The new online platform for the proprietary golf course and driving range owners industry show which is organised by The UK Golf Federation with technology and media partner Golf Business News has been well received by speakers and delegates alike.
Keith Pelley, CEO of the European Tour, said: “I was hugely impressed by the drive and enthusiasm of everyone at the UK Golf Federation and that came across during the conference which I was delighted to be a part of.”
Robert Maxfield, PGA Chief Executive, said: “A tremendous show for the entire industry with an impressive range of speakers and contributors. Given the circumstances it was a terrific achievement to coordinate such a successful event and we were delighted to have taken part.”
Golf course owners and operators were equally generous with their comments. Marc Hayton of Foxhills Resort and Farleigh Golf Club said it was “a terrific achievement and good fun”. Fame Tate, the owner of Stanedge Golf Course who is a PGA Member and one of the speakers, commented: “It worked extremely well and was an insightful few days!” while Stephen Towers, CEO of Crown Golf, said: “Well done to all the contributors. That was a really good conference with some great sessions and a format that really worked well.”
The Chairman of UKGF and a multi-site owner through Maple Leaf Golf, Richard Haygarth said: “Who would have though GolfBIC online could have been so successful. It was just brilliant.”
Doug Poole, CEO of UKGF, summed up GolfBOC.online as follows: “GolfBIC21 online was a gamble that handsomely paid off for the golf industry, with 20 leading industry speakers opening their hearts to the delegates and industry.
“That’s a huge ask but they all supported us with interest and information that will help our businesses into 2021 and beyond.
“The key thoughts were around how golf will look after the UK opens up fully after the Covid lockdowns. Businesses have all taken the chance to re-think their business strategy and their business plans. Retention is the major concern, as whilst golf boomed in 2020 after golf opened post lockdown and membership grew as did green fee income, 2021 will see other sports becoming available again to the public and a possible slippage away for golf yet again.
“It also clear that other areas of golf participation need further thought. The driving range experience can change and is changing to give a full fun and entertainment option for business and ‘inrange’, Awesome and Trackman range service providers can change income revenue of golf facilities by using their amazing technology to make practice and entry into golf fun and a family experience with F&B services added too!
“The management of golf courses tee times was another key issue raised by the industry speakers and it was seen as a part of a golf course’s business they should take more management of. ClubNet who were exhibiting at GB21 could offer service and advice on this important issue and help stop heavily discounted greens fee income going out the window.
“Along with these key points cashless operation was believed to be a good way to take your business forward. Look to retention for 2021 as statistics show that new members to golf trend on leaving the game after 24 months so make new members target groups for your business, and to quote Keith Pelley, ‘Golf for most is fun and entertainment’.
“So let’s get busy growing our businesses in 21 and as highlighted in GB21, look for grow women’s golf using Women’s Golf Charter and Women’s Golf Day initiatives.”
For registered delegates, access to all the talks and the exhibitor displays will continue to be available ‘all hours’ until the end of April. With around 15 hours of broadcast material to view, exhibition stands provided by The PGA, British Golf Industry Association, and the ‘Kickstart Initiative’ offering free downloads and online advice, and the commercial offerings from around 15 suppliers, there is so much to see and so much to learn.