Recession? what recession...

[brendy]

Bangor Golf Club had its AGM last night and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when handed our AGM booklet containing amongst other info, the financial performance from this past year.
Tough financial circumstances affecting everyone, we managed to lose a few members, gain some then some more (even with halved joining fees) and come away from a tough year over £25k better off. Poor weather didnt help either though bar takings were up over 10% which accounted for some of the profit, changing electricity providers and swapping halogen lights for LED/energy bulbs apparently made a fair difference too.
All in all amounted to full members not having an increase this year in subscriptions.
It goes to show that its not all doom and gloom out there and there is still hope for clubs and their survival. There are at least 7 other clubs within a 5-6 mile radius of BGC too so its not as if we have a monopoly on local golfers neither.
Any other clubs had their AGMs and how did you get on?

 

[bluewolf]

As a point of interest, how did you manage to increase bar takings by such a margin?

 

[moogie]

Good Figures there Brendy, any Trading Profit these days is Great News

Our balance sheet is available this week, and I will pick one up and scan through, the AGM hasnt been yet

 

[Tiger]

That's great news. Be interested to know about how you increased your bar takings as well. Is that 10% nett profit or 10% increased revenue?

 

[brendy]

As a point of interest, how did you manage to increase bar takings by such a margin?

The report said that it wasnt sure but could be contributed to being cheaper than other local bars and clubs (members preferring to get a pint for £2.50 instead of £3.50 that some bars charge in town, 5 mins walk away). I have to say that it could also be due in part to our acceptance of blue denim trousers in the clubhouse, strangely not mentioned in the report though as it was a hotly contested subject which easily walked the vote last year.

 

[moogie]

I have to say that it could also be due in part to our acceptance of blue denim trousers in the clubhouse

My Club ALSO relaxed Clubhouse dress code last year and allows Denim jeans, and I feel it can only benefit the place

Im all FOR strict dress code ON the Course, but OFF the course, the Clubhouse should be your 'Local'

 

[brendy]

That's great news. Be interested to know about how you increased your bar takings as well. Is that 10% nett profit or 10% increased revenue?

10.5% turnover, net profit worked out around 8.5k, a healthy chunk extra after costs all things considered.

Moogie, you are spot on, on the course and in the dining room, etiquette is king, for a relaxed night out or even just calling past with the family, there is no need to run home and get changed into different attire. Not everyone will agree but its just moving with the times, doesnt mean you have to compromise everything though.

 

[bluewolf]

My Club ALSO relaxed Clubhouse dress code last year and allows Denim jeans, and I feel it can only benefit the place

Im all FOR strict dress code ON the Course, but OFF the course, the Clubhouse should be your 'Local'

To be honest, I guessed that it was because the dress code had been relaxed. The more I see this happen, the more I can see the benefit in doing it at my club. The only reason I don't use the clubhouse more, is the fact that I cant be bothered to get changed, just to watch the football or the golf. It certainly looks like it's spreading though...

 

[moogie]

To be honest, I guessed that it was because the dress code had been relaxed. The more I see this happen, the more I can see the benefit in doing it at my club. The only reason I don't use the clubhouse more, is the fact that I cant be bothered to get changed, just to watch the football or the golf. It certainly looks like it's spreading though...

Bluewolf, same was happening at our place, guys would play golf, then rush home get changed into more relaxing - casual clothes, go to the pub 300yds from the Course, and sit all afternoon, watching the match, and downing pints, £££ money that could have been spent in the Bar Clubhouse
The committee seen sense and realised u have to change, and now these same guys spend their afternoon in the Clubhouse Bar..........IN JEANS.........:thup:

 

[Tiger]

10.5% turnover, net profit worked out around 8.5k, a healthy chunk extra after costs all things considered.

Moogie, you are spot on, on the course and in the dining room, etiquette is king, for a relaxed night out or even just calling past with the family, there is no need to run home and get changed into different attire. Not everyone will agree but its just moving with the times, doesnt mean you have to compromise everything though.

I think there are some really important lessons in here for all clubs out there, especially the ones that ae struggling. It would be interesting to know how big a role the dress code played.

 

[brendy]

I know from my own experience the back bar (used to be known as the mens bar, seats around 25 and similar standing, away from the main lounge&restaurant) is busier evenings when there is sport on as you can just call in to watch with no fear of being reprimanded for wearing blue jeans (strangely black,green, mustard etc was permitted before). Trainers are still a no-no though but I dont carry the Status Quo look very well so usually have a pair of boots or shoes on.

We also made Rory and Michael Bannon honorary members on the night too for services to the club, the night after he went No.1, good timing!

 

[moogie]

I know from my own experience the back bar (used to be known as the mens bar, seats around 25 and similar standing, away from the main lounge&restaurant) is busier evenings when there is sport on as you can just call in to watch with no fear of being reprimanded for wearing blue jeans (strangely black,green, mustard etc was permitted before). Trainers are still a no-no though but I dont carry the Status Quo look very well so usually have a pair of boots or shoes on.

Ha, the STATUS QUO look, i like it .......

Just wanted to add, TRAINERS are NOT PERMITTED in our clubhouse either, just relaxed the dress code wearing of Denim Jeans
Although, the Really Young Juniors are ALLOWED to wear PLAIN Black Training Shoes, but ( over 13s) would be frowned upon and given a 'quiet word'
But as a Whole, it is a Much Relaxed Atmosphere, and has a Busy Bar and dining room

 

[wull]

thats very good going,especially when most other places are struggling.some good ideas there aswell,might be worth while taking on board and mentioning them to my home club.

 

[brendy]

One thing we did a couple of years ago Wull was buy our own trenching equipment, Bangor is built on clay based soil so drainage is a never ending concern. rather than rent anything for the course, we own it and rent it out to others between our own scheduled usage.

 

[AMcC]

It's our AGM tonight and we have already seen the year end figures. The proposal is to keep the annual subs to £820, same as last year, but to reduce joining fee to £600 from £1100.
There was a £4,000 surplus this year which was good, considering we had a facility fee from the R & A the year before.

 

[chris661]

Ours went quite well as well even with all the improvements to the course and writing off some debt they still made a slight profit which means that more will be spent on the course this year being a members club!