Author: Sarah Connelly

The PGA can confirm the renewal of its long-standing partnership with 59club, marking 15 years of collaboration since the first agreement in 2010. The new three-year agreement reinforces the shared commitment to elevating industry standards and supporting both PGA Members and PGA Branded Properties worldwide.

Founded in 2008 by PGA Master Manager Simon Wordsworth, 59club has grown into a global leader in performance management, supporting over 1200 Golf & Leisure Clubs, Spa’s, Hotels, Retail establishments and F&B outlets worldwide. Their team includes Directors and PGA Members Mark Reed, Matt Roberts, Andy Etherington, and a network of regional managers. Together, they help venues improve customer satisfaction, sales performance, and staff development.

59club’s expertise is demonstrated through services such as satisfaction surveys, mystery shopper audits, financial comparison tools, and employee training. Underpinned by its “Measure. Train. Support.” philosophy, this integrated approach ensures venues gain a clear understanding of their performance, are equipped to develop their teams and are continuously supported to improve. By benchmarking against both industry averages and ‘podium’ data – drawn from the world’s highest-performing properties – venues can track where they stand and are guided towards sustained progression.

Excellence is recognised through 59club’s Annual Regional Service Excellence Awards, where venues are awarded bronze, silver, and gold flag designations alongside individual and team accolade. This culminates in a Global Awards Ceremony, bringing together regional champions to reveal the prestigious Signature Collection, Global Managers of the Year, and those venues and leaders that achieve Eminent Collection status.

Over the past 15 years, 59club has become a trusted partner for The PGA, sharing a vision of excellence within golf club management. They continue to provide PGA Members with educational opportunities and insights to enhance their performance, customer experience and operational efficiency.

Duncan Rougvie, Head of Commercial at The PGA, said: “We’re excited to be renewing our partnership with 59club, a relationship that still feels as progressive and aligned today as it did on day one.

“Founded by PGA Members, their deep understanding of golf operations runs through everything they do, and that credibility really matters to our network. As we continue to expand our portfolio of PGA Branded Properties globally, working with the 59Club ensures those venues are supported to deliver a true gold standard of service and performance.

“Beyond that, the value they bring to our wider membership through education, insight and collaboration is second to none, whether through shared content, events or hands-on development. It’s a partnership built on raising standards, and one we’re proud to be continuing.”

Matthew Voyle, General Manager at Bowood – one of many of 59club’s clients and a PGA Golf Course and Academy – added: “Working with 59club has been a game-changer for how we run the resort day-to-day.

“The feedback is honest and straightforward, highlighting both our strengths and areas where we can improve. While it’s not always easy to hear, it’s exactly what drives us to improve.

“What’s made the biggest difference is the impact on our team. The feedback is so clear and actionable that it’s easy for everyone across departments to take ownership. This has been especially helpful in areas like the booking journey and hotel service, where those touchpoints fall outside the golf operation but still play a huge role in the overall guest experience. It’s helped us deliver a more consistent, cohesive experience across the entire resort.”

For PGA Members, 59club offers access to leading surveys and mystery shopper audits that provide detailed service performance analysis. Members can also take advantage of various professional development opportunities, including masterclasses, educational content in PGA Monthly, digital resources via PGA Learn and recognition through the Annual Service Excellence Awards.

PGA Branded Properties benefit from up to four mystery shop visits per year, alongside tailored analysis to identify areas for improvement. Bespoke staff training and access to 59club Mentor – an online training and asset management portal – helping properties enhance customer satisfaction and performance, supporting them in maintaining their PGA Branded Property status.

Simon Wordsworth, Founder and CEO of 59club concluded: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with The PGA, built on a shared commitment to raising service standards across the golf industry.

“From supporting PGA Branded Properties to delivering insight, benchmarking, and education for PGA Professionals, this collaboration continues to evolve with the modern game.

“Today’s PGA Professional is taking on broader, more commercially focused roles, and our mystery shopping programmes, satisfaction surveys, and performance tools provide the support they need to thrive.

“We’re also delighted to have The PGA fully behind our global intern initiative, uniting clubs worldwide with top level talent and to accelerate the education, development and real-world business experience of the next generation of PGA Professionals.”

