GMA Journal (Winter 2021)

Golf Management Australia

JOURNAL WINTER 2021

Official Journal for Golf Management Australia Ltd.

STATE CONFERENCES

CONFERENCE SUCCESS IN NSW, WA Page 18 ALSO INSIDE THIS EDITION

13 STATE NEWS

All the latest from around the nation

27 MEMBER PROFILE

Club man at heart

40 INDUSTRY NEWS

The wide world of Walkinshaw

IN FULL SWING UNTIL THE LAST HOLE.

RED BULL IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM ASAHI LIFESTLE BEVERAGES WE GET GOLF

SPEAK TO YOUR TERRITORY MANAGER OR CICYELLOWDESK@ASAHI.COM.AU

Golf Management Australia

JOURNAL WINTER 2021

Official Journal for Golf Management Australia Ltd.

CONTENTS 4

FROM THE CHAIR

5

FROM THE CEO

7

BMI PROGRAM

Cathy Neagle

Paul Vardy

Wrap up of BMI Club Management

10

GMA NEWS

13

STATE NEWS

30

GOLF AUSTRALIA NEWS

33

INDUSTRY NEWS

35

GMA EDUCATION

38

INDUSTRY NEWS

2022 CONFERENCE

GMA & ASTMA join forces for conference

10

2022 Conference announcement; Careers in golf webinars

All the GMA news from around the nation

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

17

Mount Osmond take out GMA Challenge

Latest updates from Golf Australia

New developments as golf booms in NSW; QLD’s Oxley golf club redevelopment

BMI Club Management and the thing about cost in clubs; Community Hospital - Governance Initiative

STATE CONFERENCES

Wrap up from NSW, WA conferences

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#DoingItForJarrod; The wide world of Walkinshaw; ClubCar sale; Ransomware attacks increasing

COVER PICTURE: Keynote speaker, Ben Crowe, addressing delegates at the NSW State Conference, held at the Pier One Hotel adjacent Sydney Harbour.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Confessions of a manager

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Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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From the Chair CATHY NEAGLE / Chair, Golf Management Australia

A warm welcome to the winter edition of the GMA Journal. As I write, many states are in some form of lockdown; thankfully Victoria is not one of them. With the disruptions of 2020 continuing well into 2021, it would seem from the expert advice our only way forward to a more ‘normal’ life is to vaccinate the majority of the population and strengthen quarantine facilities.

Many GMA members are dealing with unprecedented winter demand as well as dealing with ongoing lockdowns, travel uncertainty and restrictions. This has meant little respite from the demand for golf, hindering clubs’ ability to achieve important tasks and maintain standards. Clubs are managing with changed operating systems and varying restrictions due to pressures and lack of tee times. The demand for golf has been a phenomenon around the world and one that we’re fortunate to be part of.

In looking forward, the Australian Golf Strategy Conference is planned for 24-26 August and GMA looks forward to the sharing of ideas to enable greater alignment behind a national strategy for golf.

In other news, GMA has announced we will be partnering with the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association for our biggest event on the GMA calendar - the National Conference. Following the canvassing of members and extensive planning, it’s been really exciting for GMA to announce this partnership.

At the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 20-23 June 2022, it will be the largest golf conference in Australia. For GMA member delegates, the conference will offer a greater choice of speaking topics, and increased exposure to ideas, services and products. A key to our program will be retaining the wonderful networking events for GMA members. We look forward to holding a wonderful GMA golf day and a full range of social evenings to enjoy with our GMA corporate partners.

GMA has had a very strong 2020/21 year with a return of more professional development and well-being events held across the country. Membership increased in each state leading to a national increase of 15%. Increases occurred across all member categories and we welcome members new to the association. We’d like to thank our

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members, and also state executives, for their efforts in growing GMA. Following on from our Board Strategy Day in March, GMA was able to refine our vision which is to develop professional leaders in golf and club management (more detail on page 9). Attending high quality GMA events is one of the best ways members can keep improving their leadership skills, stay informed and connect with colleagues in the golf industry.

GMAWA held a successful state conference in April and in May, GMANSW held its state conference at the spectacular Pier One Hotel overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Both events received rave reviews by attendees.

Our BMI program goes from strength to strength with 32 participants completing the BMI Club Management program in May. The programs are nearing 100 participants over the three modules so far rolled out: BMI Club Management, BMI Leadership Principles and BMI GM/CEO. The alignment of OneGMA continues with states signing a six-month service agreement earlier in the year to bring alignment with the financial year. GMA and states are now well advanced in signing a new two-year service agreement which will allow GMA to bed down national processes.

GMA would like to recognise Damon Lonnie, former GMA chair, who has stepped down from the role of GMAWA chair as he takes up the position of GM at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Damon will be recognised at the upcoming GMAWA AGM. Gavin Burt is the interim chair at GMAWA until the AGM. The WA appointment on the GMA board will also change, with Troy O’Hern deciding to step down from both state and national roles. We thank Troy for his wisdom and commitment to the GMA board.

As always, I am grateful for the hard work and contribution that Paul and his team undertake in keeping things moving forward. These are challenging times and our GMA team are doing a fantastic job.

GMA wish all our members and partners a successful second half of 2021. May demand for your golf facilities and golf services continue uninterrupted!

Golf Management Australia (GMA) represents a membership of more than 400 golf club managers across Australia.

GMA, through its state associations, provides a platform of professional and personal development and networking opportunities for General Managers and Assistant Managers/COOs of golf clubs.

GMA also has a focus on member support, club development, and member health and well-being.

Golf Management Australia Ltd. PO Box 859 CROYDON VIC 3136 www.golfmanagement.com.au BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cathy Neagle (Chair) Elanora CC, NSW Peter Busch Green Acres GC, VIC Anthony Masters Barwon Heads GC, VIC Aaron Muirhead Oxley GC, QLD Troy O’Hern Mount Lawley GC, WA Kieran Semple The Coast GC, NSW Mark Tan Mount Osmond GC, SA GMA TEAM Paul Vardy Chief Executive Officer Frances Cordaro NSW Operations Manager Mike Orloff QLD Operations Manager Rod Haines VIC Operations Manager, Finance Jodie Alaban WA Operations Manager David Brand SA Operations Manager, Media & Comms.

Contents may not be reproduced without written permission.

Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication and it’s management.

CLICK HERE FOR MEMBER ONLY GMA RESOURCES & LINKS: • Industry News • GMA Podcasts • Member Assistance Program • Member Discussion Forum • Member Resource Library • Industry Webinars

From the CEO PAUL VARDY / CEO, Golf Management Australia

It seems eternally interesting to understand why people play golf and how golf exists in wider society and in comparison to other sports and recreation.

It’s also fascinating to look at the large bladed lightsabers. Each club and facility, It’s nice to see GMA members popping up commercial sports, far more involved with its own unique set of circumstances, in new locations, sometimes after a stressful in fandom and entertainment than our must work from where it’s at with all the stint at their old club when there was a participation focussed sport. Still, the large tools and enthusiasm it can muster. change of the guard. We remind members commercial sports spend tens of millions GMA looks forward to contributing to that when things are tough, there is a lot of of dollars on grassroots participation, so it’s the Australian Golf Strategy Conference social capital right here in the GMA ranks important to them as well. in August. The soon to be released AGIC to talk through any challenging situations.

But there are very strong societal Opportunity Research Report will give We’ve been grateful for the ongoing trends moving people away from sport the latest insights. A well researched support of GMA’s honorary solicitor, participation. The force is strong, didn’t understanding of golf and the sport/ Michael Horton, who can provide direction you know, Luke? Physical activity which recreation environment will be central to for GMA members and we have Acacia involves no commitments, competition, making informed decisions on a strategy.

Connection with a long list of services, many uniforms or rules, is taking market share As Cathy has mentioned, members and of which relate to mental health. off sports requiring all this and I spoke to a GMA member volunteering. But perhaps the recently, re-establishing trust in There’s no silver bullet or double bladed greater force, the real dark side, the GM role at a regional club. lightsabers.

Each club and facility, with its is Netflix, Selfies, Oodies and Getting the books in order and Jason recliners - in that order! own unique set of circumstances, must work organising better governance Does the spending of tens of systems were his early priorities. from where it’s at with all the tools and millions on grassroots sport Without a competent treasurer enthusiasm it can muster. protect a sport? A look at the or former manager, things had latest AusPlay data released gotten out of hand. We talked in May, suggests not. At best, it keeps partners have been part of some terrific about the simple things that were overlooked participation levels at bay, but by and large GMA events lately, particularly state or not understood. Not all boards are going sports are slipping anyway. conferences. Membership has grown to have a Treasurer with strong financial Golf has benefited significantly from the considerably. It’s a great thing to involve acumen but sometimes a useful resource is impacts of COVID-19 to date but we don’t more people with professional development just waiting to be found. In this case, “Damn know how this will play out and we don’t and well-being opportunities. If you notice Good Advice for Treasurers” would have really know the impact we can collectively a new face at an event, make the effort to been a very useful guide. have on creating sustainable demand. introduce yourself and make them feel We’re uber excited to bring the GMA & The ageing population is in golf ’s longwelcome.

ASTMA Conference and Trade Exhibition term favour in terms of pure participation The recent BMI Club Management to members in June 2022 in Melbourne. The numbers of retired males but we’re looking was a great success and thanks go to our event is supported by GMA’s major partner for more balance. The Golfer Retention participants, host hub clubs and excellent Schweppes, along with ASTMA’s major Plan & Member Retention Toolkit Resource speakers. The next BMI is scheduled for the partner and GMA premier partner, Toro. offers some practical suggestions. The first week of October at The Eastern Golf After the disruptions of 2020 and 2021, we Vision 2025 strategies are a great way to Club and we’re looking at another BMI Club may be very happy to welcome in 2022. focus on women and girls’ participation Management in Sydney by early 2022. More Best wishes to all members on seeing out initiatives. There’s no silver bullet or double details are in this edition of the Journal. the remainder of the year with a clear run.

Golf Management Australia

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & MANAGEMENT

CATHY NEAGLE Chair

PETER BUSCH Director

ANTHONY MASTERS Director

AARON MUIRHEAD Director

KIERAN SEMPLE Director

TROY O’HERN Director

MARK TAN

PAUL VARDY

Director CEO Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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Designated driver?

Now you can.

Great taste.

Alcohol free.

Contains less than 0.04% Alc/Vol.

The WA BMI Crew: (l-r) Nicole Martino, Matthew Criss, Jessica Tedesco, Nigel Cameron, Murray Paul, Jodie Alaban, Roshan Perera and Damien Tedesco

BMI Club Management One of the truly great aspects of the BMI program is spending time with people in golf club management. BMI coordinator and GMA CEO, Paul Vardy, provides a summary of the recent Club Management module.

