While we know that history rarely remains solely in the past, we often forget its uncanny ability to repeat itself, almost verbatim. Consider the following passage: Golf is suffering from growing pains, and the industry has taken note. A survey of Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) member clubs at the close of last season showed that there had been a more»

For the private club industry, the presidential election of 2012 could be one of the most important in recent memory. With the economy still struggling, individual club members’ tax rates about to go up, and a regulatory environment hostile to the club industry, there is no doubt that the race between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney could more»

“The worst of times are giving way to the best of times,” espoused Henry DeLozier of Global Golf Advisors. At this year’s National Club Conference, which took place on April 30th in New York City, the outlook for the future of private clubs was decidedly optimistic. It would seem that the club industry is finally about to turn a corner. For what feels the more»

The general manager embodies the heart and soul of a private club. General managers (GM) work hand in hand with the board to carry out the club’s mission and vision and represent the club to its members. How, then, do you evaluate the performance of such an important staff member? Executive reviews are frequently a difficult process even in the for-profit more»

As a membership development professional, it’s always exciting when a membership candidate becomes a club member. Once they make it through the membership process (nomination, approval by the membership com- mittee, paying the initiation fee), it sometimes feels like a weight is being lifted off your shoulders. Unfortunately, that feeling of accomplishment more»

Water is the most vital of our resources. Life on earth can’t exist without it—and neither can our industry. Private clubs and golf courses rely on water to do more than just keep the grass green. Watering our courses keeps the environment healthy, our employees paid and our industry alive. While most clubs understand that it can be an uphill battle to make more»

According to 2012 Clubs in Town & Country—a publication of PKF North America in conjunction with Club Benchmarking—92 percent of respondents in the statistical review allow nonmember use of club facilities, resulting in an average of nine percent nonmember income as a percentage of total gross receipts for the most recent year. As one of the primary more»

Summer 2012 VOLUME 30, ISSUE 3 Features The Changing Club Member Learn about the latest strategies and innovative ways to appeal to the changing club member and bolster clubs’ membership marketing, communications and member satisfaction. Preparing Club Leaders for a Brighter Future Is there optimism on the horizon for the private club industry? Hear more»