Club councils?

[clubchamp07]

As golf clubs go, do we really need a council to run things? Surely the Manager, Captain, Ladies Captain, The Pro, Bar manager and Green keeper could do it on their own. What do you all think? I'm looking forward to hear all your views.

 

[brendy]

Our AGM was last night and I have to say social events, competitions and course management are all too much for the likes of the captains. Ours used to have around 17 council members, I think it has been approximately halved and is still working pretty well though I believe they are working harder than they would have this time 5 years ago.

 

[viscount17]

Captain tends to be an honary position doesn't it? Changes every year?

Usually in most 'non-business' organisations (though not been on one for golf), the real work gets done further down the ladder by the longer serving members, ie those elected for 4 or 5 year terms usually Treasurer, Secretary) and 'permanent' appointees (Greenskeeper) backed up by short term elected committee. I wouldn't think you would have enough long-term appointments to get everything done.
Others Competition, Handicap would need experience which I would think they would get as deputy to encumbent.

 

[TonyN]

Not entirely sure how much work, commitment is needed in this role but as the others all have full time jobs anyway, (maybe not captains, dont know though) It may be better to have commities that can get closer to the members and represent what they want, rather than what the club wants.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think we are pretty normal. We have a house committee, greens and social. I think (but don't quote me) that the directors have separate meetings regarding the finances etc and then report back accordingly. Seems to work ok. I wouldn't mind being on one (except social) at some point

 

[Herbie]

I can understand the need for assistance at clubs, especially with high member numbers but, additional councils/committees or whatever title they come under is just as likely to cause unrest and frustrations as it is to benefit the club, people love titles and being recognised as a member of some group with authority, the trouble is that sometimes the drug of status and influence can work against the grain at any level. what I have seen at my club is a membership that muck in and help out, nothing more than that is needed in my book.Too many councils/committees just means longer speeches during award ceremonies.

 

[brendy]

HNJ good reply, I think the best councillors are those that need to be convinced to take a seat at the committee table, not those who put their own names up.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have to say without exception everyone on the house and greens committee which in my view are the most important as they deal with the state of the clubhouse and the condition of the course are top blokes who are prepared to talk tou you about what is going on in the club. None of them are bertie big balls and think they are something else for serving on these committees.

 

[viscount17]

as I said earlier, I haven't served on a golf club committee, but my experience of others is how hard it is to get anyone to put their name forward to do the work - first in line to bitch of course.

Anyone getting into one of the tough jobs, Treasurer, Secretary - is unlikely to easily find a replacement.

 

[Herbie]

I agree with the last three posts, but to me a Golf club should only have the standard officials and committee and nothing more, as extra groups or councils could conflict with club committee making their lives even harder at times and I wouldnt wish that on any of them, so any extra organised group to me is a no no.

 

[Cernunnos]

The way I look at it the commities or councils are suposed to be there to prevent a mere individual coming up with & going ahead with silly ideas that are not in the best interest of a club. Thing is even these commities can loose touch with what the members want or need from the club. Especially as there is always that clique whithin a club who will mean these insular commities stay out of touch & yet still in power within a club.

So on one hand its a system that should would but invariably is always on the brink of insanity.

Golf club commities are the ultimate quango.

And the more individuals involved the more likelyhood the stagnation is. In some respects its better having the Owner the greenkeeper & the head pro in charge of everything, forget Captains, vice, captains, Lady Captains, secrataries, etc, commitees & then councils...

Too many cooks, etc etc.