Exclusive Offer for PGA Members

As part of the renewed partnership, a limited number of PGA Members will have the opportunity to access a complimentary 59club Mystery Shopper audit. Designed to provide detailed insight into service delivery and commercial performance, the audit supports PGA Members in identifying strengths, opportunities and areas for development. Each audit is tailored to the individual business, covering areas such as retail, coaching, custom fitting, visitor experience, membership sales and food and beverage performance.

Availability is limited to the first 15 PGA Members.

Secure your complimentary audit today by contacting your regional 59club manager here. Limited to 15 PGA Members.

New partnership combines training, measurement, and mystery testing to enhance the caddie experience and support clubs worldwide

59club, the leading provider of customer service and sales performance management in golf and hospitality, has announced a new partnership with Caddy Clubhouse – a platform created by three world-class caddies to support caddies to refine and master their craft, and for golf clubs to manage and develop their caddie programs.

Caddy Clubhouse’s Club Course equips caddies with essentials such as green reading, yardage books, etiquette, course management and pace of play. By building confidence and professionalism, the platform enables clubs to deliver consistently high-quality experiences on and off the course.

The collaboration was showcased during the 59club Global Golf Day, part of the three-day build-up to the inaugural 59club Global Service Excellence Awards. A dedicated team of caddies from Caddy Clubhouse supported golfers throughout the event, ensuring a first-class experience across The Belfry’s iconic Brabazon Golf Course the day after hosting the British Betfred Masters. Education, networking and the awards – where the world’s top managers were crowned alongside the 59club Eminent and new Signature Collection were all highlights.

“Caddy Clubhouse is more than a training program – it’s about raising the bar for caddies everywhere,” said Jonathan, Co-founder at Caddy Clubhouse. “Working with 59club gives us the tools to measure, benchmark and improve the caddie experience, creating real value for clubs, caddies and golfers alike.”

Simon Wordsworth, 59club Founder and CEO added; “We are delighted to support the Caddy Clubhouse program as it raises the bar for service excellence and enriches the golfer experience. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and to creating meaningful engagement across the caddie community.”

The partnership will focus on integrating caddie surveys into My59, enhancing mystery testing, and strengthening training content; reinforcing 59club’s mission to deliver measurable service excellence while empowering Caddy Clubhouse to elevate caddie programs worldwide.

For more information on how this partnership can benefit your club, or to explore opportunities to enhance your caddie program, please contact sarah@59club.com at 59club and info@caddyclubhouse.com at Caddy Clubhouse.

59club, the global leader in customer service benchmarking and training for the golf and leisure industry, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Power Tee®, the premier automated teeing system trusted by golf facilities around the world.

This collaboration brings together 59club’s industry-leading performance analytics and training expertise with Power Tee’s cutting-edge technology to elevate the modern practice experience. The partnership will provide golf venues with a powerful, integrated solution designed to enhance customer satisfaction, increase operational efficiency, and drive revenue growth.

Power Tee’s automated systems are celebrated for delivering consistent, seamless practice sessions, allowing golfers to focus on improving their game without distraction. Now, with 59club’s data-driven insight and training tools layered into the experience, facilities can raise the bar on both service delivery and customer engagement.

Simon Wordsworth, CEO of 59club, commented:
“We are thrilled to partner with Power Tee. Their commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to drive excellence in customer service. 59club is all about touch points — whether it’s staff interaction or technology. We aim to work with suppliers who enhance the overall experience, and Power Tee certainly delivers on that. We’re excited to work together to educate and support the industry.”

Matt Foley, Managing Director at Power Tee®, added:
“Over the past 29 years Power Tee® has thrived in exceeding expectations for range users and range owners alike. Power Tee® has grown engagement and grown revenues in all 21 countries it has been installed in (to date). Working with 59club is a natural fit for both companies as we have been intertwined throughout both of our solo journeys. Simon featured in one of our first videos at The Belfry, Matt Roberts and Will Hewitt have both worked with us on the ground, so it is a wonderful opportunity to work with them all again. Our technology is designed to elevate the practice experience for golfers of all abilities. Partnering with 59club allows us to go beyond the physical product — helping venues create a full-circle service experience that meets the high expectations of today’s golfers.”

This strategic alliance underscores both companies’ shared dedication to advancing the golf industry through innovation, insight, and service excellence. Facilities that embrace this integrated approach can expect improvements in guest satisfaction, increased usage of practice areas, and stronger team performance.

About 59club
59club is a leading provider of performance measurement and management solutions for the golf, leisure, and hospitality industries. Through mystery shopping, customer surveys, and training programs, 59club helps venues enhance service quality, staff engagement, and profitability.

