Plymouth Golf Centre in Devon has reported a record breaking start to the year with results across the business showing impressive returns.
With a roster of facilities including a 32-bay covered range with Trackman Range, short game area, on-site Costa Coffee, American Golf retail centre and a Footgolf course, there is plenty to attract visitors to the centre; but it is an innovative software solution and a new Junior coaching model that the venue cites as the key driver behind the unprecedented growth.
“Operationally my life is so much easier since introducing Orbis Golf’s ‘GLF. Connect’ software and ‘Junior Golf Academy’ programme,” commented Sam Stephens, Golf Operations Manager at PGC. “GLF. Connect reports on every aspect of the Academy. I can make strategic decisions based on exact data and with the first-class programming I can be certain that all of my students are receiving a fantastic experience. In short, the Academy runs better, looks better and makes more money.”
Since the introduction of programming and software designed by leading UK player development solutions company Orbis Golf, PGC’s Junior Programming has seen a reduction in attrition of 75% that has led Junior memberships to double to over 100 students. Alongside the thriving monthly business, Junior holiday camps have sold out weeks in advance, with every available space being taken across the school holidays in 2023.
“The Junior Golf Academy programming by Orbis Golf really is second to none. There’s no-one else in the market doing such a complete job,” continued Sam. “The resources provided for coaches, parents and the junior golfer are of fantastic quality and I can be confident that whether I give a session to a brand new coach or one with years of experience, every student is having a fantastic experience.”
Customer retention driven by improved customer experience is at the heart of PGC’s recent success. Alongside junior programming that meets the needs of both Juniors and their parents, PGC has introduced Orbis Golf’s GLF. Connect software that allows management of every aspect of the coaching and customer journey from first contact, payments and automated confirmations to coaching schedules, video feedback and business analysis.
“GLF. Connect joins the dots in a golf business and I think that’s where we’ve been able to deliver real value for PGC,” said Rob Spurrier, CEO and co-founder of Orbis Golf. “We connect coaches, students and the golf business to deliver a great journey for the customer, a seamless process for the coach and all the data a business could need to measure and grow. PGC has benefitted from every aspect of our software and I’m delighted to see them reaping the rewards.”
Results have surpassed all expectations for the start of 2023. Alongside the unprecedented growth of the Junior Academy business PGC has seen a 25% rise in year on year adult coaching revenue for the first four months of 2023, since the introduction of new adult programming.
“I’m thrilled with the progress we’ve made,” concluded Sam. “I genuinely think that PGC is now one of the best places to experience golf in the South West, and if we can continue to deliver a fantastic experience for every customer, we are on course for the business to reach its full potential.”