Material Matters, UK-based experts in the field of supplier and contract management, is putting the spotlight on fuel, encouraging golf clubs to look beyond the price per litre and consider whether their overall purchasing arrangements are delivering the best value.
For many clubs, fuel purchasing remains reactive: the tank gets low, the usual supplier is contacted, a price is obtained and an order is placed. But with fuel markets capable of changing quickly, there may be advantages to taking a more managed approach.
Material Matters works with a number of nominated fuel suppliers giving golf clubs access to specialist expertise, competitive purchasing arrangements and different ways of managing their fuel requirements. And price is only part of the equation.
Reliable deliveries, scheduled top-ups, fuel-level monitoring and better visibility of consumption can all help clubs manage fuel more efficiently and reduce the risk of last-minute orders.
There are other considerations too. Golf courses remain entitled to use red diesel for qualifying purposes, despite changes to rebated fuel rules introduced in 2022.
The key, says Material Matters, is to understand the options rather than simply continuing with an arrangement because it’s what the club has always done.
Tim Gilpin, Regional Accounts Manager at Material Matters, said: “Golf clubs can’t control movements in the fuel market, but they can control how they buy and manage their fuel. Price matters, but so do reliability, planning and understanding the options available. Our advice is simple: before placing your next fuel order, take the opportunity to review your current arrangements.”
A review doesn’t necessarily mean changing supplier. It simply allows clubs to benchmark their current approach and establish whether there could be a better way.
To find out more, visit materialmattersltd.co.uk