Thirty-two participants registered for BMI Club Management - 11 of which were General Managers and the remaining 21 were a range mostly of Operations Managers or GA Staff involved with Development and Club Support.

It was great to have over a third of the ourse participants women, including one a course foreman. No matter what background, everyone was there to learn more about some important aspects of club management.

Run in conjunction with Golf Australia and Club Management Association of America, the 17 topics are typically run over five days but were squeezed into four.

Because it was on-line and in hubs, we didn’t have a chance to include the normal networking activities but nevertheless, four days will bring out the engagement whether on screen or in a hub.

We thank clubs that hosted a hub: Western Australia GC, Glenelg GC, Royal Melbourne GC and Metropolitan GC for hosting groups of BMI participants. We also had pairs at Kogarah GC, Curlewis GC and Barwon Valley GC. Participants heard from 13 expert speakers covering the latest takes on topics such as employment legalities, financial management, marketing and communications, service, delegation, golf operations and sustainability.

A special mention to Daniel Simons from Golf Australia who ran a very thorough Employment Legalities Issues afternoon which included a Kahoot quiz where everyone raced to answer the questions on their phones.

A favourite topic was the Lumina Spark

Portrait presented by Jason Koenigsfeld.

Having completed the online diagnostic tool, participants received a report that improved one’s self-awareness revealing the underlying persona, everyday persona and overextended persona. Participants gained insights into working with others and how to cope better under pressure. By being more self-aware, everyone has things they can work on via a journey to composure map.

There’s a lot of people to thank.

Firstly the participants were fantastic: Tony Rodgers, Matthew Hill, Josh Prowse, Nick Simpson, Tracy Odgers, Matthew Chesterman, Ashleigh Stratford, Sam Hughes, Simon Andrew, Sharna Faralla, Joseph Sinnott, Jamie Brigden, Jessica Wood, Stephanie Wearne, Nathan Sharrock, Tegan Bennett, Anthony O'Brien, Cameron Tortolano, Dawn Watts, Lauren Truscott, Geraldine O'Callaghan, Corinna Bryant, Brett Nelson, Brendan Evans, Damien Todorovic, Nigel Cameron, Nicole Martino, Roshan Perera, Jodie Alaban, Murray Paul, Matthew Criss and Jessica Tedesco.

If you want to find out more about BMI, talk to these people.

Thanks to our wonderful presenters who not only presented their insights but left participants with some wonderful slide decks to review.

Whether you have started or not, it’s always a good time to undertake a BMI week. You can fit into the program at any starting point.

BMI Club Management will be run in Melbourne from Monday 4 to Friday 8 October at The Eastern Golf Club at Yering.

TOPICS COVERED Membership Marketing; Time Management; Communication; Professional Brand and Personal Image; Service Quality in Clubs Dr. Geoff Dickson - Associate Professor of Sport Management and Director of the Centre for Sport and Social Impact, La Trobe University

Career Development; Management & Delegation; Governance Dr. David Shilbury - Professor Sport Management and Director Deakin Sport Network, Deakin University

Lumina Spark Portrait Dr. Jason Koenigsfeld - Senior Vice President, Club Management Association America

Social Media: Insights for Clubs Stu Williams - Founder, Shunt Applied Creative

Sustainability Terry Muir - Founder and CEO, e-par

Employment Legalities Issues Daniel Simons - People & Culture Manager (Golf Australia)

National Golf Programs Christian Hamilton - Programs & Inclusion Senior Manager / Jayden Zeinstra - Programs Manager / Emma Phillips - Junior Programs Manager (Golf Australia)

Golf Operations – A Manager’s Perspective David Barker - Senior State Manager / Geoff Stewart - Senior Manager, Membership & Education (PGA of Australia)

Accounting and Financial Management; Cost Control Dr. Richard Comerford - Learning & Development Expert

Cyber trends and tech trends Jason Drew - Secom Technology Solutions

BMI BY NUMBERS 96 people have now taken part in BMI programs and 152 BMI course weeks of study have been delivered since October 2018.

BMI SUCCESS RATING Participants rated the course a 4.6 out of 5. 95% rated the course excellent or very good with 100% satisfied with the content and 90% planning to enrol in another program.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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GMA Membership Golf Management Australia (GMA) is a national body representing the golf club management industry with a vision of developing professional leaders in golf and club management in Australia.

Why is GMA Membership important?

Golf Management Australia membership is an invaluable investment. Part of our promise is to enhance your success by offering professional leadership development, ethical standards and responsive services.

Benefits to members are delivered in four key areas:

INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

Provide learning opportunities for GMA members, such as the internationally recognised BMI Program, local Professional Development educational sessions and national and state conferences, to assist them in their careers to become elite performers and outstanding golf club managers.

Provide tools and resources, such as WHS & HR document templates, educational webinars and podcasts, and other professional development programs, aimed at supporting the development of members, as well as supporting golf management recruitment and post-management support.

HEALTH, WELLBEING & BENEFITS

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS & INDUSTRY ADVOCACY

Support the health and wellbeing of our members through initiatives such as the Member Assistance Program and regular golfing and networking opportunities to ensure members feel supported and connected. These programs are aimed at providing life experiences and celebrating success.

Actively advocate for the betterment of golf club management across the broader industry and golfing landscape, providing opportunities for members to further their personal and professional networks and connections, and ensuring our corporate partners are an integral part of the organisation.

What Membership options are available?

Golf Management Australia offers a range of annual* membership options to suit the needs of the industry.

FULL

PROVISIONAL

REGIONAL

Available to a person who is a professional secretary or manager, or similar responsible position, of a golf club or facility in Australia.

Available to a person who is a professional assistant secretary or assistant manager, or similar responsible position, of a golf club or facility in Australia.

Available to a person who is a professional secretary or manager, or similar responsible position, of a golf club or facility located in excess of 150km from an Australian capital city.

$539.00

$269.50

$308.00

* Annual fee is inclusive of GST. Individual membership is available to anyone who works within the golf club management industry, including General Managers, Assistant General Managers, Finance Managers other senior management roles. All membership applications must be approved by the relevant State Executive in accordance with their constitutional requirements.

Visit www.golfmanagement.com.au for more information on GMA membership and the services we provide.

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GMA Strategic Plan 2021-2023 OUR VISION Developing professional leaders in golf and club management

OUR KEY STRATEGIES FOR 2021-23 STRATEGY 1:

STRATEGY 2:

STRATEGY 3:

Supporting and Developing Leaders of the Future

Redefining Relationships with Sponsors and Partners

Collaboration with other Golf Industry Bodies

STRATEGY 1: Supporting and Developing Leaders of the Future Action Plan 1.1

Align existing Professional Development programs with key Vision elements

Action Plan 1.2

Develop the framework to support the take up and recognition of accreditation

Action Plan 1.3

Identify alternative learning pathways for experienced leaders

Action Plan 1.4

Different online platforms for member access/ease of access

STRATEGY 2: Redefining Relationships with Sponsors and Partners Action Plan 2.1

Investigate and implement different models of sponsorships/partnerships (eg. mentors/internships/ traineeships)

Action Plan 2.2

Work with past and present sponsors to investigate other opportunities in line with the new vision

STRATEGY 3: Collaboration with other Golf Industry Bodies Action Plan 3.1

Develop Gap analysis to identify key bodies, gaps in collaboration and actions to address the gaps

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GMA & ASTMA join forces to deliver Australia’s largest ever golf industry event Golf Management Australia (GMA) and the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) are proud to deliver Australia’s largest ever golf industry conference and trade exhibit.

To be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 20 - 23 June, the 2022 GMA & ASTMA Conference and Trade Exhibition is supported by principal partners, Schweppes and Toro Australia, and will attract over 1,000 delegates from clubs and facilities throughout Australia.

“This is a natural collaboration. By combining the highly successful GMA and ASTMA conferences into one big event, we can offer an even greater array of topics and speakers as well as an amazing chance to broaden the networking and knowledge sharing with our industry,” explains GMA CEO, Paul Vardy.

Mark Unwin, CEO of ASTMA, is equally delighted with the announcement.

“The approach to partnering with GMA will ensure that the relationship between sports turf managers and general managers continues to strengthen. To meet the service and turf expectations placed on golf clubs and facilities takes a team effort. We’re

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excited to have golf industry team leaders at this combined event, learning and networking together.”

The conference will focus on the knowledge needed to meet the future needs of golf management with sessions on leadership, sustainability, new practices and innovation. Conference topics with run concurrently with streams in leadership & management, golf course and sportsfields as well as combined workshops, panel sessions and networking events.

Showcasing the latest in golf related products, equipment and services, the trade

exhibit will cover over 5,000m2, a scale never before seen in Australia.

Learn more about the 2022 GMA / ASTMA Conference & Trade Exhibition on the GMA and/or ASTMA websites.

GMA Conference website ASTMA Conference website

GMA News

RECENT INDUSTRY MOVEMENTS

Careers in Golf Webinars Vision 2025 aims to encourage more women and girls into all aspects of golf. One aspect of golf is the careers that exist in golf clubs and facilities.

A three-part webinar series was run in May showcasing a diversity of roles in golf to encourage more women and girls to consider a career in golf.

GMA’s Chair, Cathy Neagle, hosted a webinar exposing a fascinating mix of journeys into golf clubs and facilities with Gerri O’Callaghan, greenkeeper with Royal Melbourne GC and Sandringham Golf Links, Karen Quinn, Director of Sport from Royal Sydney GC, and Tracy Odgers, Secretary Manager of Beerwah

GC. Thanks to Cathy and our three GMA members who contributed.

The webinar demonstrates passionate people doing what they love.

For anyone who’s coming out of school or looking for a change in career and would like to consider the golf industry, we recommend you have a look.

Click here to watch the Women in Golf webinar series, hosted by Golf Australia, the PGA and GMA.

$

29.95

WA has seen some recent member movements. Damon Lonnie is relocating from Lake Karrinyup CC to Royal Melbourne GC. Clarke Osborne has taken the GM role at Hamersley GC, moving from Araluen resort.

Melissa Castaldi has been promoted from House Manager to GM at Nedlands GC and James Wilkinson has resigned from Cottesloe GC, moving outside the industry as the GM of Marmion Angling & Aquatic Club.

Craig Sullivan-Brook has commenced in the GM role at Tea Tree Gully GC in June, replacing the retiring Dean Stanton, who had been in the role for 36 years.

