(Advancing the game) Respecting golf wins

Show me a well-managed golf program, and I’ll show you a well-managed golf/country club. However, the reverse isn’t always true, i.e., a well-managed clubhouse operation doesn’t always translate into a well-managed golf program.

The reason for this divergence is because those who care about golf won’t allow it to be positioned within a less-than-completely professional environment, and those who care about clubhouse operations often know little about golf and its traditions.

The following two columns compare the tangible differences between administrative/operational quality when golf traditions are respected (left column) and when golf is primarily used as a profit center (right column). These comparisons apply universally throughout the private sector of golf, frequently throughout the daily-fee sector and less often throughout the public sector. Respect golf, reward yourself. GCN

Jim McLoughlin is the founder of TMG Golf (www.TMGgolfcounsel.com), a golf course development and consulting firm, and is a former executive director of the GCSAA. He can be reached at golfguide@adelphia.net or 760-804-7339. His previous columns can be found on www.golfcoursenews.com.