Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, N.J., has spent the last six years recruiting a management team of private club industry veterans who could execute a focused strategic plan: to provide the highest-quality and most personalized service, food, amenities and golf to their members. Hamilton
Four years ago, Onion Creek Golf Club in Austin, Texas, took a chance on an idea: Convert the snack bar adjacent to the golf shop into a fitness area. “Members in their late 50s wanted an athletic area,” David Woods, the club’s general manager, said
Most people are familiar with the “golden parachute” concept—the clause(s) in a senior executive’s contract calling for a range of benefits and payouts should an organization, for whatever reason, want that executive to leave. But what happens in the reverse situation? What happens when the
In every private club, members play an active and influential role in how the club is governed. The by-laws and departmental rules in place establish parameters for acceptable club behavior, and traditions are then established. Members have joined the club with immense pride and may
The very best club managers are typically exceptional personal communicators—which comes in handy, considering effectively communicating a club’s total package of culture, services and values to both current and potential members is an essential component of a manager’s job. But, properly conveying a club’s total
Floods, wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes dominate the headlines these days, and although no area is immune, you do have some control over your club’s survival in the “after-life” of disaster. I think most of us do pretty well when it comes to preparing for disaster.
Famed American businessman Harold Geneen once said, “Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.” If this popular quote is true, how can today’s club managers and directors learn how to be stronger leaders? How can managers collaborate with the club’s board
Club managers work hard to maximize the benefits provided by volunteer service by the club’s board of directors. Based on our dealings with private clubs across the country, my firm has identified some tips to help clubs maximize the board’s value and success. Following these
Energy issues, environmental conservation, global warming, and “going green” are buzz words and budding concerns most business owners can’t escape these days. And private clubs are no exception. In fact, in recent years energy conservation has become a critical issue with most clubs. In addition
Acres of grass, majestic trees, tranquil bodies of water. If it weren’t for the flags and tee markers, you might think you were in a national park and not on a golf course. Golf courses offer not just a beautiful place to engage in a