Peter Stackpole has announced his departure from Victoria GC after nearly 20 years in the GM chair Other changes in Victoria include Douglas O’Keefe appointed GM at Foster GC, David Stein moving on from Cheltenham GC, Jessica Wood moving from Portsea GC to The Dunes GC, and Callum Terrill leaving Metropolitan GC.

NEW GMA MEMBERS New South Wales • Rob Selley (New South Wales) • Jordan Jenkins (Muree) • Shaun O’Brien (Oaks Cypress Lakes) • Michelle Vernon (Marrickville) • David O’Neil (Castle Hill RSL) • Matthew Bailey (Lynwood) • Mitchell Judd (Club Catalina) • Steve Sandilands (Royal Canberra) • Stuart Macaskill (Shortland Waters) • Andrew Porter (Casino) • Shaun Breheny (Byron Bay) Queensland • Bernard Wilson (Wynnum) • Anthony Burke (Gatton Jubilee) • Mitchell Bligh (Townsville)

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

South Australia • Craig Sullivan-Brook (Tea Tree Gully)

The GMA Green Book:

Victoria/Tasmania • Cameron Tortolano (Metropolitan) • Nathan Sharrock (Barwon Valley) • Amy Pennington (Royal Hobart) • Marnie Harvey (Cranbourne) • Elijah Wall (Curlewis)

The Essential Guide to Strategic Planning for Golf Clubs The GMA Green Book is produced by GMA with corporate specialist Tony Sernack.

Copies of can be obtained for $29.95 each (or $250.00 for a pack of 10).

To order your copy, please contact GMA CEO, Paul Vardy: paul.vardy@golfmanagement.com.au

To update us on any movements within the industry, please advise your local GMA State Operations Manager.

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An EASIER way to keep score

Automatically calculates total scores Interactive GPS distance measurement Manages pace of play Score competition or social rounds! *This app is only available for use at registerd venues using MiClub Golf software.

To find out if a golf venue is registerd, visit miscore.com.au/registered-venues/

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State News Left: GMAQ Manager/Pro champions, Brenton Fowler & David Marr; Below: GMAQ industry update gathering at Oxley Golf Club; Leuk the Duck and the prize table.

QUEENSLAND / Mike Orloff, State Operations Manager

GMAQ Manager/Pro Day taken out by Toowoomba Golf Club Toowoomba Golf Club Manager David Marr and resident PGA pro Brenton Fowler have taken out the 2021 GMAQ Manager/Pro day by two points.

RESULTS

The pair came with a purpose after finishing runner up in last year’s event.

The 4BBB event was held at Oxley Golf Club on a beautiful mid-20-degree day. With a field of 28 players, including several of our GMA national partners in attendance, you could not have asked for a better day.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking with industry peers and enjoying the game that we are all so passionate about, as well supporting a very worthy cause by raising funds for the CHALLENGE foundation.

neighbouring properties.

Paula White from MiClub was on holiday from WA and joined the group for the day. She spoke about some of the new functionalities MiClub have been working on which will enhance the player/member experience.

QLD/NT/WA PGA Manager Broc Greenhalgh discussed the national retention strategy work PGA have been working on together with Golf Australia, which was well received by all attendees. Head to their respective websites for more detail.

GMAQ MANAGER/PRO EVENT

Winners:

Industry update

Thank you!

A BIG thanks to all the Corporate Partners in attendance for their continued support. Also thanks to Phil Laurie and Jacki Hayden from MiClub in assisting with scoring for the day.

Paula White (MiClub) and Jacki Hayden (MiClub) - 40 points c/b

Raising Funds for CHALLENGE

Bernadette Lance (Southport GC) and Phil Wolvaardt (Southport GC) - 40 points

The group supported the CHALLENGE campaign with $300 donated on the day, with many players wearing some element of yellow in their playing attire.

4th Place

The day started out with some coffee and a catch-up with old friends.

Venue host and GMAQ President Aaron Muirhead opened the day with a National GMA update from last week’s Board Meeting and NSW Mini Conference. He also provided attendees with detail on his new club project to build a mini golf and outdoor bistro centre. Some holes will also be changed to fit the new facility which will help further mitigate safety issues with

Winners: David Marr/Brenton Fowler (Toowoomba GC) -40 points Runners Up: Frank Byrne/Andrew Egea (Wolston GC) - 38 points 3rd Place: Charlie McGill/Sean Seymore (Maroochyriver GC) - 36 points 4th Place: Steve Hutchison/Dominic Smith (Twin Waters GC - 34 points

TEAM/PARTNERS EVENT

Runners Up: Barry Hornby (ClubCar) & Mark Harrison (Dalby GC) - 40 points c/b 3rd Place:

Brad Jones (Schweppes) and James King (Oxley GC) - 35 points c/b

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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State News Left: Glenelg’s winning team, GMA Provisional member, Sam Hughes (centre), with Daryl Bailey and Terry Sullivan (Greg Rundle absent).

GM & GUESTS GOLF DAY RESULTS TEAM EVENT Winners: GLENELG: Sam Hughes, Greg Rundle, Darryl Bailey, Terry Sullivan - 95 points Team Runners Up: REGENCY PARK: Sudeera Botejue, Ross Steedman, Greg Mewett, Brian Galvin - 94 points

INDIVIDUAL EVENT Winner: Scott Ready (Flagstaff Hill GC) - 36 points

SOUTH AUSTRALIA / David Brand, State Operations Manager

Runner Up: Andrew Gay (Royal Adelaide GC) - 34 points

Glenelg GC takes out GMs & Guests Golf Day

3rd Place: Sam Hughes (Glenelg GC) - 33 points 4th Place: Darryn Conway (Schweppes) - 32 points 5th Place: Sudeera Botejue (Regency Park GC) - 32 points

Host club, Glenelg Golf Club, made use of their home ground advantage to take out the teams event at the 2021 GMs & Guests Golf Day on Monday, 10th May. Glenelg's Club Operations Manager, Sam Hughes (standing in for GM, Rob Vincekovic, who was on Annual Leave), teamed up with his Club Captain Greg Rundle, and two guests, Daryl Bailey and Terry Sullivan, to win the teams event with a score of 95 points (best 3 out of 4 scores).

One point behind, and in second place, was the Regency Park Golf Course team of Sudeera Botejue, Ross Steedman, Greg Mewett and Brian Galvin on 94 points.

Despite the blustery and cold conditions, scoring was surprisingly good around the tricky and challenging Glenelg layout,

6th Place: Ross Steedman (Regency Park GC) - 32 points

OTHER PRIZES

with Scott Ready shooting a 1-under par round of 36 points (+1 handicap) to claim the individual honours by two points from Royal Adelaide's GM, Andrew Gay. A special thanks to GMA partner, Callaway Golf, for supplying a great selection of golf gear for event prizes, as well as Schweppes and Lion for supplying refreshments both on and off the golf course.

Finally, thank you to the team at Glenelg Golf Club for hosting the event - as per usual, the service offered by their whole team was first class.

NTP (3rd Hole): Adam Hays (Cruising Yacht Club / Royal Adelaide team) NTP (11th Hole): Adam Hays (Cruising Yacht Club / Royal Adelaide team) NTP (14th Hole): Adam Hays (Cruising Yacht Club / Royal Adelaide team) NTP (16th Hole): Mark Jante (Flagstaff Hill GC) Longest Drive (18th Hole): Mark Jante (Flagstaff Hill GC)

DEAN STANTON RETIRES AFTER 36 YEARS The name Dean Stanton has been synonymous with the name Tea Tree Gully Golf Club for over 35 years.

During this period, Dean has overseen many major developments at the club including a major club extension, an upgrade to the foyer and the installation of a lift, a driving range facility, maintenance shed and new cart sheds.

Dean announced his retirement recently, and will leave Tea Tree Gully in a situation that would be the envy and aspiration of

the Manager of any club: a waiting list for membership, finances in the black, course in superb condition and the largest Junior membership in the state to ensure its future.

A fabulous legacy.

We wish Dean all the very best in retirement and look forward to sharing an indepth conversation with Dean in the Spring edition of the GMA Journal with a focus on his longevity and involvement within the industry.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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State News

SOUTH AUSTRALIA / David Brand, State Operations Manager

Mount Osmond claims victory in GMA Challenge Trophy Royal Adelaide Golf Club played host to a small field of 20 players for the GMA Challenge Trophy held on Friday, 25th June 2021.

After gathering for a light breakfast of egg and bacon rolls, coffee and orange juice, the field eagerly made their way out onto the Royal Adelaide links in somewhat threatening winter weather.

Rain had been forecast a day earlier but had failed to eventuate, leading many to think the worst that morning. Luckily, despite a near 100% forecast of rain, only a couple a light passing showers impacted the field and they were unable to dampen the enthusiasm of players.

Mount Osmond Golf Club claimed the GMA Challenge Trophy, with Mark Tan (GM) and Nathan Gray (President), combining beautifully to produce a red-hot 4BBB score of 44 points.

Coming in second place was the home team combination of Andrew Gay (GM) and Jamie Botten (Captain) on 42 points.

Rounding out the top four positions was Kooyonga’s Brett Lewis (GM) and Crawford Giles (Captain) on 40 points, and new GMASA member, Craig Sullivan-Brook, who teamed up with his Tea Tree Gully Captain, Brian Jordan, with 39 points.

In the 4BBB event for partners and non-GMA Challenge teams, the grouping of Susan Seja and Christian Puccini from Golf Australia (SA) grabbed the win with 39 points, from fellow GA team members, Matt Chesterman and Rod Phillips (38 points).

A special thank you must go to GMA partners, Schweppes and Lion, for supplying a great selection of on-course and clubhouse beverages, and to TaylorMade for providing an amazing array of prizes for competitors.

As usual, the Royal Adelaide links was in outstanding condition, despite the recent wet weather, and the hospitality offered by Andrew and his team, including the breakfast and 3-course lunch that followed golf, was exceptional.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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State News

NEW SOUTH WALES / Frances Cordaro, State Operations Manager

General Managers thoroughly enjoy State Conference The atmosphere at the GMA NSW State Conference was only positive as industry colleagues enjoyed catching up, swapping stories and sharing ideas after 18 months working in isolation under the cloud of COVID-19.

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“It was fantastic to catch up with colleagues we haven’t seen for over a year,” Jason Atkins, the general manager of Pymble Golf Club said. “It’s nice to learn from our peers and other colleagues about what they have been going through and take these ideas back to our course so we can improve the business.”

For two days in early May, about 80 golf industry professionals converged on the Pier One Hotel, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the biennial conference. Normally a one day event, the format was extended to two days because of previous events being cancelled due to COVID. The first day of the conference had a fantastic line up of speakers and included keynotes from futurist Michael McQueen, life coach Ben Crowe and Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland.