About Power Tee®
Power Tee ® is the world’s #1 automated teeing system, installed at over 400 golf facilities in 21 countries. Notably working with industry leaders such as The Home of Golf, St. Andrews Academy for 21 years, The Belfry, Celtic Manor and many more worldwide. Power Tee®  has been engineered to improve the practice experience, Power Tee® allows golfers to maintain rhythm and focus, offering a superior training environment for players of all levels. The real kicker for golf club owners is the increase in perception of value, the added value of having a range concierge in place for their members and guests. For Range owners the fact that 60 golf balls are hit 42% quicker than a generic mat helps with work flow and customer experience. As bending over to change a tee peg in a generic mat is 29 years out of date, surely your customers deserve better.

Leading customer service and performance management specialists 59club have announced a new global partnership with Global Talent Solutions, marking a significant step forward in the development of future talent within the golf and hospitality industries.

Simon Wordsworth, Founder and CEO of 59club, commented:

“We have been looking to partner with a ‘Talent’ business that reflected our company goals for a long time, and ever since meeting Sean & Hilly, it became obvious that Global Talent Solutions are exactly the right fit. Their deep understanding of the Club & Hospitality industry honed through hands-on experience at premium 59club venues is invaluable.

“Our partnership will enable some of the best talent in the industry to spread their wings and grow, while also collaborating with us on the development of 59club’s new internship program.”

This internship initiative is designed to give young, aspiring professionals the chance to gain invaluable experience by working across a variety of 59club venues over a three- to four-year period. The program will immerse participants in diverse roles, cultures, and management styles, shaping the next generation of golf and hospitality leaders.

Global Talent Solutions are already actively engaged with 59club, supporting recruitment across multiple regions. In the United States, they are working alongside Mark Reed, 59club Co-Founder and General Manager of 59club USA, to help source top-tier talent for a number of vacant positions. Simultaneously, 59club MEA, under the guidance of Mark Bull, is also leveraging the partnership in its search for new regional managers to support growth across the Middle East and Africa.

“It was important for us that our partner had deep networks within the world’s expanding golf and hospitality economies,” Wordsworth continued. “This partnership opens the door to an exciting and purposeful development pathway for young professionals.”

Reflecting on the long-term value of such initiatives, Wordsworth added:

“Over 25 years ago, during my time at The Belfry, I launched a similar initiative that helped shape the careers of individuals like Chris Trott, Richard Barker, Daryll Evans, and Nicky Lawrenson, amongst many others. Just imagine the kind of professional we could develop today — someone who has spent several years immersed in different cultures and leadership styles — and the value they would bring to the global golf industry, to 59club, and to our clients.”

Sean Plunkett, Director of Global Talent Solutions, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“We are beyond excited to announce our partnership with 59club globally and together are poised to make a significant impact on the industry. This partnership will not only empower us to help their client clubs by connecting exceptional talent with incredible opportunities but also support 59club to enhance an exciting new internship program. By providing young professionals with the unique chance to work across various venues and cultures that will provide a valuable foundation for their careers to thrive. We’re confident we can help shape the next generation of leaders in the golf and hospitality sectors by our shared values of customer service, training and support.

“Global Talent Solutions offers tailored recruiting solutions to the Club & Hospitality industry, placing mid-senior level talent globally. Our track record underscores our commitment to effective recruiting practices that will help you cultivate a talented team of professionals. Having personally worked within the industry across the world, we understand how important it is to have a team that not only has the necessary skills and experience, but will also thrive and fit seamlessly within your club’s culture.”

The partnership between 59club and Global Talent Solutions is effective immediately, with further details on the internship program and expanded recruitment strategies set to be announced in the coming months.

March 11, 2025 – Pacesetter Technology, a leading innovator in mobile technology for private clubs, has announced a strategic partnership with 59club, the industry’s customer service management specialist. The collaboration is driven by a shared mission: helping clubs elevate their customer experience through cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights.

By integrating Pacesetter’s advanced mobile solutions with 59club’s industry-leading analytics and training programs, this partnership will set a new standard for club operations and customer experience. Club leaders will gain real-time access to key performance data, training materials, and access to industry events, enabling them to make more informed decisions and deliver exceptional service.

