Membership matters
It sure does!
You have probably heard that golf club membership right across Australia has been in decline for some years now. In Nedlands’ case, membership is down about ten per cent compared to levels a decade ago.
“No big deal”, you might say. “There are very few spots in the field at the minute, so I’m happy with things the way they are”.
An alternative perspective is that the sustainability of our club depends upon increasing membership numbers by 5 or 6 per cent over the course of 2014. A full membership list enables us to provide the services that members expect (e.g. having the ‘house’ open as long as possible), to maintain a financial buffer on which to draw when the unexpected happens, and to limit annual fees increases to their current 6 per cent level.
So what is the Committee doing?
As approved at the 2013 AGM, a corporate membership package is now up-and-running to try to attract local business firms. You can find the details under the membership tab on the club web site. In 2013, eleven women took up the ‘short term membership’, and 9 of those have converted to full membership – well done to the Ladies Committee and the Pro Shop staff who conducted the program. This year, eight women have started their golfing ‘apprenticeship’.
A Thursday pm time sheet will be established to add another (mixed) event to the weekly schedule, giving current members the chance to play in another competition and get greater value for their membership. In addition, we plan to advertise opportunities for people to ‘come and try’ the course, thinking they will see the benefits of membership if they have a couple of opportunities to play.
More details soon. If you have any ideas re membership, contact Ann Flower, Greg Parry or Darrin Ramshaw in the office. Even better, if you know anyone who wants to join, now would be a great opportunity.