“For me hearing Michael McQueen talk

on the future of the world we live in and how this relates to golf clubs was very relevant particularly after what we have all gone through in the last 18 months,” Aaron Vatner, general manager of Chatswood Golf Club said.

“His insights were thought provoking, and I’ll be taking some of these back to the club.”

“It was also good to get the initial thoughts of James Sutherland in his role as CEO and what he sees for the sport in so far as we should consider ourselves as golf leaders as opposed to golf managers.

“Overall a fantastic two days and looking forward to bringing the take-aways back to my club.”

The conference also included social events as well as optional golf.

“There were two great nights,” John Harrison, general manager of Monash Golf Club said, referencing the Opening Night

(left) GMA Chair, Cathy Neagle, welcomes delegates; (below) the million dollar views from Pier One; (below-left) Keynote speaker, Ben Crowe; (bottom-right) Panel discussion with Kieran Semple, Michael McQueen, James Sutherland and Rob Selley

Welcome Drinks as well as the De Bortoli Wine Tasting Dinner. “It’s always lovely to catch up in a social way with your peers and the food and wine at the De Bortoli event was outstanding.”

“I could have listened to Ben Crowe for a lot longer and it was great to hear James talking about GA having more engagement with golf clubs and focusing on increasing participation for females.

The second day of the conference was a breakfast meeting and included two panel discussions featuring general managers talking about increasing revenue from non golf streams plus challenges for the industry.

“It was nice to hear from other clubs about their alternative measures to make some passive, in fact, great income from alternative measures they have put into their club,” Harrison said.

“It’s great to catch up with everyone in this format,” David Lulham said. “Everyone is going through similar frustrations in trying to secure bore water or source more water.”

“The conference was a great way to refresh everyone’s mindsets.”

(above) GMANSW board member, Cameron Harvey; (left) GMA major partner, Schweppes’ Dan Christie addressing delegates.

WE NEED YOUR INPUT! To assist us in better informing and educating our members, we need your assistance to continue providing relevant, interesting and unique stories from within the golf management industry that we can share in this journal.

If you would like to write a piece for the GMA Journal – we’d certainly love to hear from you.

Please send your material through to our Media & Communications manager, David Brand, at david.brand@golfmanagement.com.au.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA / Jodie Alaban, State Operations Manager

GMAWA State Conference 27 GMA members including life members, Alex Monteath and Billie Friedlander, and Dave Wright from Schweppes, recently attended the 2021 State Conference at the Sanctuary Golf Resort Bunbury, located 2.5 hours south of Perth.

Delegates had the option to join the Saturday afternoon members field at Busselton Golf Club or tour through the picturesque Ferguson Valley visiting the magnificent Wellington Dam and some quaint wineries.

Those that opted to play Busselton had a

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terrific time with some fun banter and those who took the tour really enjoyed each other’s company, whilst tasting specialist, Mr Mike House. Delegates were some local wines and were amazed at the treated to an energising hour and a half of hand painted Wellington Dam. Mike providing strategies on “Thriving and The official start of the conference was Adapting – No Matter What.” the welcome dinner held at Vat 2 Bar and Mike’s tactics on surviving the toughest Restaurant in days and how to Bunbury on bring out the best “Mike House was inspirational, in yourself and Saturday evening.

A delicious 3 the people around and I can honestly say has course meal and already made an impact on my you will assist accompanying those who put it life decisions” beverages was into practice. enjoyed by Following all. Captain, Gavin Burt, provided the morning tea and keeping with the mindset entertainment running the Calcutta for the and survival theme, Mr Sarab Singh, an 2021 Matchplay Championships. expert in behaviour and conflict resolution Sunday was a full day of education, with (amongst other things), spoke about human the morning session consisting of survival intelligence and how we can influence people

“Sarab Singh gave me the understanding and tools to make the changes to my behaviour.”

effectively by being more conscious of our unwind with an afternoon of networking beliefs and attitude. and wine tasting, thanks to De Bortoli Thanks to Nexus Risk Services, the Wines. afternoon presenter was Ms Tanya Barret The final day of the conference was from Safety Alert. Tanya provided members spent on the golf course at Bunbury Golf with a wealth of information on safety and Club with members playing for the Billie the law, workplace legislation and presented Friedlander Trophy. case studies. Tanya was very thorough in Congratulations to Mandurah’s Grant what she was Shortland-Jones presenting, and on winning the “Why did you stop pushing? it was a great event maintaining reminder to his dominant Because you stopped” members of how record in this resonates a lot with Board important it is to important discussions, and dealing with be well informed biennial trophy. in this area of our Our thanks to member disputes. business.

GMA corporate We were partners fortunate enough to have Schweppes State Schweppes, Nexus, De Bortoli, Heineken Business Development Manager, Dave and TaylorMade, and the Busselton and Wright, join us for the conference and Bunbury golf clubs for hosting the golf found his presentation, on the new products events. coming out and how the market is between Those in attendance had a terrific time brands, very interesting. The sponsored appreciating the opportunity to share product was also very much appreciated. experiences and ideas with fellow members After a full day of learning, it was great to across the weekend.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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State News

VICTORIA / Rod Haines, State Operations Manager

Professional Development wrap at Metropolitan Bidfood Our naming sponsor for the GMV Professional Development day, Bidfood, was represented by Brett Campbell, who gave us some insights into how Bidfood can assist clubs in their food and beverage operation.

Brett said, "GMA members are treated as a national buying group with access to the most competitive pricing."

That said, Brett gave us some market updates we are likely to see over the coming months in meats and seafood items.

Brett said, "it's not all good news, I am afriad. Due to the impacts of COVID through 2020, there is an under supply which is causing prices to increase."

Brett also shared some information on their loyalty program saying, "for two weeks of each month, you can select bonus dollar products to earn double the dollar rewards."

Items you can redeem loyalty dollars on include gift vouchers and cards, and electronic items - great for staff incentives and acknowledgments.

Download Brett’s Bidfood presentation

Workplace Relations Update Casuals

Golf Course 2030 - Challenges Panel discussion

Recent changes to workplace relations with regard to casual employment will require some prompt attention for employers.

Nick Tindley, from FCB Group, gave us some pointers on what entitlements casual employees may request from their employers and how employers can determine if the requests are fair as per Fair Work Ombudsman directives.

We were very fortunate to have Chris Gray from the R&A lead us into a panel discussion on the challenges for golf courses now and into the next ten years and beyond.

Our Panel was made up of Chris, Shane Greenhill (Superintendent, Sorrento Golf Club), John Stamp (Golf Australia), and Mat Loughnane (CEO, Kew Golf Club).

Whilst there are many challenges, the headliners were water resources, chemical regulations and costs, sand procument and staff resourcing, not only in course preparation, but also in safety regulation.

In relation to staffing, Shane saidm “we are losing our workforce to other industries that are paying better than golf in the turf industry. If this is not rectified somehow, the level of presentation of our golf courses will decline as we are simply not resourced well enough.”

John Stamp agreed saying, “we need to educate members and the wider golf community that the expectations of how our courses are to be presented are not sustainable with current inputs.”

Download Nick’s presentation

General Environmental Duty (GED) New regulations are being rolled out via the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) from July 2021 and it is vital to be aware and prepared.

Terry Muir from epar (one of our valued GMA partners) ran us through some of the risks we as employers and managers need to be aware of.

Ten tasks in ten weeks!

Download Terry’s epar presentation

Download Chris’ R&A presentation

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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State News NEW SOUTH WALES

Frances Cordaro, State Operations Manager

Cumberland clean sweep at Pro Super It was an extremely close battle between Cumberland and Bonnie Doon for the team and individual trophies at the 2021 Pro Super event which took place at St Michael's Golf Club last month.

Cumberland (105) edged out Bonnie Doon (101) to win the teams event and the Bob Matheson Trophy, while Andrew Laplain (37) just pipped Richard Hogg (36) to claim the Victoria Cup. Many thanks to host club, St Michael's who facilitated a wonderful and memorable day. Also thanks to event sponsor Schweppes and suppliers De Bortoli and Callaway.

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Winners: Cumberland Golf Club (105 points) Runners Up: Bonnie Doon Golf Club (101 points) GM Winner: Andrew Laplain - Cumberland (37 points) GM R/up: Richard Hogg - Bonnie Doon (36 points) Pro Winner: Robert Blain - NSW (33 points) Pro R/up: Blake Ballinger - Bonnie Doon (33 points) Super Winner: James Beileiter - Cumberland (37 points) Super R/up: Cameron Smith - Bonnie Doon (33 points) Sponsor Winner: Adam Groom - PAYG (32 points)

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Club Man at Heart It is not unusual in the golf industry for managers and staff to move between clubs frequently. It is quite extraordinary to recognise a 20 year tenure of a general manager. GMA’s Frances Cordaro sat down with Massey Park’s Tony Rosillo who has achieved just that.

On 2nd July 2021, Tony Rosillo, who is the general manager at Massey Park Golf Club in NSW, will celebrate such a milestone.

“He does not have a personal agenda – it is always the club,” David Bowyer, the President of Massey Park Golf Club said. “He treats the club as his own business and cares deeply about it.”

Massey Park is a public golf course in the inner west of Sydney and the fees are dictated by Canada Bay Council.

“Tony has an excellent relationship with the mayor and heads of departments at the council. The club and members have ambitions of a big club but resources of a small club. He is very good at managing expectations.”

His longevity as general manager comes down to his long term relationships with staff, the members and his contacts within the industry.

“He genuinely cares about the staff making sure the rosters are fair,” Bowyer said. “There are a number of staff that have been there for many years, including the bar manager who has been there for 12 years and the accounts manager who has been there for 14 years.”

“He is well respected by all the members. One of the important jobs of a GM is to push back on unachievable things and he has always done that with a best intention.”

He has also managed some very lean financial years – there have been some tough times.

“Tony has fantastic contacts within the golfing industry and has managed to oversee a well run club on slim resources.”

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Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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GMA News

GMA members get inspired at ASTMA event After COVID-19 torpedoed last year’s event, the return of the Australian Sports Turf Management Conference (ASTMA) to the Gold Coast was all about reconnecting and re-engaging the industry’s many talented practitioners after the two-year absence.

In what has been a very tough 15 months for the event industry, ASTMA want to thank all those delegates who were able to make it to the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on 21-24 June and participate in what was a most memorable week.

Event Speakers & Agenda GMA members that were able to travel had the pleasure of attending the Tuesday plenary day with some very motivational and inspirational speakers.

