Grant85
Head Pro
In this debate it is often assumed by some that clubs have a limitless requirement for new members.
However, at my Club, a long established Members' Club but certainly not a top 100 contender by any means, we cannot just accept many more. All new Full Members would, understandably, expect to be able to play on a Saturday which generally is Competition day.
As our Winter comps attract entries of 120 and those in the rest of the year 150 to 160 how do we accommodate many more members?
And, yes, we still charge a modest joining fee.
That is a great position to be in. However I would suggest that Saturday competitions being over subscribed is not the main barometer as this will be the case at a lot of clubs that don't necessarily have 'too many' members. Competitions ultimately are 1st come, 1st served.
I guess it depends on the demographics, as generally younger folk will be keen to play Saturday competitions and older folks, midweek social.
Potential to allow non-Saturday members at reduced fees - even if this is just a small number of existing members, knowing that you can fill the defect with new blood.
I guess what a business would do is keep increasing fees and costs until the membership was at a more balanced level.