Industry Update
Blue Hill CC Violated Massachusetts Tips Act
Blue Hill Country Club in Canton, Mass., listed charges for “service” on its invoices while failing to deliver the related gratuities to workers, violating state law. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court vacated a lower court order in Blue Hill CC’s favor and remanded the matter to the Superior Court for further proceedings. Another club, Tedesco CC in Marblehead, Mass., faced a $64,500 settlement in a class-action lawsuit for withholding money that some reciprocal members believed were tips. Club + Resort Business.
2021 Renovation of the Year Winners
Diablo Country Club in Diablo, Calif., took first in the private club category of renovations of the year with their $10 million renovation project. The project focused on restoring the feeling of the 100-plus-year golf course with tees, bunkers, greens and surrounds back to the original designs, with modern modifications to ease maintenance. Other winners in the private club category were The Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Fla., and Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pa. Golf Inc.
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Trends Watch
Restaurants of the Future, From Tech to Workforce
After more than a year into pandemic-operations, restaurants have adapted to the changing environment and had time to determine what works for customers. As many restaurants were increasingly become more digital, the pandemic accelerated the process. The labor shortage for the industry will likely bring increasing wages but will lead to innovative ways to cut labor costs through automation.
Nation’s Restaurant News. Inside the Growing Restaurant Trend, Polished-Casual Dining
The polished-casual restaurant experience pairs fine food with casual, fun settings and other contrasting elements. The goal is to create a high-quality dining experience without the pretense or fuss. Some combinations include chandeliers and graffiti, taquitos with tail-on shrimp and high tops with a tuxedo. Restaurant Hospitality.
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- Is the U.S. on the Verge of an Economic Boom?
- The Surging Wedding Industry
- How Return to Work is Impacting Exercise Levels
- Restaurant QR Codes are Here to Stay
On the Green
Golf Equipment Sales Increase Continues
The golf equipment sales mid-year update shows promising numbers as the momentum in 2021 carries over from 2020. Golf club and ball wholesale dollar sales are up 35% from 2019 and 77% over last year and equipment shipments have resumed a more normal seasonal pattern. National Golf Foundation.
Increased Intent to Play, Higher Numbers of Women Golfers, Among Survey Insights
The KemperSports Golfer Insights Survey of 24,774 current, lapsed and new golfers, shows encouraging insights for golf including increases in the social, younger and female golfer. The survey also shows nearly half of the new players are less interested in keeping and improving their scores and more interested in a comfortable, social environment. Thirty percent revealed they are likely to continue playing if they can get instruction and social events, while 40% said “fun events or activities combined with golf would motivate them to play more rounds in 2021.” Golf Inc.
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- The Golf Surge Continues, Rounds Played on Par With 2020
- Mini Golf Gearing Up for Big Growth
- Operation Double Eagle Development Program Helps Veterans
- Park the Golf Carts, Walking Rounds Sees Increased Interest
- Former USGA Ticket Staffer Faces Embezzlement Charges, Part of $3M Scheme
- Jack Nicklaus Talks Trump, Tiger and More
- Chicago’s Jackson Park Project Hits Roadblocks
Diversity & Inclusion
Women Make Gains in Japanese Golf and Country Clubs
Nobuko Hirayama was recently allowed full-member status after inheriting her father’s membership more than 23 years ago and is only one of 12 women among the 1,200 full members at Kasumigaseki CC, just outside Tokyo. The 2020 Olympic Golf tournament host site is one of Japan’s most exclusive country clubs and made the rule change which granted Hirayama full membership, under pressure from Olympics organizers. Reuters.
The Midwest is Outpacing the Rest of the Country in Diversifying
Bartholomew County, which includes Columbus, Ohio, had the highest diversity index gain (67%) across the U.S., rivaling those in the suburban areas of large metro areas of Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Denver. Some data indicates immigrants are moving to middle America for jobs in agriculture, meat processing, manufacturing and other sectors. The Wall Street Journal.
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- Diversity Adds to Your Bottom Line
- USA Women Shine in 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Black College Grads Lose Ground in Closing the Wealth Gap
- Goldman Sachs Supports Program to Diversify Wall Street
Operations and Membership
Leadership Lessons from a Club GM
General Manager/COO at Wycliff Golf & Country Club in Wellington, Fla., offers keys leadership lessons to help club managers succeed. Martin stresses decisiveness, listening with intentionality, not overanalyzing and setting deadlines. These have helped guide the GM through capital project decisions as well as COVID-19 challenges. LinkedIn.
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