Some fantastic presentations delivered during the opening plenary session included Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong, ex-NBL pro Eric Bailey, well-being expert Murray Altham and Australian cricket coach John Buchanan.

All images courtesy of ASTMA

Although a formidable line up of presenters, none was as inspiring as legendary Paralympian Kurt Fearnley.

Kurt, thank you for sharing your incredible story and insight - ‘you only gain strength through struggle.’

Following the presentations, the exhibition hall was opened for a VIP networking session with drinks, nibbles and a tour around the various corporate sponsors for the event.

The day then carried on to a social outing in Broadbeach with dinner, drinks and some great networking between members in attendance.

Thank you!

Thank you to our GMA corporate partners for their continued support to enable our members to attend these types of events.

Thank you to ASTMA CEO, Mark Unwin, for the hospitality provided to our members, and well done on the staging of this event. Your team is to be highly commended in having to quarantine ahead of the event to ensure they could be ready to welcome us all.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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Golf Australia News

Girls and club are learning at Westward Ho The team at Westward Ho Golf Club in South Australia has been learning from the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Golf Scholarship program along with its formal participants, the girls.

“We saw the scholarship program as a great opportunity to strengthen the pathway from MyGolf to club golf,” Westward Ho manager, and GMA member, Steven Freeling said.

“We also signed up as a way to learn how to best accommodate this demographic to ensure young girls continue to enjoy the sport and be lifelong participants.”

The club is doing an excellent job of that, as well as engaging girls to continue playing with plenty of help from - and praise for - local PGA teaching professional AnneMarie Knight.

“Anne-Marie has played an integral role, not only with this program but junior development,” Freeling said.

“The girls are really enjoying her coaching and enthusiasm and, in return, AnneMarie is enjoying being a part of this new program.”

One participant improving under AnneMarie’s watchful eye is Holly.

“Anne-Marie is super encouraging,” Holly explained.

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“I like the atmosphere she is creating with our group of girls.”

Despite the girls’ appreciation for having fun with each other, there is also a strong drive for self-improvement.

Kate, another participant, added: “My aim for this program is to improve in all areas of the game – my short game, long game and putting. I want to get better scores in the competitions that I participate in from all the practising that I am doing.”

Freeling was thrilled with the interaction of all involved, from the girls to those involved at the club. ”Our club’s aim is to improve the pathway from MyGolf into club golf for girls.

We wish to improve retention in this demographic and assist these girls to be lifelong golfers and become future role models within the club.

“Our committee, membership and community are extremely supportive of this initiative.

“We are excited to see what the future holds for this group and future girls to

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN GOLF FOUNDATION The Australian Golf Foundation is the national foundation for golf in Australia.

The AGF supports Golf Australia’s vision to grow golf by investing in targeted initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy and play the game.

The scholarship program has come to fruition thanks to the foresight and generosity of Bonnie Boezeman AO, Director of the Australian Golf Foundation, who originally established the program at Killara Golf Club, NSW. Visit the Australian Golf Foundation website for further information.

come and will continue to learn from this demographic about how we best service their needs and wants.”

Learn more about the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Golf Scholarship program via the Vision 2025 website.

Golf Australia News

Golf courses and driving ranges (like this one at Moore Park in Sydney) are overflowing. Photo: Moore Park Golf

AusPlay figures confirm ... golf is booming The boom in Australian golf has been confirmed by official AusPlay statistics released in June.

Golf Australia’s Martin Blake explains.

AusPlay statistics released in June show that golf bucked the downward trend in organised sport caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in reporting that 253,000 more adult Australians played golf in 2020 than in 2019.

It was by far the best result of organised sporting activities, with only tennis (185,000) showing a similar upward trend.

AusPlay is the official survey of sporting participation conducted by Sport Australia, the sports arm of the Federal Government.

Beginning in 2015, it is the largest and most comprehensive survey of its kind conducted in Australia, with 20,000 people aged over 15 completing the survey.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland told ‘The Age’ that golf club memberships were tracking for a five percent rise.

“Rusted-on golfers are playing more, retired golfers have come back to the sport and new golfers have discovered it,” said Sutherland.

The AusPlay survey showed that the

proportion of children playing sport at least once a week fell from 55 to 43 per cent in 2020, while Sport Australia’s acting chief executive Rob Dalton said participation in organised team sports including soccer, netball and basketball declined.

“Sports like golf and tennis, which were not as affected by lockdowns and restrictions, have seen significant increases in participation over the past 12 months,”

The AusPlay data shows golf and tennis with increases, alone among organised sports.

Credit: AusPlay.

Dalton told ‘The Age’.

Figures released by Golf Australia recently showed a 12 percent increase in competition rounds nationwide over the summer.

Anecdotally, public facilities and driving ranges have been reporting a huge surge in activity since the beginning of the pandemic.

For more information and research data, click here to visit the AusPlay website.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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Industry News

Major works approved and underway at Oxley Golf Club A historic near unanimous vote by the members of the Oxley Golf Club in March 2021 paved the way for a significant development project to take place at the club.

After approx. 9 months of planning and investigation, the club has recently commenced the construction of a unique mini golf facility positioned on what used to be the 9th hole (Par 3).

The mini golf facility will be one of the largest built in Australia, just over 3200m2 which includes 18 mini golf holes along with a further 9 hole practice putting green that has full disability access which was identified as an essential component of the facility. Another key point of difference is that the design has been completed by a legend of the golf industry, Dave Pelz. Dave is a renowned short game coach of many world class golfers including Phil Michelson.

Dave in conjunction with former Nick Faldo Course Designer, Paul Jansen have designed a truly unique facility that will appeal to non golfers and golfers alike.

The club decided not to follow the traditional design & construct path that is offered by some of the mini golf construction companies in Australia, instead opting to engage the designers, and then to adopt a tender opportunity to maximise the

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spend on the facility and enable the due diligence process to be undertaken. This has proved to be the best thing the club could have done, because as well as providing a tremendous facility, the process has allowed the Board of Directors to fully understand all of the costs involved and to easily explain the process to members.

There are various other components to the overall project as well, including the construction of a new cart path and landscaping around the rear of the club

house to provide a safe and direct route for golfers. Another benefit will be the impressive outlook from the new members lounge, previously the club’s function room, providing a lush vista overlooking the course.

The remodelled lounge will showcase a new flyover roof over the upgraded deck area. Inside, the members lounge will also be upgraded and include bifold doors to create an inside/outside facility, one that will fit neatly with the beautiful Queensland weather.

Other components of the project include an upgrade to the men’s locker room facilities, increased capacity for the current car park area, further landscaping around the club house, construction of a replacement golf hole and a mains power upgrade.

The mini golf facility construction commenced in mid June and is currently scheduled to open late Nov 2021 and the other upgrades will be completed during this time.

Industry News

New developments as golf booms in NSW Unprecedented interest in golf, rising participation numbers and organisations diversifying their offerings beyond the course are factors behind several recent capital works around New South Wales, as Golf NSW’s David Tease writes.

With the COVID-19 crisis sparking unprecedented interest in golf across the country, several NSW organisations have taken the opportunity to add that little extra to what they provide.

The Links Shell Cove in the Illawarra is one such entity, having just opened a 36-hole mini-golf complex to complement their newly extended clubhouse.

The complex is a significant addition to the Links' customer-focused offerings beyond its well-regarded dining facilities and championship golf course.

Touted as the best mini-golf course in Australia, the 'SHANX' mini golf facility is the first of its kind in Australia and is part of a total $2.3million investment that also takes in the clubhouse extension and other improvements including table tennis and "cornhole" games area.

Shellharbour City Council, the course's owners, expect it to attract about 30,000 visitors annually. Mayor Marianne Saliba said the new 18-hole attraction was part of the council's vision to build The Links' reputation as a community entertainment hub.

"People can come and stay down in Shell Cove and enjoy those things down there, but then they can bring their families here and enjoy the opportunities that The Links has got to offer," Saliba said.

The progressive Charlestown Golf Club is another entity taking a giant leap forward.

The Newcastle club is already home to many of the rising stars of the PGA of Australia and the Australian amateur scene, including Jake Higginbottom, Blake Windred and Jye Pickin.

But its chances of unearthing the next big thing will be even greater when it adds a new commercial driving range later this year.

Charlestown GC general manager, and GMA member, Joanna Mantle announced the "state-of-the-art" facility following years of vision and research.

Sketch of the new Charlestown GC driving range to be completed this year.

"It will attract a new demographic that will see golf participation and our membership increase significantly," Mantle said.

"The new driving range facility will complement our existing 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse and open up opportunities to host more premier golf events in the region."

"We believe it will redefine the face of golf in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region, with extended operating hours at night and access to the most advanced coaching and training facilities available."

The new facility will include a 35-bay driving range, a 24-bay public teeing area, 10-bay members-only teeing area and a purpose-built coaching area.

It will operate seven days a week under floodlights, with food and beverages available at the bays from the clubhouse.

Identified by the NSW Government as a strategic growth centre, Sydney's Norwest is another area soon to be graced with a golf offering beyond the ordinary.

Norwest developer Mulpha is set to build a $12m state-of-the-art hospitality venue featuring golf, food and beverage and corporate entertainment facilities.

Construction starts this month and is expected to finish this year.

The Swing City Golf development will include 40 driving range bays, restaurant function facilities and mini golf.

Each bay will feature the latest in balltracking technology, allowing players to improve their swing and compete in a range of challenges, including longest drive, nearest the pins and virtual play on many of the world's most famous courses.

Mulpha CEO Greg Shaw said with young families making up a large proportion of households in the district, the development would be the ideal entertainment offering.

"Swing City will tap into a growing demand from people to enjoy the game of golf in a more family-friendly setting," Shaw said.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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GMA Education

BMI Club Management and the thing about cost in clubs The analysis of costs is a regular pursuit in most clubs. For a new board member witnessing the invoices coming in thick and fast for products and services, it can be a badge of honour and a stamp of authority to lead a review of costs.

Having gone through the exercise many a whole raft of club activities: golf lessons, times, for many GMs, a new round of cost beers poured, functions held, golf carts review requires a fresh resolve. purchased.

“Most finance committees do a pretty With golf carts, to hammer down the poor job at this,” said Richard Comerford, purchase price as the key area of focus ex-partner of Ernst & Young, a university may be misguided. When so much of the lecturer with a Bachelor of Commerce and cost of the carts is in the management and Masters in Education. He’s wearing plenty maintenance, plus the opportunity cost of of hats, including treasurer of Leongatha So, when the balls roll in with direct costs, not managing the fleet properly, indirect Golf Club, as he speaks to the BMI Club it’s only part of the story and the part that costs should have the GMs attention.

