Golf Club Update – March 2017

What a busy quarter – on and off the course!

For consistency the update retains it’s 3 point structure, based on our club vision:

1. Being a happy and productive team delivering great customer service

I would like to thank Nick, Michelle and Luke for all their hard work in delivering such a good customer experience. Members have been feeding back to us regarding the issues that really matter to them; and that is what we have been focused on:

Greater consistency of tidiness; specifically patio areas and changing rooms

We transferred responsibility for patio tidying to the greenkeeping team and have received positive feedback on the switch. A new karcher patio cleaner has been purchased and we are revamping the boot cleaning area over the next 4 weeks. This initiative is still very much work in progress.

An upgrade to the shower rooms

We have engaged with a plumber capable of upgrading the showers and are awaiting a final quotation and installation timing

An enhanced lunchtime menu for all days of the week

Feedback on the new lunchtime food options has been really positive. Nick and Michelle’s decision for one of them to always be present on Saturday and Sunday lunch times has also made a huge difference to members.

Better communication and website experience

We have received a positive response to our new website and it will remain the epi centre of all communications, internal and external. Importantly, we are now launching our social media activities to drive traffic into this new website. This will include E-Shots to members and potential visitors. It will also include Twitter and Facebook posts of important New News, Fun activities and Promotions.

We would ask all members who like our website / current offers to ‘Like’ our Facebook page. We do not wish to waste money advertising when we can invest it in the course. Any social media support from the membership therefore is gratefully received.

We are also upgrading our comms in the clubhouse, including:
* using the monitor behind the reception desk to promote key messages
* a new magnetic whiteboard behind the reception desk
* enabling the TV to be used as a website browser

Watch this space 🙂

New Members

Over the last 8 weeks Nick and I have been experimenting with a number of business development ideas. One of the successful aspects of this has been developing our relationships with clubs and pubs within our catchment. Congratulations to Nick on developing a great pipeline of Society days – these are a wonderful opportunity for us to show off our club and attract potential new members.

2. Improving the quality of the golf course each and every year

Once again a big thank you to John, Sam, Jake and of course Bob and Simon. Whilst we know that we can always improve; it was gratifying to hear from a Waterstock member that our course is in amazing condition compared to other local clubs and that he plans to join PRGC when his membership runs out! You will no doubt have been reading the many New News releases relating to course development. If you haven’t, please take a look at:

http://princesrisboroughgolfclub.co.uk/1449-2/

We will continue to use the New News section to keep people up to speed with activities and the growing web presence in the clubhouse will increase visibility. Some points to note coming up are:

* Back to basics – increasing general standards around the course such as bin emptying, shoe cleaning area, new signage…watch this space!
* Improving Greens and Tees – continued enhancements to consistency and quality – see New News
* Improving bunkers – we recently invested in new strimmers to improve edging and are taking a new look at the green side bunker on the 4th – more to follow in New News
* New Short Game Academy Course – continued process to finalise the course for May 6th, including finishing the bunker steps and re- engineering the soil composition of the greens.
* Planning for the next “Signature, Course Enhancement” – In my first two years, we added a new raised Tee and a lake to hole 3. We remain in the planning and consultation stage for the next “signature upgrade” which will be finished and in play within the next 18 months… more to follow… but think Hole 5 and the potential for a new Tee Off location :-)) More to follow in New News

A massive thank you once again to the four members who complete our Weekly Course Evaluation feedback forms to help the greenkeeping team to identify things that matter. Jill, Roy, Brian and the Grumpies (Brian and Richard) – a massive thank you!!

3. Building a learning culture at the club which enables members to maximise their enjoyment of golf

There are four areas that are being focused on:
* The new Driving and Chipping Practice Nets will be launched shortly – watch out for New News 🙂
* The Short Game Academy Course is being developed for soft launch this May
* Encouraging people to take up the amazing Backward Chaining coaching course with Bruce. Such positive feedback and not surprising that Backward Chaining is so successful versus traditional coaching methods. Please see the latest Promotions in New News…

http://princesrisboroughgolfclub.co.uk/upgrade-offer-march-2017/

http://princesrisboroughgolfclub.co.uk/new-ultimate-try-buy-golf-package-please-share-friends/

and perhaps take a look at… Backward Chaining and why perhaps its time to totally reconsider how much difference the right kind of coaching can have on how much you enjoy the game!

* Watch out for “Top Putt” and “Top Chip” initiatives being launched later this month. Given the current ratings of Top Gear – perhaps we should copy in the BBC!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Members and particularly the Committee for all of their ongoing support. The two Captains, Brian and Sue have been simply amazing to work with – thank you both so much.

Enjoy your golf!!

2 Comments

  1. I cannot imagine that any Club, golf or otherwise, is committing to the improvement of its resources and communication as ours is. It takes a great deal of work, much of it behind the scenes, to imagine and then construct the sort of improvements that are now taking place; building on the initiatives we have witnessed, and experienced over the last few years. My appreciation and congratulations to all involved for making ours a Club to be proud of.

  2. You are so right Brian. People rarely see the furious paddling that Nick, Michelle and John do under water. Their advanced preparation for Monday Meetings and with members and guests is what is making the difference. We are developing a great team spirit, not just amongst the staff, but with the Committee and members who want to exert a positive influence. Just look at the time and effort made by Stan with respect to the new boot cleaning area. Someone said to me the other day… we are probably the friendliest club in Bucks. That’s something to be proud of! and that is a credit to members and staff alike. So much more to come… looking forward to a great season!!

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