In a simple story ‘18 Great Things About Golf’, Golf Business Development (GBD) magazine’s next issue aims to inject further positive news in a period when the golf trade is looking ahead after a difficult 2011.
Despite Darren Clarke’s famous Open Championship victory in July, a number of golf businesses had told GBD about how slow their sales returns had become in the second half of the season, hampered no doubt by poor weather and gloomier news on the European economy.
However, at busy trade shows in the UK in Windsor and Harrogate (IOG SALTEX in September and ‘The Golf Show’ in October respectively), the GBD team has met a good selection of manufacturers and suppliers who are looking ahead optimistically towards 2012. The message is: “Out of difficulty comes creativity”.
GBD editor Ben Evans said: “When times are tough, people are forced to become more competitive and more creative with their ideas. Everyone is trying to raise their game. On the evidence of what has been on view at IOG SALTEX and The Golf Show there are some really excellent new products for 2012, which should inspire both retailers and consumers.”
Ben added: “Golf is actually in an exciting position going forwards as a sport. There are some great young players across the Tours, while golf companies are bringing out top products and services to improve the golfers’ experience in every area of the golf club – something GBD can help to promote because we cover the whole industry in our editorial scope.
“Just as in our current issue we have a big interview with IMG’s Guy Kinnings about many positive aspects of the sport, in our next issue we are continuing this theme with an article about 18 of the best things about the game and trade at present. Hopefully, this will be a thought-provoking and fun theme for all our readers.”
GBD has supported the trade positively throughout 2011; initiatives include being a sponsor of the ‘Nearest the Pin’ hole at the BGIA’s Annual Charity Golf Day in May and, more recently, GBD worked as the ‘Golf
Industry Media Partner’ for this year’s Foremost Annual Awards, which took place in Harrogate in October.
Ben Evans added: “The Foremost Awards event was a superbly run evening by the Foremost team in front of a packed audience. A mark of how important and prestigious this night has become came in the genuine delight shown by the award winners. When gritty industry professionals are clearly moved and feel honoured, you realise this is a very big night in the golf industry diary and we were delighted to be involved.”
GBD spoke to Maurice Campbell of Leighton Buzzard Golf Club who won the coveted ‘Foremost Professional of the Year’ award, as well as a number of other key award winners on the night. A full report of the event with interviews will follow in the next issue of GBD magazine.
GBD magazine has quickly established a strong following inBritainandEuropefor its committed production of interesting, informative and entertaining editorial; a ‘joined-up’ approach which can help all management departments of a golf club as it seeks to improve services for customers.