Management group in May. we often have less control over anyway. It’s Many in the room would have been “There’s no such thing as a true cost, often the activity costs, or indirect costs thinking of examples of club cost activity there’s just definitions of cost,” he says. “Cost that matter most from a management that is more loss making than profit making. accuracy is a fallacy that prevails in clubs perspective.

The popularity of large clubhouses to host and in businesses.”

As a rule of thumb, the exercise of large functions from non-member groups Instead of setting budget outcomes of undertaking a full activity based costing has for years been measured by many GMA what costs will end up being, the focus makes sense when the indirect costs start to members as having poor economies. It’s not should instead be on identifying a problem if the club has the the activity that creates the money and it fits with the club’s Instead of setting budget outcomes of cost in the first place and position in the market or aligns understanding what can be done with other objectives. what costs will end up being, the focus about that.

But a wedding that requires a should instead be on identifying the activity BMI participants were range of planning meetings with that creates the cost in the first place and taken through an exercise in the function manager, menu identifying the cost of a dozen understanding what can be done about that. tastings, personal trimmings of a popular brand of golf balls. and high service levels will often A full activity-based costing see a small profit at the end teased out all the indirect costs that go with get above 30% of total selling price, such as once taking into account all the indirect the obvious direct costs of purchasing the in the golf ball example. costs including a large, well heated and lit golf balls.

Richard gave the example of a Course clubhouse. In the end, the depreciation of Initially counted was the ball’s supply Superintendent who estimated he could the building, furniture and fittings is an price less the discounts in bulk purchase replace a green for a little over $2,000. indirect cost that most likely will only ever and pay on time. Added were the costs of No, no, no! Think again said Richard. be paid for by members, either current or staff including: ordering costs (phone call After looking at all the indirect inputs a future, not by ramping up functions. or online), receiving costs (sign off, scan comprehensive cost analysis showed the true Perhaps the most interesting observation and entering into POS, matching invoice price to be in the order of $45,000! was the cost of complaints. All clubs get to statements etc.), storage costs, selling The activity in holding shotgun starts was complaints from time to time but give and signage costs, wastage or obsolescence analysed as an activity with considerable little thought to their cost. Dealing with costs, warranty costs, and supervisory and cost. No only did they create peak demand, complaints, when they come in the form management costs. A modest margin was then lull, in the way the course staff worked of letters that need meetings of board and added to create a profit. for the day, they created a peak needed for management to consider a response, is The break-up was found to be: Product food and beverage staff at the middle and inherently costly. Richard’s calculated the cost $48.80; Staff Costs $11.20; Overhead end of the day rather than fewer staff on a cost of a complaint to be $2,000. costs with profit margin added, $20.00. more steady shift. They rarely do shotgun If a complaint costs $2,000, imagine This was 61% direct or product cost versus starts now because they understand the cost the costs of a full-blown governance or 39% indirect costs. The selling price was of the activity. staff issue that rocks the club’s board or therefore set at $80.00. Enlightening to all.

The same exercise could be undertaken for management, or both.

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“

Michael Grey, CEO of the Sutton on Grange Community Hospital said the new approach was unique to the NHS and something he and the senior physicians, nurses and staff were in the process of adjusting to ..... .... we recognise there is a lot of passion for our community hospital and people who have the time they’d like to give to the hospital.

Community Hospital Governance Initiative In a model being trialled in four UK counties, the NHS is trialling an innovative approach to the way community hospitals are governed.

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GMA Education Community hospital boards are now being by past patients has its pros and cons. “We here with a combined 900+ years of study elected from the hospital’s patients. Dubbed recognise there is a lot of passion for our in the medical fields and 5,000+ years’ “local people for local health outcomes”, the community hospital and people who have experience both at this hospital and in the Sutton on Grange Community Hospital is the time they’d like to give to the hospital.” medical industry. Yet it is these people one of the hospitals that has restructured “We’re a complex operation with specialist who are often questioned over the most the way it is run. services in mental health, emergency and standard of procedures. We see lobbying for In the trial, current and former patients elective surgery, general care and a range allocation of funds to areas where people from the community hospital elect the board of age-based services employing hundreds have the greatest personal interest rather of the hospital and the board is made up of qualified health professionals. Funded than to areas that would allow us to meet entirely of former and current patients. through the NHS, we’re ultimately assessed our full hospital obligations – to which we “We like this approach”, said the new as part of our Clinical Commissioning will be assessed. Our job is now very much President Nigel Preston. It’s patients with Group so the ability of our local member one of educating our board and various the most personally invested into how well board to understand the needs of the operational sub-committees and members.” the hospital is run. We all have a passion for operation is crucial to the future success of Mr Grey said one area that he’s struggling our own health and so it stands to reason we the hospital.” with is the shortage of board governance are passionate about our hospitals.”

It’s not all easy going though. He said, training available. Not only are there limited Past and current registered patients are “Regulations on hospitals and health obligations on board training, there’s a lack eligible to stand for the board. By being professionals are greater than ever, yet of appetite to do the training that’s there. a patient, one automatically becomes a now we have the added pressure of guiding People don’t want to join the board to be hit member of the hospital. All members are and educating the community hospital with weeks of paperwork on the system of included on a shared membership list and constituents – not just the board, but hospital governance. Most know what they have access to the hospital at all times (safety hospital members who have quite a political want the hospital services to be and to roll precautions in place). Members get to know sway.” their sleeves up and get on with decision one another and are invited to a calendar of Mr Grey said people with a combination making.” community hospital social events.

But Grey said this is a risk. “I They vote on important issues used to go to school, yet I am “If they have personally had a long history and elect the board. not qualified to run a school. I of medical treatments, it is held with high “I had a long involvement with fly in planes, but I don’t think the hospital through having a this qualifies me to understand regard by other hospital members. If you stent put in my heart and later the complexities of flight or combine this with members getting well by-pass surgery. I spent a total of how to run an airline. I can be known at social events, election to the 25 nights in the hospital and have educated on how to run an airline had countless visits over a period and may find aspects of it quite board is almost assured.” of five years.” said Ian Partridge, a interesting to know, but I feel retired mechanic. “Spending time it would take a very long while at the hospital gave me a great insight into of passion and lots of time are naturally and I’d be coming from a long way back. how a hospital is run. Having benefited as a inclined to stand for the board. It’s not If thrown into the board role of an airline, patient and in the community social events, an easy adjustment for people from other I’d like to think I’d have the discipline to I felt it’s time to give back. Being retired, I industry backgrounds to make. do the proper governance induction and have had the time to walk the wards, talk “If they have personally had a long history stick to the traditional governance aspects to patients and practitioners and generally of medical treatments, it is held with high of the role whilst seeking to understand be around the community here. I was able regard by other hospital members. If you the environment to which the airline is to see what I liked and didn’t like about the combine this with members getting well operating.” hospital and our health services. I felt I was known at social events, election to the board “Whilst a number of experienced staff well placed to stand for the board.” is almost assured.” have left the hospital, we’re hopeful of “I’d established a vision of what I’d like He said, “The board was once made up attracting new people who will embrace this hospital to be. My friends were fully of people with credentials in fields who this new form of governance which I believe supportive. They said, don’t just stand for took time to understand the role of a board will be here for some time. Certainly, with the board, stand for President - so I did. I’ve as distinct from hospital operations and all the new committees established, there is already started making some of the changes management. Now we’re seeing passionate more community input than ever before. I I’d been speaking with my friends about for individuals who, whilst well intended, have a also have no trouble getting the mood of the years.” greater interest to exercise their knowledge members. I get feedback like I’ve never had Michael Grey, CEO of the Sutton on of what happens in the wards as opposed in my whole career. I remind myself that and Grange Community Hospital said the to having a board governance mindset. after all, it is their hospital.” new approach was unique to the NHS and We see decisions made that traditionally Michael Grey retires in October. something he and the senior physicians, reside within the domain of the CEO being nurses and staff were in the process of made by the new community board and its (Editors Note: if you hadn’t realised, this adjusting to. committees.” hospital story is completely fictional!)

He said the member model of governance “But we try to explain that we have a staff

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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Industry News

In 2019, the inaugural #DoingItForJarrod campaign was launched in honour of Challenge ambassador, Jarrod Lyle. Now in its third year, the 2021 campaign will be held throughout the months of August, September and October and holds added significance as this year would have been Jarrod’s 40th birthday.

GMA’s Frances Cordaro spoke with Briony Lyle, Jarrod’s wife and #DoingItForJarrod fundraising coordinator, to discuss the campaign and how clubs can get involved.

Who is Jarrod Lyle?

Who is Briony Lyle?

There are so many ways to answer this question, so I’ve chosen to focus on who Jarrod was to me. Despite everything he managed to achieve in his career, Jarrod really was just a kid from the country who loved to play golf. There was nothing fancy or flashy about him – he was very laid back and down to earth. He didn’t like being the centre of attention, and he was most comfortable being surrounded by family and close mates. He was lucky that he found something he loved and was good at early in life; a passion that could sustain him through the tough times.

I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that question before. I’m just a girl from a country town who ended up on a crazy rollercoaster ride when I started dating a country boy back in 2008. That rollercoaster felt like it ended suddenly in August 2018 when Jarrod died, although perhaps I’m still actually on it. Or maybe it’s a whole new ride now.

One thing I found out about him soon after we were married - he was bloody determined. He hated having to deal with cancer and the burden it placed on himself and everyone around him.

He would always put on a brave face, despite how crappy he was feeling, and he would put his head down and do what needed to be done. Before he relapsed in 2012, he would often say that he wished someone would write an article about him that referred only to his golfing abilities and did not mention that he was a cancer survivor. Outside of the golf and cancer that the rest of the world knew him for, he was a wonderful father with all the patience in the world for his precious girls.

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I’m someone who knew absolutely nothing about golf and had no interest in it whatsoever. There are still so many parts of the game that I don’t fully understand, so it seems quite ironic that I’m now so heavily involved in the Australian golf industry. I also didn’t have any personal experiences of cancer when I first got to know Jarrod, and now I know far more than I want to.

What is #DoingItForJarrod?

The #DoingItForJarrod campaign came about in early 2019 after we witnessed a huge outpouring of support for Jarrod within the Australian golf community throughout the second half of 2018. At that time, there were literally dozens of individual clubs and hundreds of golfers who were playing golf, wearing yellow, and giving money to Challenge.

During a meeting with Gavin Kirkman (CEO, PGA of Australia), we discussed the need to harness and coordinate this

support in a really positive way, and the campaign was born.

What does this campaign mean to you?

This campaign has become something that’s really important to me, from a personal perspective but also professionally.

