With tightening budgets, falling visitor numbers and slashed green fee rates, Irish Golf Clubs have been taking hits on all sides for the last couple of years. A new company has spotted an opportunity amongst the myriad of challenges providing Golf Clubs with a much needed life-line.
“Barely a week goes by without us hearing of another golf club getting into difficulty or being forced into receivership in a last gasp effort to pay creditors,” said Tiernan Byrne, Director of Par Four Purchasing. “Reduced subscriptions have done little to maintain membership levels and casual golfers are demanding lower green fees and spending less in the clubhouse. Cost control has always been an integral part of operating a successful Golf Club and as the recession takes its toll, it has become vital to ensure Golf Clubs are getting the best value for their Euro!
“Welcome to Par Four Purchasing – A purchasing group dedicated to Irish Golf Clubs. Par Four realise that while Clubs have been forced to focus on membership retention and green fee revenue, it is also necessary to tackle the other side of the equation…. the Club’s cost base. Par Four was created to leverage the purchasing power of the member clubs thereby obtaining discounts from carefully selected vendors representing a broad range of suppliers to the golf industry.
“Our aim is to help clubs manage their costs without compromising the quality or service they provide.”
Having completed a very successful pilot scheme in 2009, Par Four is now being officially launched as a direct response to the challenging times facing the Golf industry. Clubs gain access to the products they need at a price guaranteed to provide value for money.
One key benefit to the group is that there is no obligation on the golf club to use a particular supplier, thereby allowing the golf club to maintain full control over its purchasing.
Par Four is being rolled out via interactive workshops. Visit www.parfour.ie for further information or contact Tiernan on 01 453 4011 or 087 860 6347.
Par Four Purchasing is part of the Citrus Golf Group www.citrus-golf.com