Through its program for international development the “LeClub” network – almost 100 member courses in France, and over 150 courses in Europe and the USA partnered with LeClub – has just signed its first franchising agreement with the Spanish chain of courses – Global Green. The contract foresees the promotion and development of “LeClub” in Spain.
With ambitious goals – bringing in 50 independent Spanish courses into the network between now and the end of 2014, a close relationship between NGFGolf and LeClub and Global Green has been constructed over a period of a few months.
Global Green is a course construction, development and management company benefitting from an image of quality and stability.
In a difficult economic environment, Global Green chose the “LeClub” concept as it replies to the expectations of many Spanish golf course owners at the present time who need to join forces in a purchasing alliance, encourage player benefits and loyalty, and assist golf courses in their needs to professionalize their approach and remain profitable.”
“We were thinking over solutions for the Spanish market when we met up with NGFGolf. The economic and logistics model seemed perfectly adapted to the needs of the Spanish market, and what is more, the philosophy of the two companies was extremely similar. The win/win culture at all levels, and the attention paid to a job well done for example were two major decision points,” explains Pedro Soroa, the CEO of Global Green.
“LeClub in Spainwill enable Global Green to offer a proven solution to all clubs that contact us for assistance. We are very shortly going to present the network all overSpainin the coming weeks and prepare ourselves to rapidly becoming a family of 50 courses inSpain” says the young manager.
The “LeClub” concept was developed by NGFGolf (31 golf course operator) in France on some basic fundamental principles which have been a great success.
Firstly, independent golf courses join together in a purchasing alliance, which helps bring down costs, notably on the maintenance side of golf course operations. Secondly, a unique loyalty program for members and green fee players helps keep players within the network with fantastic benefits. Thirdly LeClub promotes, advertises and communicates for all the courses in the network and finally, the operators assist golf course managers in golf course running tasks and best practice. All of these principles and details will be presented on the Spanish market in the coming weeks.
Paul Armitage, LeClub COO, goes further: “Obviously, we are thrilled about signing this first franchise of LeClub abroad. All projects evolve around the determination of the people who take them through, and we are very lucky to have found in Global Green a fantastic partner, with an entrepreneurial spirit very similar to ours at NGFGolf. Their resources, both human and logistics, are all in the starting blocks, and using some wonderful innovations we have created for the French market, I am very confident we will achieve a network similar to what we have going in France very soon. This partnership is also an excellent opportunity for our French customers too – as of tomorrow our 50 odd thousand card holders will be able to discover some stunning golf and luxury accommodation here in Spain at the best prices!” For example:
- El Rompido, near Huelva (between the border with Portugal and Sevilla) – a magnificent 36 hole complex with a 5* hotel and resort on site and a breathtaking beach just 5 minutes’ walk down the road !
- Another jewel to discover is Isla Valdecanas Golf and Resort. About 90 minutes’ drive fromMadridAirport, it is a true oasis. Only opened a year ago, and built on an island, this golf course and complex is already a reference by its design and maintenance quality. An 80 bedroom hotel and a private beach on a 7000 Ha lake will seduce amateurs looking for unique discoveries. In fact, it should be discovered pretty soon before the word gets out!
LeClub www.leclub-golf.com