The outpouring of support myself and Challenge experienced in the lead up to and following Jarrod’s death did not dissipate for many months, and it became clear that there was an opportunity for us to harness the support and turn it into something longer-lasting. For so many years Jarrod had been an ambassador for Challenge and had used his profile to raise awareness for, and understanding of, the journey faced by kids and families who receive a cancer diagnosis. It seems unfortunate that his death was the catalyst needed to create some incredible momentum, although it also seems very fitting that his legacy could be so strong.

This is now the third year of the campaign, and it keeps going from strength to strength. It keeps me incredibly busy, but it has also kept me employed during the chaos of 2020 and for that I’m very grateful.

When does it take place?

form and collect gold coins from players on the day.

The campaign runs annually from August to October. It was really obvious that August was always going to be a month that we associated with Jarrod – it was the month he was born and also when he died. But the weather in the southern parts of Australia is not so great in August, so we decided to run the campaign over a three month period and give clubs all over the country the best opportunity to get on board.

What impact does the campaign have on the golf community?

Where does it occur?

The campaign is open to golf clubs from every state and territory in Australia, including social golf clubs. It has also been adapted to suit other golf-related businesses like X-Golf, Future Golf and various golf tour operators.

What is the campaign raising money for?

All of the money that is raised nationwide as part of #DoingItForJarrod is given to Challenge, who use it to ensure that Jarrod’s legacy of supporting kids with cancer will continue for many years to come.

What are the targets for the event – dollars raised?

People participating?

Community awareness?

Other?

We didn’t set any specific targets in the campaign’s first year (2019) because it was impossible to know how it would be received. And 2020 was pretty tough to navigate, as it was for everyone. This year we have set ourselves a goal of 300 clubs, which is something I’m confident we can achieve. The campaign is focused on trying to get as many people as possible to get on board and give a small amount of money, rather than relying on fewer people to give larger amounts. The greatest feature of the campaign is that it’s so simple, and can easily be adapted to suit small social clubs. It doesn’t require an event planner to be the main organiser – just an enthusiastic person who can complete an online registration

Carnarvon GC

I feel as though the campaign has had a pretty profound effect on the Australian golf community, and has become a really important day on the calendar at so many clubs. I have received feedback from various club members who have told me about their The Links Kennedy Bay own experiences with cancer or of others at their club or in their community. This campaign appeals to them for a variety of reasons, and everyone seems to really embrace the concept of wearing something yellow.

What benefits are realised for children with cancer?

Chatswood GC

Through his own experiences, Jarrod knew just how much of a burden a cancer diagnosis can place on an entire family. He also knew how important it was to provide support to not only the child who was sick but to their siblings and parents. The most effective support was practical and would literally help that family to get from one day to the next. This is how we intend to use the funds raised through the #DoingItForJarrod campaign – on the smaller, more mundane things like gardening and home maintenance, extra Tamborine Mountain GC childcare or babysitting, home cooked meals. All of the little things that can help the family continue to put one foot in front of the other. The focus is not on big, flashy, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the kids, so there’s every chance that the work we do behind the scenes will go largely unnoticed, which I think is a perfect reflection of how Jarrod went about his life.

For more information on how your golf club or facility can get involved in the #DoingItForJarrod campaign, visit:

Riverside GC

www.challenge.org.au/event/doingitforjarrod

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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d l r o W e d i W The of Walkinshaw One thing that has been on our CEO’s radar was to pay a visit to Walkinshaw Park, home of GMA’s partner Walkinshaw Sports, well known to us for supplying a range of cool looking Under Armour golf apparel that make us play golf like Jordan Spieth (we wish).

Paul Vardy recently got his chance and offers up his thoughts on the unforgettable experience.

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With a great run of COVID free days in Melbourne (it maxed out at 82), Jon Perrett was keen to show me through Walkinshaw’s headquarters at Clayton South in Melbourne’s Southeast.

Upon arrival, I had no idea Walkinshaw Park would be so big, 28,500 m2, or with such high security.

‘These guys take golf apparel and equipment seriously,’ I thought as I arrived at the big gates and spoke to the man at check-in.

Jon met me and did some sweet talking to security before taking me inside to say g’day to Dan Harrap, GM of Walkinshaw Sports. Dan has been with the organisation for five years and has driven significant growth in that time as the company has established a very impressive brand portfolio in golf. As the distributor for the global super brand Under Armour, Dan has witnessed huge demand for their range. They are not just walking off the shelves, they’re not even making it to the

shelves. It’s the same story for Clicgear buggies, which are rolling out as soon as they arrive off the boats, as are Motocaddy.

These are crazy COVID times we’re all living in.

After talking golf and golf gear, it was time to find out more about the Walkinshaw Group which includes Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Racing and GMSV. Not being big into cars, I arrived

in a lobby showing a good condition but old family sedan. I was easily fooled. The old Commodore is a 1988 Holden VL Walkinshaw SS 5.0-litre V8 HSV worth plenty. It sat next to an expensive looking GTSR W1 commodore and a classic 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake worth even more! No wonder they have high security.

I was soon blown away by what goes on in the wide world of Walkinshaw when we were guided around a huge spotless shed

full of car adjustments.

A whole bunch of Volkswagen Amaroks getting fitted with sports looking things and bumper bars. A range of New Age Caravans were being fitted with caravan type things.

This was all very impressive and then I was shown a whole factory of big RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverados being manufactured from left-hand to right-hand drive. These monster trucks (well, monster to me) have the cabin taken off the chasis while the hundreds of internals get magically re-worked/replaced in two production lines to be joined back together further down in a kind of way that looks so natural a plastic surgeon would be impressed. For each of these trucks, someone somewhere in Australia or New Zealand was waiting on their completion and delivery.

It’s a process that employs a growing army of people with specialist skills. Apparently,

it’s not worth the US plants building righthand drive from scratch for an Aussie/ NZ market. So, the trucks are shipped out to Australia and manufactured right here by Walkinshaw. It’s a great example of adjusting a business for the times.

Only a couple of years ago, Holden stopped production of the Commodore so the Walkinshaw group transformed the business into a diverse engineering and manufacturing business that keeps evolving.

That’s new thinking, new opportunities and new markets. Now, 9,000+ vehicles are worked on and that number is projected to reach 12,000 by 2022.

So, Walkinshaw Sports is a part of a very impressive company called the Walkinshaw Group. As a group that’s been around a bit, is innovative and growing signficantly, I think we’ll be seeing the Walkinshaw name more and more in the future.

Thanks to Dan Harrap and Jon Perrett for showing me a little insight into their world.

For more information on the Walkinshaw Group, please visit their website: www.walkinshawgroup.com

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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Industry News

Ingersoll Rand completes sale of Club Car to Platinum Equity Initially announced back in April, June has seen the acquisition of Club Car LLC by Platinum Equity from Ingersoll Rand in a transaction valued at approximately $US1.7 billion.

The deal ends Ingersoll Rand’s ownership of the business which began in 1995 and will now see Club Car return to functioning as a standalone entity.

“Club Car is an iconic golf brand that for more than 60 years has set the industry standard for quality and innovation.” said Platinum Equity Chairman and CEO Tom Gores. “We appreciate Ingersoll Rand’s confidence in our ability to build on that legacy and support Club Car’s continued growth.”

The existing Club Car Leadership Team lead by President & CEO Mark Wagner, and headed in Australia by Regional Vice President Kevin Gates will remain in place and will guide the business through transition and beyond. Speaking from Company Headquarters in Augusta, Georgia USA the CEO remarked, “Golf remains a very stable, healthy business (for Club Car) while our Consumer and Commercial markets are rapidly growing around the world. As our product line and geographic reach have expanded, so has the complexity of our business. Platinum’s experience and global resources will be vital in helping us continue that growth and to achieving our long-term ambitions.”

Mark Wagner Club Car President and CEO

For GMA Members and customers in Australia, there will be little noticeable change and a continuance of existing structures and go to market strategies.

“Our local distribution partners, while stable, are constantly evolving to meet the dynamic commercial landscapes within which we live. Our customers will see continued enhancements and improvements in process combined with the expected consistency of delivery. These are exciting times for us.” commented Kevin Gates.

Club Car LLC is a long-time partner and sponsor of GMA. For over 30 years, local distributors and the global manufacturer have provided logistical, educational and financial support for members across the country.

Visit www.clubcar.com for information on the entire range of Club Car products.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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Industry News

Ransomware Attacks Increasing Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) boss confirms Ransomware attacks have been increasing over the last 5 years and have accelerated over the course of the global pandemic with a 60 per cent increase between this year and last year. How can you ensure your business is safe?

Ransomware attacks increasing in Australia.

The main motivation for cyber-attacks remains money. On this score, many clubs believe they are not a high potential target, but activism and identity theft also rank as motivation for cyber-criminal groups. Due to frequent misreporting in the Australian media of gaming turnover data as profit, the public perception of casinos, clubs and hotels is that the businesses earn vast sums of money from gambling activity, they have good customer membership databases, and a negative perception of gambling may justify business disruptions. While the reality for most clubs is vastly different from the

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overall nationwide perception, these three motivations puts us at significant risk from cybercriminals, with Bitcoin making ransom demands and money trails easier, and almost untraceable.

Rachel Noble, director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, (ASD) said the threat environment in the cyber world was deteriorating and that “there’s been a 60 per cent increase in ransomware attacks against Australian entities between this year and last year”.

The ASD is so concerned about the increased threats they are considering introducing regulations on some business types that will enforce company directors

into having a legal duty to ensure a reasonable standard of cyber security - in the similar way to how they are already responsible for workplace health and safety.

Safeguarding your business In Australia, Secom Technology is a specialist IT company, focusing on hospitality industry IT security needs utilising the Untangle NG Firewall solution. This is a sophisticated and flexible app-based firewall solution that protects customer data in POS and gaming systems, includes intrusion protection that blocks hacking events such as ransomware and phishing attacks, allows for network wide

usage policies even when staff and customers access the internet through your business Wi-Fi from their own devices, and is flexible enough to grow along with your hospitality business needs.

About the Untangle NG Firewall solution Managing your network and ensuring every device is adequately protected can be a complex and costly task. Untangle’s NG Firewall simplifies network security with a single, modular, software platform designed specifically for businesses such as pubs and clubs with limited IT resources and budgets.

Untangle NG Firewall provides a browserbased, responsive and intuitive interface enabling you to quickly gain visibility into the traffic on your network. This includes a dashboard that attaches the reports your business requires as widgets for fast visibility. From content filtering to advanced threat protection, VPN connectivity to application-based shaping for bandwidth optimization, the Untangle NG Firewall delivers a comprehensive, enterprise-grade network security platform.

