The initiatives which started at Harrogate Week in January seem to be both growing in momentum and also spreading across a wider territory. Ultimately the movement may well spread its scope and influence to embrace Europe as a whole.
Three months ago the overwhelming majority of the nearly twenty members and associates of the British Association of Golf Course Constructors agreed that the BAGCC needed to go through a process of restructuring.
It was felt that with continuing European Directives, Health & Safety Issues along with both Insurance and CDM regulations, all those involved in new construction work and/or the increasing number of renovations to existing courses face serious challenges.
Since that time contacts have been made with the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, the European Golf Course Owners Association, the Land Drainage Contractors Association, British Turf & Landscape Irrigation Association, Turfgrass Growers Association, and National Turfgrass Foundation.
“The BAGCC has been going through a difficult period,” said founder member Brian Pierson. “However we are now moving forward and are committed to regaining our place as the golf course construction association that represents the leaders in the field. We have received enormous encouragement and support for this new initiative from ‘the golf industry’ at large.”
BAGCC was formed during the late 1970s when a small, experienced group of people specialising in different disciplines within the golf course industry became increasingly concerned by the varying standards of workmanship in evidence throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
They decided to form an association of like-minded people who were known to have performed work to the highest standards in all aspects of golf course construction; from initial consultation, survey, through design and construction to regular course maintenance.
The founders realised that their business associates were a vital, additional part of the BAGCC team. Associates are leading members of the golf industry, proven experts with many years of experience in their particular field of enterprise. Thus BAGCC constructors turn to associate members first and foremost, especially when seeking guidance on the best application of their products and services.
The reason for the founding members’ concerns was the rise in demand for new golf courses, a situation which has continued unabated for very many years. Indeed the need for an association of those with expertise, widely acknowledged and used throughout the business, is as relevant today as it was nearly thirty years ago. The locations of new golf course construction are more demanding than ever as are the requirements of both the regulators and the customers.
“We will be up-dating the ‘old’ web site in the near future,” says Brian Pierson, “and feel that now is the time to ask all those involved with golf course construction to consider the advantages of becoming members or associates of BAGCC as we embark on this ‘rebranding’. The new membership year runs from April. Full constructor member fees are £600 per annum with associates paying £300.”
Brian D Pierson can be contacted by e-mail at brian@piersongolf.com but in case of difficulty please contact Golf Business News.com geoff@golfbusinessnews.com and the message will be sent on immediately.