KenL
Tour Rookie
A lot of clubs in Scotland as far as I can tell have the catering (and often the bar) run as a franchise so no reason why these would not open when allowed to members who have paid up front.
When do you think you will next play golf?
- Thread starter howbow88
- Start date
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
They have to keep their members happy, as much as possible, otherwise they won't have any members to keep happy.
If a club decides not to open at all because the clubhouse and bar cant open run the risk of losing members to clubs that can/will open.
There's loyalty and there's being taken advantage of.
If I've paid a year's subs and the club doesn't open until Feb next year where another one has opened kn June of this year for play....I think many would conside their position.
Fortunately, Ellesborough relays very little on visitors and societies and the catering is franchised so only bar takings would be affected.
It would make a dent but I'm sure it wouldn't stop them opening as soon as they're able.
If a club decides not to open at all because the clubhouse and bar cant open run the risk of losing members to clubs that can/will open.
There's loyalty and there's being taken advantage of.
If I've paid a year's subs and the club doesn't open until Feb next year where another one has opened kn June of this year for play....I think many would conside their position.
Fortunately, Ellesborough relays very little on visitors and societies and the catering is franchised so only bar takings would be affected.
It would make a dent but I'm sure it wouldn't stop them opening as soon as they're able.
Siolag
Active member
That’s not even an option that would be considered at my club. They want to get the members back golfing ASAP. The rest will come eventually.
I would suggest any club that stays closed like that will not open again.
I fully understand both sides of this coin, I’m just highlighting, as so many members of clubs and forumites have stated over the years, that clubs need to be run more as a business, so if a decision had to be made, based on financial survival, as it couldn’t increase more costs without any revenue streams coming in, then there could be some tough decisions to make.
Wonder if many/any would look at remortgaging to raise capital to see if out?
Tiger man
Challenge Tour Pro
Maybe the club's could up the green fees to try offset the money lost from bar revenue till the restrictions are fully lifted. If golf is one of the first activities to open there will be an opportunity to charge a premium with people desperate to play/Get out the house.
Ha ha, fair point. I was mixing my thinking between amateurs and the pro game. Irrelevant point for amateurs, a way around a problem in the pro game.
I doubt they’d be much room for visitors if all the members are looking to play as much as possible, and would clubs still have a ‘visitors day’, or would that be suspended to reward members with more tee times?
Then there’s essential time to travel to the course if restrictions are still in place, what the distance/ mileage that’s accepted.
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
There's ways and means to keep businesses afloat and if it's generally a successful one I dont think they'd have much difficulty financing a "rescue" package.
It's the smaller clubs that worry me more...less revenue from members, relying on visitors and catering to balance the books.
Going to be a long hard summer
howbow88
Hacker
I thought it was well known that Tyrion is actually an anagram of Tim Henman?
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
The longer that clubs stay shut the more risk of them going under - members will stop paying their fees etc
A club can open up now without too much extra cost , the course can be kept to a playable standard , the clubhouse ( bar and catering ) can still be closed and if not needed the pro shop as well.
The government already stated that people can drive for exercise so I expect that would allow people to drive to their local course as opposed to an away course 3 hours for example. And then it would be up to the club to ensure to implement social distancing guidelines which will be in place for a while.
A club can open up now without too much extra cost , the course can be kept to a playable standard , the clubhouse ( bar and catering ) can still be closed and if not needed the pro shop as well.
The government already stated that people can drive for exercise so I expect that would allow people to drive to their local course as opposed to an away course 3 hours for example. And then it would be up to the club to ensure to implement social distancing guidelines which will be in place for a while.
howbow88
Hacker
My club rents off the council. My guess is that they have arranged some sort of holiday on that rent.
Either way, they've furloughed staff, and frozen monthly membership direct debits. Anyone who paid upfront for the year is having their membership year extended for however many months the course remains closed.
Basically, as soon as they can open the course, I am sure that they will regardless of whether the clubhouse can stay open.
