Global golf club network Pacific Links International (PLI) could see its portfolio of clubs break 500 in the coming weeks, having added 95 world-class destinations and establishing a presence in six new countries during the first nine months of 2019.
Following the addition of network clubs in South Africa, Egypt, The Netherlands, Myanmar, Jamaica and Bahrain, as well as numerous venues within existing PLI localities, its goal of 500 participating network clubs by the end of the year is looking ever more likely.
Among the prestigious clubs to join the network this year are Brocket Hall (England), Penha Longa (Portugal), TPC Toronto (Canada) and Address Montgomerie (Dubai), to name just a few.
Rudy Anderson, president and chief executive officer of Pacific Links, said: “This year has been a very rewarding one for us. By introducing almost 100 new golf venues within our portfolio, we have enhanced our offering as the most extensive golf network in the world of golf. For the operators of private clubs and resorts looking to attract visitors from our 20,000 Asia-based international members, and upwards of 140,000 members of network clubs reaping the financial benefits of Reciprocal or Affiliate access at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, Pacific Links International is having a real and positive impact.”
Anderson added: “At the start of this year, we set several ambitious targets, but current growth has meant that even those have been surpassed with no signs of slowing down. This gives us great confidence as we move into the last quarter that our offering is continuing to resonate with operators and golfers themselves all over the world.”
PLI manages a 24/7 call centre to organise and administer tee time bookings for all network golfers. This worldwide benefit for the clubs’ local membership and added new revenue potential are the prime motivators for businesses to participate in the network, with approximately 140,000 participating network golfers worldwide.
At participating network clubs, members of reciprocal clubs are entitled to a significant discount off published greens fees at both affiliate and reciprocal clubs, while members of affiliate clubs are entitled to complimentary greens fees at other affiliate clubs and to a significant discount off published greens fees at reciprocal clubs. Providing benefits to both the club and their members’ has been pivotal in PLI’s overwhelming popularity.
Designed for the travelling Chinese golfer, PLI’s international membership structure, meanwhile, provides over 20,000 largely China-based members with access to its network clubs. PLI also serves as a global golf travel service for this group, with additional offerings encompassing golf merchandise sales, tournament access, coaching provision and providing the opportunity to meet and socialize with like-minded individuals. All are inclusive in PLI’s user platform, offering golfers a one-stop-shop for all their requirements.
Earlier in 2019, PLI also announced a new venture with Tiger Woods and Gil Hanse, in which the TGR Design Company was unveiled as lead architect for one of two new golf courses to be created at Mākaha Valley Resort in Hawaii – a project commissioned directly by PLI. TGR will lead the development of the Mākaha North course, while Gill Hanse, creator of the Olympic Course in Rio de Janeiro, will develop the Mākaha South Course.