“I am so excited to start this partnership with Pacesetter,” said Simon Wordsworth, Founder of 59club. “Their product and aspirations match exactly what 59club is all about. Over the next few years, the mobile experience delivered by Pacesetter will dramatically change the way our clients interact with 59club. We will be able to support our venues as they strive for excellence by providing mobile access to results, events, training materials, and much more. In addition, 59club will look to support Pacesetter clients with the data they need to be the best club for their members, and the best employer possible. This partnership is just a perfect match—two companies at the top of their fields, striving for better.”

Pacesetter Technology’s innovative mobile solutions are already transforming club experiences, enhancing personalization, and streamlining operations. By joining forces with 59club, clubs will have unprecedented access to both cutting-edge technology and world-class training resources, allowing them to raise service levels and drive member and guest satisfaction.

“We’re thrilled to partner with 59club,” said George Stavros, CEO of Pacesetter Technology. “Our technology, coupled with the deep industry knowledge and training from the team at 59club, is a perfect fit. Aligning our shared values exponentially helps us both raise the bar on the member experience.”

This partnership underscores both companies’ long term commitment to innovation and service excellence, ensuring that golf clubs & resorts have the tools and insights necessary to thrive in a competitive landscape.

• For more information about Pacesetter Technology, visit www.pacesettertechnology.com. To learn more about 59club, visit www.59club.com.

59club, the leading provider of customer experience benchmarking and improvement solutions for the golf, leisure, retail, and hospitality industries, is excited to announce the expert appointment of Chris Geraghty as its new Managing Partner for 59club Asia.

Geraghty’s experience with signature Troon managed properties, in North Africa, Bahrain, and Asia plus time spent with Stella Di Mare Hotels & Resorts in Egypt and De Vere Hotels in the UK speaks volumes for the impending impact Geraghty is set to make as he takes the reigns in driving 59club’s operations across the region.

Boasting a collection of accolades – including four 59club Gold Flag Awards shared between two properties (The Royal Golf Club & Vattanac Golf Resort) also having historically claimed a Silver Flag during Vattanac’s first year of partnering with 59club, and personally receiving the enviable 59club Asia Golf Manager of the year title in 2023 – there is no denying the impact that Geraghty will have on customer service standards in the region as he works closely with all 59club affiliate properties to manage change, increase reputation and improve club profitability.

Of the announcement Geraghty said; “Joining 59club to lead the Asia region is extremely exciting. The opportunity to support Hospitality Business Owners, Management Companies, General Managers, and their respective teams throughout Asia deliver higher levels of service through globally gathered quantitative data, ongoing training, and measurement of results is an incredible prospect.

“Guest expectations in Asia are among the highest I’ve seen throughout a global career, and to be able to share my track record of providing exceptional levels of service with hospitality leaders in over 10 countries to exceed guest expectations is going to be fundamental to the ongoing success of 59club in the region. Thanks to the hard work of the previous management team, 59club Asia is in a fantastic position and I’m very much looking forward to getting started in 2025”.

Of the appointment Simon Wordsworth, 59club Founder & CEO said; “We are delighted to welcome Chris to the team, what an incredible asset for 59club and the clubs in the region to benefit from his expertise, experience and passion. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Araya Singhsuwan for helping to establish our brand in Asia and to James Shippey of Absolute Golf Services for their unwavering support. We look forward to continuing to support our affiliate properties in the region and in welcoming new venues to the 59club network attracted by their desire to excel.

For all enquiries about 59club’s Mystery Shopping, Satisfaction Surveys, and Training & Education opportunities in Asia simply reach out to chrisg@59club.com

Andy Siddall is the Director and Co-Founder of Robincroft Consulting. For 20 years he held leadership roles within both educational environments and professional sport as an elite cricket coach and he has worked as a personal performance coach since 2015.

Personal performance coach Andy Siddall explains his theory behind Deliberate Leadership and how it can help you to achieve your business goals

If you are anything like me that question will annoy you! This is because leadership is so complex and dynamic we shouldn’t be looking to categorise people into boxes and one particular style, but instead recognise that the leaders who possess the most skills and flexibility of styles will be the most effective.

The style of leadership adopted by leaders can significantly impact their team’s motivation and performance, and we will all have natural tendencies for one style over another, a default as it were. But when it comes to the styles that leaders adopt a lot goes into the mix.

Naturally there is their personality, the impact of their cultural background and their experience to consider. Add to this their mindset and the time and space they are in, who they are leading, what needs to be achieved and in what timeframe, and of course, what is at stake.

