create Wakanda For Golf, calling it “the largest and most intentional diversification effort in the history of the game.” Walker focused on young player development and getting young Black golfers engaged in the game of golf by ensuring they have access to the game, resources, tournaments to play in and the resources to get to those tournaments. Morning Read.
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- Closing the Gender Gap, A Guide for Managers
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Operations and Membership
A Deep Dive into Pool Renovations at Princess Anne CC
Clubs shift to focus on pool facilities as pools offer a safe outdoor experience and universal age appeal. Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach, Va., will open a new aquatics center in June featuring a zero-entry pool with six lap lanes, an in-water sun shelf, a 18,000-square-foot deck area with on-deck dining and nine pergola cabanas. Bill Shonk, general manager at Princess Anne CC says “the goal is to move away from the traditional country-club pool design of sprawling concrete decks and provide a more resort-style feel.” C+RB.
Bracing for a Season of Heavy Crowds and Worker Shortages
After a year of layoffs and furloughs swept the restaurant industry, many restaurants across the U.S. are experiencing worker shortages that could pose significant problems during the busy summer season ahead. Businesses are struggling more than usual to find workers as the pandemic upended the restaurant industry. Some point to the visa restrictions which caused delays for foreign workers or the enhanced unemployment checks, while others indicate the fear of contracting COVID-19 amongst restaurant workers who are on the frontline and now opting out of work. Boston Globe and Restaurant Manifesto.
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