from the publisher header
The Criticality of Connects in Golf’s Landscape Volume 14, Issue 7
There are so many
ways to connect in today’s world: e-mail, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogging and texting (or sexting, depending on who it is). For me, I prefer the green of the links. The only way I can really be connected is face to face. Many people feel that an e-mail blast or Facebook post is THE way to connect with people. That is the concept that is being sold today. Both have their place, but for me it’s critical to look into people’s eyes, hear the rhythm of their speech and the laughter of their voice. The criticality of the connection that Florida Golf Central Magazine brings the golf industry is connecting the golfing industry with the consumer golfer. We are proud that Central Florida ids the host to these upcoming shows where we will be connecting: PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando (Jan 22-24), the Golf Industry Show also in Orlando John Sanford and The Donald (Feb 5-6), and the CMAA Show also in Orlando (Feb 7-8). But the realities of today’s market demand that we all do more for less. “No matter the year, it seems the only thing that does not diminish over time are expectations,” says Bobby Weed, CEO and President of Bobby Weed Golf Design. “But being lean and mean is often liberating. You can take chances you might otherwise avoid. The payoff is exceeding expectations using less, and that’s where we are all trying to go.” Weed took a financially troubled operation in 2010, revamped the maintenance program that had its budget slashed by a third, and using “old world” methods, led to improvement by 2013 that generated a remarkable increase of 33% increase in annual memberships, a 14% increase in rounds played and an 18% increase in operating revenue. Speaking of connections, John Sanford of Sanford Golf Design, who worked together with Donald Trump and Jack Nicklaus to create a stellar new golf course, Ferry Point, in the Bronx, New York City, taking it from a landfill to a landmark says, “It certainly has been challenging. It’s been a marathon of high Ron Garl hurdles but well worth it. The course is phenomenal, a true team effort. We took chichen sh*t, and made chicken soup”. Ron Garl, President of Ron Garl Golf Design agreed. “It is time we listen to the 99%. Simplicity is the new mantra for success. I.E. less bunkers and less rough = less time and more fun!” So, let’s connect at the shows. 2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year
www.golfcapitaltenn.com
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Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Executive Editor: Joel Jackson–Director of Communications for the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association
North Florida Regional Editor: Stephen Trendler West Coast Regional Editor: Chris Karamitsos Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan, Jess Regan
Public Relations & Social Media Director: Green Gazelle Marketing Business Development: Bob Hartmann Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Media Muse: Mike Gooding Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Ed Gilbert, Bob Bolton, Elisa Gaudet, Leonard Finkel, Mike Jamison, Katie Hatfield, Ron Heller, Keith Chartrand Business Manager: Debbi Westbrook, dwestbrook1487@gmail.com Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com
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Florida Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708
NEW PHONE: 321.765.4215 fax: 407-365-3436 • toll-free: 877.208.5972 E-mail: info@floridagolfcentral.com One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99 ©2014 Florida Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Florida Golf Central Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Mailing, electronic mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Florida Golf Central Magazine retains all reprint rights and reserves the right to edit any submitted material to meet our specifications for publishing and or use in advertising or promotion. The Publisher and staff are not responsible for any loss or grievance by any person or persons whatsoever, due in any way or in part to the content of this publication. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any material deemed inappropriate or in bad taste.
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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 6