Plenty has been written on leadership styles and a quick internet search will present you with various links and infographics on the subject. So, for this article, we won’t be duplicating a version of these or muddying the water with lots of approaches, but will list Daniel Goleman’s Six Styles of Leadership as a consideration point:

At Robincroft, we believe in leadership effectiveness and being able to make a positive impact is what it’s all about. With this in mind you may want to consider doing these three things:

1: Reflect on the culture, behaviours and outputs of those you lead. What’s good? What’s not? What needs to be different?

2: Reflect on your own leadership behaviours. What style do you spend most of your time in? Consider how those you lead would describe it, and answer the question of ‘what is it like to be led by you?’

3: Consider what the benefits could be if you adopted different approaches. What skills may you need to develop in order to be more effective?

It’s remarkable how many successful professional sports teams across the globe have had a similar mantra plastered across the walls of their changing room:

‘What does the team need from me now?’ The aim? To impact the decision making and behaviour.

As leaders we urge you to embrace a style of what we call Deliberate Leadership and to adopt a similar mantra by constantly asking yourself: What does my business/team need from me now? Or what does this person need from me now?

Deliberate Leadership is a style that requires both conscious thought and conscious action. It requires you to have a quality assessment of those you lead, which allows you to make quality decisions of what they need.

Deliberate Leadership is both purposeful and flexible, transitioning between styles and approaches depending on what’s required.

Deliberate Leadership is having both a clear intention in our approach and being clear where our attention needs to be to achieve the desired results while helping us grow and develop our employees. Leadership is complex, so don’t just do it – do it deliberately!

• Featuring over 150 service providers
• Global Insights
• Education
• Industry Interviews
• Partner Features
• Meet your regional team

Read More Here!

Kathy and Rodger Cole searched sporadically for a second home for the past several years with their sights set on Lake Tahoe. The couple, who live in the San Francisco Bay area, accelerated their plans when the pandemic hit, and switched gears to look at Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel, California.

“We knew it was time to get serious about a vacation home that we could easily drive to once Covid-19 hit,” said Rodger Cole, a 51-year-old lawyer. “We went to The Preserve in Carmel, which is 65 miles from our house, four weekends in a row to play golf and to look at houses.”

The Coles purchased their home, which features 4,000 square feet, three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a patio with a fire pit and a meadow view, for $3.45 million.

“We’ll likely spend as much as three-fourths of our time at The Preserve because our kids, who are in middle school and high school, are doing virtual learning this semester,” said Mrs. Cole, who is 48. “The whole family plays golf, and the kids can ride horses at the equestrian center. And even though this place is so secluded and serene, the internet service is better than at our home in Silicon Valley.”

Golf course communities, which had been losing popularity for a few years, have seen a resurgence in interest since this spring. The states with the most golf courses include Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, North and South Carolina and Texas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. .

“Most of our clients are having record years in rounds of golf played and golf club memberships sold,” said Mike Kelly, managing partner of the 59 Club USA, a consulting company based in Statham, Georgia, that analyzes customer service and makes recommendations in the hospitality industry, including golf for courses. “Those that are selling real estate into these environments, especially those in more vacation-like settings away from bigger cities, are also seeing great results this year.”

Golf is one of the few activities that people could continue to participate in during the pandemic because it is played outdoors and was allowed in most states, Mr. Kelly said.

“The membership and real estate side of the business is growing due to the trust the market has put into the care given by a private club or community,” Mr. Kelly said. “People simply feel it is a more secure environment than going to a facility that is open to the general public, including the restaurants, pools and kids programming.”

At Santa Lucia Preserve, for example, the community anticipated selling 30 new club memberships this spring and summer but sold 70 new full golf memberships and another 43 social memberships, said Jen Anello, director of sales for The Preserve. Initiation fees, which are required to join the private golf club, range from $60,000 to $160,000. Annual dues, minimum spending requirements and maintenance fees are also charged to golf club members and vary widely.

“We’ve seen interest in The Preserve change exponentially since the pandemic started,” Ms. Anello said. “Usually it takes people at least two years between their first visit and their decision to buy, but now people are making the decision within weeks or months.”

Seclusion and Golf Entice New Residents to Island Life

At Haig Point, a golf course community on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, far more potential buyers inquired about property between March 1 and May 15 this year (795 inquiries) compared to the same period last year (472), according to Adam Martin, vice president of sales and marketing there.

