NGF operation anaylysis Cancel The title field is required!

1. Mowrey Mark S

   
   1/28/2015 8:01 PM

   Hello all. Has anyone been involved with the NATIONAL GOLF FOUNDATION coming in to do an operational analysis? Our District Manager who has only been here a yr. has hired them to do an in-depth study of the 18 and 9 hole courses, pro shop and recreational facility, course fees, marketing, amount of full and part time employees, just generally all operations concerning golf. I have been here 18 yrs. and feel comfortable with the membership and my course programs. Coincidentally I have been receiving their newsletter for the past 3 yrs. and have heard they are courteous and professional. Any replies or heads up is appreciated. Mark.

   
   
   
   
2. Peter Bowman

   

   11 posts
   
   1/28/2015 11:01 PM

   NGF? In-depth study?
   
   Whatever they tell you don't believe it if they say we need to open a golf course a day for the next x number of years just to meet the demand.

   
   
   
   
3. Mowrey Mark S

   
   1/29/2015 5:01 AM

   Thank you Mr. Bowman, I might ask how that is going. I plan on using their visit to my advantage. We have 41 yr. old Penncross push-up greens with a single row irrig. system to match. I also have the original notes taken during construction by the consultant where many things were mentioned that should have been corrected, they weren't. I really want them to take as many soil samples as they can, but they have to get through the first layer of rock first. Then they can move off the greens and move on to the fairways and tees. To my credit though, never had a major problem with the greens, thank God, no nursery. I just hope they don't recommend cutting the $40,000. chemical budget I sweated to get. That is both courses combined, fert., pesticides, wetting agents, everything. I am actually looking forward to their visit, might even get an assistant out of it. We had the USGA Green Section out 7 yrs. ago and they recommended the use of a bulldozer for a month or two. Thanks for taking time to reply, have a good season.

   
   
   
   
4. David Brandenburg

   

   3 posts
   
   1/29/2015 9:01 AM

   Mark,
   
   Although the NGF would not be my first choice to do a study like this they are a favorite of district managers and people in similar positions. I have not been involved with them myself but have never heard anything bad about the work they do.
   
   The same figures and facts you used to build your program and budget will be the same ones you will sell to them.
   
   It is scary for all employees from full time to part time when a consultant comes in and thoughts of Office Space and downsizing come to mind. Be sure to be open and honest with your staff during the process and be open to suggestions of change but be prepared to say why you do what you do.
   
   Good luck and maybe take the red swingline stapler home during the study just in case.

   
   
   
   
5. Mowrey Mark S

   
   1/29/2015 1:01 PM

   Thank you for your comments Mr. Brandenburg. My budget and staff have been cut so much already in the past two yrs. that there is nothing really left to cut, but we all know there will always be something they can take out. I have been told they will be here mostly to review pro shop operations and fees for golf. We probably have the best deal in the States and being in a less populated retirement area, as our members stop playing for one reason or another, there hasn't been anyone to step into there place. They are also adamant about remaining private and the NGF will also address this. At any rate, I am looking forward to their visit and hopefully will learn a lot. I probably have as many questions for them as they do for me.
   Mark.