It can happen to any hospitality business that is not properly protected.

An average of 164 cybercrime reports are made by Australians every day — about one report every 10 minutes. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), a subsidiary agency of the Australian Signals Directorate tasked with strengthening the nation's cybersecurity, ransomware is quickly becoming the biggest threat for small and medium business with Australia seen as an increasingly wealthy and stable country in a post-pandemic world. The need to ramp up security is heightening as both local and international criminals use more sophisticated methods to gain money and data.

To investigate how Untangle NG Firewall can prevent these issues in your business contact: Jason Drew - Secom Technology P: 1300 781 224 W: www.secomtech.com.au

SOME OF UNTANGLE’S NG FIREWALL FEATURES INCLUDE: SAFE AND SECURE WI-FI: Wi-Fi is now the top amenity customers want. With Untangle, customers will have the convenience to safely go online wherever they are located in your venue.

Basic Internet access can be provided for free, and if higher bandwidth is needed, tiered service offerings can be made available. For back-office operations, the system can prioritise Internet traffic for administration tools, point-of-sale and more.

PROTECTING PURCHASES AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION: Mobile payments, such as Apple Pay have become increasingly popular but as a small/medium business, network security is crucial. Untangle’s security solution ensures that businesses can provide customers with streamlined and protected purchases both online and in person.

RANSOMWARE AND VIRUS PREVENTION: Intrusion prevention blocks hacking attempts before they reach internal servers and desktops. Untangle’s pre-configured signature-based IPS makes it easier for administrators to provide 24/7 network protection from hackers. Modern malware threats target servers, laptops, tablets, and even mobile phones. While it is important that all of these devices have end-point protection—with the latest versions of

software and virus signatures—you may struggle with control over these devices as they connect offsite to unsecured networks, then return to your network with malware on board. You need a first line of defence.

FIREWALL: Drawing the line that separates internal and external networks, Firewall filters traffic based on IP address, protocol, and port, which enables administrators to designate which systems and services (HTTP, FTP, etc.) are publicly available.

Firewall can be run as a transparent bridge to complement a pre-existing firewall and allows you to control inbound and/or outbound access to specific IPs and ports.

PHISH BLOCKER: Identity thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated with email and website spoofs that are nearly impossible to discern from the real thing. Phish Blocker protects users from email phishing attacks and fraudulent pharming websites.

MOBILE POLICY ENFORCEMENT: Mobile devices are inherently promiscuous, connecting via cellular and Wi-Fi networks that may or may not have sufficient security protocols in place. You work hard to keep threats off devices connected to your local network; be sure those same devices aren’t left exposed when they’re in the wild.

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

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From the Archives - GOLFDOM/1968 JUNE

Confessions of a manager Having seen 'confessions' of a pro and a superintendent in GOLFDOM, a club manager asked for equal time to air his side of the country club story.

Anonymous, 1968

I

t is probably fitting that since we are "last" in many areas of the club, that we should be the last to spill our gripes.

A club officer once told a manager, "You have the toughest, most demanding, least appreciated, and under paid job in the club, but I do not feel a bit sorry for you, because you chose it as your life's work.''

Let me continue by saying that I do not feel that any golf pro, su­ perintendent or club manager has it as bad, individually, as we like to talk about it col­lectively. Sure, all jobs are tough and especially the club manager's, but I would not change places with Dean Rusk, Mayor Lindsay of New York, or any coach in the National Football League.

All too often I feel we add personal magnification to our job de­mands.

From my own observations, the last twenty years have revealed that very few pros, superinten­dents, or managers have left on a "voluntary basis."

So just what are the things which truly make a manager's job the task that it is? And, what could be done to make our jobs better?

I must note here, that I do realize that if it were not for the members and the employees, you would not need the manager and I do not malign these two most important groups.

Now, let me begin with that most important facet of club opera­ tions, the COMMITTEE. I have a plaque behind my desk which shows a picture of General Stonewall Jackson and below it is printed: "You may search all of the parks in all of the cities, but you'll find no statues for committees." While I am sure that Paul Revere, the Wright Broth­ ers, and others' works are not the result of committees, I am just as certain that committees must have played some part in our Vietnam policy, most of the school boards around our country, etc. There is no doubt in my mind that committees are necessary.

I really feel that if each committee would look into the definition of the committeeman and his responsibilities, it could make the manag­ er’s job a lot more enjoyable.

Traditions are another fascinating area of club management which seem vital and necessary for the successful operation of a facility.

However, I am sure that if we did away with all “traditions” in all clubs, tomorrow, that not one club would go bank­r upt, close its doors, or cease to exist. Too bad no one has the courage or time to challenge this concept.

To illustrate this point, “Why do we open club dining rooms at 6:00 p.m. to empty patronage, and close them at 8:30 p.m. when the cock­ tail lounge is full of people?” Or let me ask you about this one: ‘’Who decreed that clubs should close on Monday after the ‘day of rest?’”

The reason I ask this is, someone said, “Monday is the most logical day to close, after the long weekend.’’ From the amount of people who want to play our club on a Monday, the number of persons in the swimming pool on Monday, the “necessary” phone calls our switch­

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board handles and the number of people who re­quire “emergency” entrance of the club through our watchman on that day, just makes me wonder if Monday is the best day to close. From a truly marketing approach and in that tradition of the “club being an extension of the member’s home” it just seems lacking in logic to close the club on the same day your competing restaurants and cock­t ail lounges are also closed and to remain open on a night when you serve eight people.

It also seems to me that a practice tee should be open on Monday, after you know your shortcomings from the week-end play and be closed on Saturdays and Sundays when you put your practice to use.

It also seems logical that the putting clock and driving range should be open on Mondays when everything else is closed.

The club breakfast is another tradition I enjoy commenting on.

Most clubs have a waitress, a bus­boy, a breakfast cook, and a dish­ washer on hand at 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays to prepare that great American tradition of a hot breakfast! An analysis of my breakfast checks reveals that grape­fruit, orange juice, sweet rolls, and sugar-flavored cereals lead the list, along with coffee, of the most popular breakfasts. However, it is the four or five persons who want an occasional order of three min­ute eggs, some pre-cooked bacon, or oatmeal which has been sitting in a steam table who we really open up for.

I am thoroughly convinced, and have proven, that you can give away sweet rolls and coffee in the locker rooms from 7 until 9 a.m. and it will not cost as much as those employees necessary to open for breakfast! But we started serving breakfast back in 1929 when no Howard Johnsons dotted the route to the club; when most restaurants were closed at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday and prior to instant coffee, so breakfast became a “tradition” at the club.

To close the segment on traditions I would like to comment on the great tradition of the husband and wife, mixed two-ball foursome. It

“... if we did away with all traditions tomorrow, not one club would cease to exist. Too bad no one has the courage or time to challenge this?

Confessions of a manager

Continued from preceding page

came into prom­inence in the late 30s or early 40s. We also saw the emergence of the divorce lawyer during the same era. Why, oh why, is it necessary for a male golfer to re-affirm his love for his mate annu­ ally on the fairways of country clubs when he could renew his vows in any church on any day he wished? It is too bad that the new wage and hours law will do more to eliminate many great traditions than any house committee or board of directors.

Another problem area in the managerial concept of clubs is democ­ racy. Democracy? Certainly. For it has been pointed out that a club is truly democratic in action. Here each individual has a voice, right to freedom of expression of his thoughts, and the cap­ability of demand­ ing action on the part of his elect­ed representative to carry out his desires. Yes, all of this is true, but if it get out of hand, your de­mocracy can easily turn into anarchy.

What I am trying to convey is that each individ­ual does not really have a voice in the operation of a club. It is the officers you elect, the com­m ittees they appoint, and the golf pros, grounds superintendents and managers they hire who run the club. It is they who must weigh the individual wishes of the membership, in light of the physical fa­ cilities of the club, the personnel and the financial situation. From all these factors emerge what is best for the club and its members as a group.

I have a personal credo as far as my members are concerned: I will do anything within the framework of the rules of our club for any individual at any time which I could do for any other member at the same time.

The club manager, while often wanting to do more and more to ac­ comodate the individual mem­ber must realize that no one individual member holds a monopoly on either him or his staffs’ time and tal­ ents.

Many of you, I am sure, have members in your club who demand ex­ tra service, special treatment, or exceptions to the rules. If you look at the dues, you will find that all members pay the same. Con­sequently they should be treated the same. It is becoming increasingly difficult to explain to the member who states, “I am willing to pay for extra service ...” that with the help problems and facil­ities of the club’s physical plant, we cannot give him more than we would any other member, even if he were willing to “pay” for it.

As a matter of fact, in my travels to view the operations of some fine clubs, successful golf courses, and the shops of well known pros, I find one thing which stands out: Where you find a truly well-run club you find a demigod in some degree!

At the truly great golf course you hear people say, “that old bastard, Mr. So and So, who has been grounds and greens chairman for 27 years ...” At the fine, reputable, long waiting-list club you will hear,

“... you can give away sweet rolls and coffee from 7 until 9 a.m. and it will not cost as much as those employees necessary to open for breakfast”

“that cantankerous Mr. Always Right had the audacity to tell me, a member, that turtle necks were not allowed in the dining room. Why, if he hadn’t been on the house committee for 14 years I would write the committee a letter and I would tell them.” Or, I hear my members telling in the grill and locker rooms of the pro at such and such a country club who “will not take a lesson on Saturday or Sunday, pre­ ferring to spend his time on the first tee and in his shop those days.’’

Research usually reveals that this particular pro has been at that particular club for 37 years and the club paid his expenses to Scotland last year.

Well, it hardly seems that committees, traditions, and democracy would be the “Confessions of a Club Manager,” but I think they do give you an in­sight into our inner conflicts.

I could ramble on about the 80 hour plus week I work; the fact that I have never spent a single holiday with my family in over twenty years; the number of times I have been called from my lunch by needless telephone calls; or the committees and chairmen and officers who have made life difficult. I could expound on my own financial prob­ lems of coping with inflation in my club budget and of put­t ing chil­ dren through college in my personal budget. I could tell you of the deep, “gut” level disappointments I have had when a party did not go off as planned or the budget would not permit a new dishwashing ma­ chine or of a P.A. system which would not work during the president’s speech at the annual meeting.

However, I look at club management from this point of view. I am able to start with a raw prod­uct; hire my own production staff; see the product manufactured; do my own advertising and market­ing, deliv­ er it to the customer; and actually meet my customer “face to face” and see and hear his satisfaction or criticism. What other captain of in­dustry has this great opportunity in his product or service?

Golf Management Australia Journal / Winter 2021

47

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