WHATEVER it is that the region’s golf clubs are doing to address sliding memberships it appears to be working. The challenge facing the committee men and decisions makers now is how to ensure that continues to be the case.
That is the verdict of Durham Golf Union after its annual report showed how the 44 golf clubs making up the patch have, cumulatively, reported an increase in memberships just 12 months after a whopping dip.
There were 17,543 male members at the Union’s courses in 2015, which was a 615 increase from the 2014 figure. Having seen the previous year’s number fall by approaching treble that figure a year earlier, it is little wonder that there is a feeling of satisfaction.
Golf Club
Park
Birtley
Bishop Auckland
Blackwell Grange
Boldon
Brancepeth
Castle Eden
Darlington
Dinsdale Spa
Durham City
Garesfield
George Washington
Hartlepool
Headlam Hall
Hetton le Hill
Heworth
High Throston
Hobson
Houghton-le-Spring
Ineos
Knotty Hill
Oakleaf
The Ramside
Ravensworth
Rockliffe Hall
Roseberry Grange
Ryton
Seaton Carew
Sharpley Springs
South Moor
Whickham
Whitburn
Woodham
Wynyard
Total
However, Durham chiefs are well aware that the majority of pro shops reported slowing sales and that there is still plenty of work to do to just to retain that figure at a time when there is a growing drive to shorten up the sport – with many believing golf is crying out for a quicker version of the game.
That would not be ideal for the purists, which is why Durham Union was relieved to be reporting much improved numbers this time around.
The annual report stated: “Following a large reduction of 1,752 in 2014, we are pleased to report a membership increase of 615 across the county for 2015. This hopefully indicated that the decline in club membership is slowing, thanks possibly to the proactive activity of many clubs in recruiting and retaining members.”
That was something which the chairman of the County’s Development Group, Ron Baines-Bennett, concurred with.
Baines-Bennett said: “Recent figures would suggest that in Durham at least, the drift away from golf club membership has slowed but not stopped. It is our aim to reverse the trend but clubs must recognise the crucial part they play in making memberships more attractive, flexible and available.”
Such measures are what golf clubs from across the North-East, and beyond, are finding themselves having to do more of. There are less seemingly willing to pay for a full seven-day membership because of work and family commitments.
It is no surprise then that the clubs showing the most improved numbers are among those coming up with innovative ways to attract fresh faces, be it through membership offers or selling their product.
Newton Aycliffe’s council run Oakleaf reported the biggest jump to 357 from 150, although there is a feeling they benefited along with Bishop Auckland (up 51) from the initial closure of nearby Woodham. Woodham, incidentally, welcomed back 328 members having had to close in 2014 before it was taken over by new owners, Hall Construction.
South Moor proved the other big winners by seeing memberships climb to 438 from 350.
Guy Carr, chairman of the South Moor marketing committee, said: “We have set a target of doubling this rise in 2016 - it is no good standing still and resting on your laurels.
“A lot of our impetus last year came from getting the message out that our course was designed by the man who created Augusta National, Dr Alister MacKenzie.
“We have formed a marketing committee which includes our assistant head greenkeeper Neil Irvin, one of our PGA professionals, Shaun Cowell, clubhouse manager Malcolm Kay, secretary David Kitto and the club’s public relations consultant, Tim Taylor.
“People with hands-on professional expertise get their heads together before offering suggestions to the main committee. Simples!
“We met for the first time last month and all the proposals were quickly ratified by the main committee. It looks like we will keep the ball rolling on and off the course.”
For 25 clubs to report increases is encouraging going in to 2016, but the challenge facing clubs is to continue that trend. Knotty Hill, at Sedgefield, lost the most members with 141 reported to have gone.
Darlington’s Blackwell Grange also saw numbers fall by 99, which is probably an effect of things levelling out two years after merging with neighbouring Stressholme, although noone at the club could be contacted for a comment.
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