Full public accessibility to golf courses in most of Asia is a real challenge. This is further compounded by the fact that the majority of courses are private clubs and access to the public is an issue that more often than not is frowned upon by members.
So, how do we get around this challenge and help grow the game of golf while at the same time, adding to the coffers of golf clubs? This is a sticky and sensitive matter but it has to be confronted and it will be probed at the 2013 Asia Pacific Golf Summit slated to be held at the Shangri-la Hotel Jakarta on 5 – 7 November.
The panel will be chaired by Peter Downie, General Manager of the Sentosa Golf Club and will include other GMs from major clubs in the region.
A huge challenge faced by aspiring golfers in most parts of Asia relates to availability of golf courses to play the game. If they have access to golf courses, invariably the green fees are exorbitant especially when benchmarked against playing the game in places like Australia. So long as this situation prevails, the golf playing population is not going to grow.
Add to this the problem plaguing many golf clubs in the region and this relates to profitability. Many courses experience more down-time than up time especially during the week and this provides a tremendous opportunity to throw open the gates to public access golf. It’s a no-brainer because it not only fills up the down-time but it also keeps the cash register ringing!
Another positive for public access is that this initiative will come as a tremendous boon to golf tourism and this is a potential growth area for golf clubs in the region.
There are millions to be made by making golf courses accessible to the public. It will take care of the problem of declining rounds, dwindling food and beverage revenue and lack-lustre bottom-lines. Public accessibility is a no-brainer and golf courses in Asia need to seriously consider a paradigm mindset shift.
APGS 2013 has assembled a panel of experts to debate public accessibility and this revolutionary forum will throw up solid arguments to support the motion.
You have an open invitation to come and listen to how change can be brought about for the general good of the golf course industry in Asia. Book your seat NOW – on-line registration is open and all you have to do is click on this link to be a part of this revolution.
Change is in the air and the attitude to public accessibility for golf has got to change in Asia!
On-line registration is now open at: https://secure.golfconference.org/
Asia Pacific Golf Summit www.golfconference.org