At a time when many clubs in the United Kingdom and Ireland are concerned about dwindling numbers and revenue, Golf At Goodwood has reported an impressive increase in credit membership to almost 2,000.
The remarkable statistic reveals that in 2013 the West Sussex venue had 1,989 credit members on its books during a period when 52% of clubs surveyed by England Golf reported a significant reduction in numbers. Moreover, Golf At Goodwood has maintained a healthy and notable 90% retention rate of members over the past twelve months.
The basis for this unprecedented success is to be found in the imaginative form of membership devised by Lord March the owner of the Goodwood Estate who produced a payment system back in 2006 that avoided the considerable financial commitment involved in belonging to a club.
Lord March decided that members at Goodwood should pay only for the amount of golf they played and thereby make membership more reasonable. He explained: “Members purchase a modest annual subscription and a choice of three credit bundles to suit their lifestyle. It is a popular system that has already been studied and followed by other clubs throughout the country keen to replicate the Goodwood success story”.
What sets Credit Membership at Goodwood apart from other clubs is that members enjoy the same rights as everyone else unlike many other variations of the model and the flexibility and affordability means that a great number of golfers choose Golf At Goodwood as their second club. The fundamental Goodwood philosophy of service and flexibility to all guests as well as a vigorous and positive marketing and promotional campaign to highlight all the activities on offer at the resort continues to raise the profile of this prestigious venue. The recent addition of renowned Course Manager Phil Helm to the Goodwood team is also set to ensure that both courses go from strength to strength in their conditioning and presentation.
Lord March has watched membership numbers increase year-on-year with strong evidence that its growth will continue he adds: “Golf At Goodwood has given and still gives people more value from their golf with all the benefits you would expect from an exceptional golf environment”.
Golf At Goodwood www.goodwood.com/golf