The UK Golf Course Owners Association’s (UKGCOA) first regional meeting, at Burhill Golf Club on 10th July, was a resounding success.
The networking event was a great platform for course owners and operators to share best practice ideas and learn about new work initiatives from BIGGA, the PGA, and SPORT MARKETING SURVEYS INC.
One particular point that everyone agreed on at networking event was that on taxation. One voice shouting may seem to be at merit on first impressions, but when researching deeper into the solution to a fairer ruling on taxation, traction can only be established when coming together as one strong voice in the industry of sport and leisure.
This was further enhanced by the mutual feeling that in order to develop the game of golf and gain equality in a fragmented industry, governing bodies and trade associations need to work together and form strong relationships in order to progress.
Jim Croxton, Chief Executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) stated: “Golf club owners and operators as well as Greenkeepers’ need to join associations like the UKGCOA and BIGGA because they are the only associations working on behalf of the owner and the greenkeeper.”
“Membership should not be seen as a subscription, but that of investment to tackle the issues in the golfing industry.”
Among the discussions on taxation and what the UKGCOA can do for an owner, multiple ideas came from Colin Mayes (CEO of the Burhill Golf and Leisure Group), Andrew Lloyd-Skinner (Proprietor of North Weald Golf Club) and Ollie Worts (Business Development Officer, PGA) on how to develop a golf clubs operation and membership.
To attend one of the next regional meetings email Association Manager, Debbie Goddard (debbie.goddard@ukgcoa.com) or call +44 (0) 2476 414 999. Attendance is free with no limitations on how many colleagues you bring to the meeting.
| Date | Region | Destination | Address |
| 24th July | Midlands | Gaudet Luce Golf Club | Complex Middle Ln, Hadzor, Droitwich, Worcestershire. 01905 796375 |
| 14th August | North West | De-Vere Wychwood Park | Wychwood Park, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5GP 0844 980 2323 |
| 3rd September | Wales and The West | The Bristol Golf Club | St Swithins Park, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP 01454 620000 |
| TBC | East | North Weald Golf Club | Rayley Lane, North Weald Bassett, North Weald, Essex CM19 6AR 01992 522188 |
Those who cannot attend but want to talk to the UKGCOA about:
- Issues in the industry
- The developments on taxation
- What exactly the UKGCOA can do for you
should email Andrew Lloyd-Skinner, the Association’s new interim Chief Executive via Debbie Goddard on the above email address.
For more information about the meetings, please click here