I wrote this several years ago. Call me a 'Soothsayer', because the story below has probably happened 1,000 times since I put this on the net.

Members. Keep them Happy and Spending

HOW DO YOU GET THE MEMBERSHIP ON BOARD?

WE CAN DO IT!

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION (mike@golfmak.com)

Every member-owned private golf club and/or private club owned by investors inevitably descends into a 'cold war' between members and management. The pro, superintendent, employees and directors develop an 'us-verses-the- membership' attitude. Club spirit sags, resignations increase and the banker keeps the file near the phone.

Here's the predictable series of events:

1. The membership doesn't spend enough at the club.
2. Management calls the members cheap.
3. The members say management is greedy, or the Board is incompetent.
4. Animosity grows.
5. Members participate less and less.
6. Cash flows dwindle, staff is reduced, service shrinks - for example: reduced kitchen and/or clubhouse hours (they all do it).
7. The overall spirit at the club becomes negative and members start shopping for another place to join.
8. Next the owner/directors impose a tax on the membership by way of an assessment or a clubhouse minimum. 

The above events occur at sometime at virtually every private golf club in the world. 

If you see any of the above developing at your private or semi-private golf club, call (941) 739-3990, or write (mike@golfmak.com). It's a free consultation. We may get you back on tract with one exchange.

WATCH FOR THE SIGNS... The symptoms are usually quite clear.

Constant complaining about food quality or food prices is one of the first signs that membership participation is faltering.

Function attendance falters.

Members buy clubs and accessories at the mall instead of the pro shop.

Members display low esteem for the club with dialogue at places other than the golf club.

Often, the board of directors, the same group voted in by the members, is openly spoken of in unflattering terms.

The club President stops taking calls at his/her home.   

If you recognize any of these symptoms get started. The first consultation is free.

GETTING MEMBERS BACK ON TRACK...

There are ways to rehabilitate member loyalty, participation and spending habits at private and semi-private golf clubs. Here's the first remedy (this one's free): Effort!

Simply said, most financially ailing private golf clubs need to return to old-fashioned business principles. Good business requires human energy and work. We mean the club has to earn the member's business - just like any other business!

It's much ‘deeper’ than that, but you get the picture. We have the strategy and the cure. We have a 100% success record of rebuilding member confidence, loyalty and spending habits.

To retain our services please contact Mike Kahn: 941-739-3990, or by email: mike@golfmak.com.

FOR YOUR FREE ADVISORY CLICK: mike@golfmak.com