Either way, they've furloughed staff, and frozen monthly membership direct debits. Anyone who paid upfront for the year is having their membership year extended for however many months the course remains closed.
Basically, as soon as they can open the course, I am sure that they will regardless of whether the clubhouse can stay open.
Beezerk
Money List Winner
I can't wait for my in to open, I've been bursting to get up to 13 for ages ?
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
I do hope this isn't false optimism and golf clubs do reopen soon. I don't think we're be in a position to open clubhouses bar the changing facilities/locker room and definitely can't see food and bar areas being opened. On the plus side pro shops would reopen and so they could make money again through lessons etc. I think if a club has any form of marketing savvy, they'd be thinking of local advertising schemes and social media and inviting a lot of green fees to play. This generates much needed income anyway and if they can market the course/club well may even entice some more memberships
Diamond
Active member
Ha Ha I cant argue with that definitely need to get out more!
Regarding fishing, along with hunting, are they not the oldest sports in the world? I suppose its all about perspective.
Check the article out below. Cardio vascular, mental well being and fresh air.
https://www.express.co.uk/life-styl...wn-angling-is-fishing-exercise-coronavirus-uk
rosecott
Money List Winner
In my first career in the RAF, Wednesday afternoon was always sports afternoon and it was encouraged to allow as many people to be absent from work to participate provided a section could still be run. One of my guys asked if he could be off on Wednesday for the trials for the station fishing team. There were enough people to keep the section running so I agreed he could go. On the Thursday I asked how the trials went. "Great" he said, "I got into the team". "Well done" I said, "How many did you catch?" I said. "None" he answered.
Jacko_G
Blackballed
This is my line of thinking also. Can clubs afford to open and maintain the course while greenkeepers are furloughed? Can they afford to pay an extra wage or two or three to get the courtse looking and playing great while having no additional visitor and bar income? Some clubs will not return from this. That I am certain of.
Diamond
Active member
Its a good anecdote but when the lock down is lifted (partially) mental health is going to be a huge drain on the nation. I am not an angler or fisherman but I do see the value in it for peoples mental well being. In the same way a stroll in the sun is not a sport I think the benefits of allowing fishing far out weighs the negatives.
As for your friend in the RAF, like in all sports, its the taking part that counts. That comes from a 28 handicapper.
D
Deleted member 21258
Guest
Son sent me this, The car parking outside every clubhouse on opening day :-
:-Tommy10
Active member
Hi all, i'm new to the forum, play off 23 (took the game up a year ago and started at 28).
Paid my subs in one go earlier this year and they have said they will extend my "year" by however long the course is closed which I think is excellent. Monthly paying people have their DD's suspended until it re-opens.
Typically, I bought a new set of irons which were delivered a few days before the lockdown started. They look fantastic in my garage
Seeing a lot of photos of various courses (including mine) and they are all looking incredible. Can't wait to get back out but who knows when that will be. Before the last 3 week extension I was thinking we might get back out in 2 balls by end of May but now I'm not so sure.
Anyway, glad to be here and enjoy reading the posts, all the best.
Paid my subs in one go earlier this year and they have said they will extend my "year" by however long the course is closed which I think is excellent. Monthly paying people have their DD's suspended until it re-opens.
Typically, I bought a new set of irons which were delivered a few days before the lockdown started. They look fantastic in my garage
Seeing a lot of photos of various courses (including mine) and they are all looking incredible. Can't wait to get back out but who knows when that will be. Before the last 3 week extension I was thinking we might get back out in 2 balls by end of May but now I'm not so sure.
Anyway, glad to be here and enjoy reading the posts, all the best.
sunshine
Well-known member
I'd suggest the opposite is more likely / safer.
- Private courses: members only / no green fees to minimise contact.
- Public courses: remain shut until they can put in place an effective system for online booking and payments, and crucially marshalling the system.
- Lessons: don't think you can effectively maintain social distancing norms. Unless pros are going to wear masks, gloves, gowns to coach?
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