PGA Professionals must make themselves ‘indispensable’ to the costs conscious golf clubs they serve, has urged Eddie Reid, Managing Director of TGI Golf – Europe’s leading buying group for golf professionals.
Speaking after the group’s regional meetings across the UK and Ireland, Eddie revealed there was concern among some members over the future of golf clubs and the decision-making processes of those who run them.
“Some pros are feeling threatened by the need for golf clubs to continually cut costs – and, for some reason, some clubs see pros as a cost rather than an investment,” said Eddie.
“Therefore it is vital for PGA professionals to make themselves indispensable to their clubs – they must ensure they are proactive and create a position and relationship that makes them a vital cog in the everyday running of the golf club.”
Eddie and his team have visited 12 venues over the last two months talking to the group’s members, listening to their concerns and sharing the group’s visions for 2011.
“Communication is key, it’s a two-way thing,” said Eddie. “If members continue to work with us, keep us up do date and don’t forget we’re here to help then we, as a group, will continue to grow stronger together. We are, after all, working on the members’ behalf.
“It is important that members do not forget they ‘own’ the group and there is a wide range of services they can call on to help them improve their businesses. There is more than one way to make a good margin – it’s not just about retailing; it’s about making a saving by plugging into the services we provide, such as the on-line print system, the enewsletter programme and TGInsure.”
More TGI Golf members than ever before turned out for the 12 meetings with 2011 seeing a 15% increase in attendance over 2010.
“Those who we spoke to are completely focused on working together and continuing to push forward in these tough economic times,” said Eddie.
One theme that continued to crop up was the last year’s bad weather that had a severe impact on golf, with some courses having to shut for up to three months.
Eddie added: “Obviously there is very little anyone can do to influence the weather, but there is plenty PGA professionals can do to ensure they don’t suffer badly when the snow or rain does hit hard.
“Our advice is to buy little and often. Look at stock control and re-evaluate buying styles so you don’t have vast amounts of product at any one time. It is better to have money in the bank than stock you cannot sell.”
With a team of expert retail development advisors based around the country any TGI Golf member who requires any help or support for their business can call upon their nearest RDA for free expert advice.
* TGI Golf has joined the social network scene by opening up its own Twitter account, giving members the opportunity to interact with the group. By following @tgi_golf members will be kept up to date with all the latest news from in and around the group, new marketing initiatives, supplier offers and retail tips.
TGI Golf www.tgigolf.com