“We have the lowest number of homes on the market than ever, which is partly a reflection of the fact that a unique form of security and safety is baked into the community because it can only be reached by boat,” Mr. Martin said. “The number of rounds of golf played in June and July was up 150% compared to last year because golf is a naturally socially distant sport that’s played outside.”

The initiation fee for golf membership at Haig Point is $20,000.

At Haig Point, about 50% of residents stay year-round, but this year, that has shifted to about 70%, said Doug Egly, the CEO there. Haig Point’s buyers come from nearby Southern states, the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic and New England, especially cities that have a direct flight to Savannah or Hilton Head.

“We’ve definitely seen a resurgence of interest in golf and a change in who plays, too,” said Mr. Egly. “It used to be just the husbands, but now the whole family plays. The number of golf clinics for kids and ladies has gone way up. Instead of people playing once a week, our residents are playing three or four times a week, especially parents playing with their kids.”

Ted Lape, a 55-year-old business owner from Columbus, Ohio, and his wife Kelly, a 50-year-old former lawyer, visited Haig Point for decades before the Covid-19 pandemic nudged them to buy there. They closed on a $904,000 property in June.

“We have a sophomore in college, a freshman in college and a ninth-grader who were all doing virtual learning from a rented house in Haig Point in April,” Mr. Lape said. “We were playing golf every day in between virtual school and remote work, and we decided it was time to buy here.”

The golf course at Haig Point is playable for all skill levels, which makes it easier for the whole family to enjoy it together, Mr. Lape said.

“What makes Haig Point unique is that it’s a great golf community combined with privacy and the beach,” Mr. Lape said. “It’s always possible to get a tee time and you don’t even see other people or the other holes while you’re playing.”

Arizona Acreage with Seven Golf Courses

In Scottsdale, Arizona, the Desert Mountain golf course community saw golf rounds increase from 27,438 played in May through July last year to 39,579 played in those same months in 2020, according to Nicole Forbes, the community’s director of membership sales. In addition, 50 new golf memberships were sold in June, July and August this year, compared to 31 during that same period in 2019. The initiation fee for golf membership is $30,000 at Desert Mountain.

“We’ve seen a change this year in our homebuyers, too,” Ms. Forbes said. “It used to take people two to five years to visit and buy a home, but this spring and summer, people are buying in a 30- to- 60-day timeframe. Most people used to buy second homes here and then eventually move here full time, but now the majority of buyers plan to make this their primary residence.”

The increase in golfers includes more women and children than in the past at Desert Mountain’s seven golf courses, said Kim Atkinson, director of marketing and communications for the community.

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen a shift to more families with younger children moving here, so during the pandemic, we converted our youth activities center to a socially distanced virtual classroom, offered tutoring and more kids activities,” Ms. Forbes said. “The golf courses are a big driver for home purchases, not only for players but also because people like the canvas of all the year-round green grass outside their windows.”

Texas Hill Country Enhanced with Golf

At Cordillera Ranch in Boerne, Texas, about 20 minutes north of San Antonio, the number of inquiries into buying homes started to climb beginning in mid-April and continued on an upward trajectory in May, June and July, according to Charlie Hill, president and chief operating officer of DH Investments, developers of Cordillera Ranch.

“About 90% of our buyers live here full-time, with a lot of young families, especially, moving here in the past few years,” Mr. Hill said. “Golf is the cornerstone of the community, especially this year. Normally, we see the number of rounds played go up 2% to 3% per year, but this year, the number of rounds played so far is up 50% over 2019.”

Most buyers at Cordillera Ranch purchase golf memberships, Mr. Hill said. The initiation fee for membership is $70,000.

“Golf is the major draw, but this year, especially, people also like the access to parks, trails, the equestrian center and the river,” Mr. Hill said. “Most of our properties are on one to three acres and we have lots of outdoor activities. Our buyers are happy to get away from the confines and chaos of cities.”

59CLUB PROVIDES COMPLIMENTARY DATA TO CLUB INDUSTRY

STATHAM, Ga. – The North American arm of customer service satisfaction and benchmarking firm 59club announced today they have gathered data from over 100 clubs within the states of Georgia, Texas, Colorado and Wyoming. All of the data relates directly to the operational decisions that club managers are facing right now as they begin to prepare for the reopening.  

“Since none of us has dealt with an issue like this before, club managers are curious about what their peers are doing to prepare for reopening. Having data they can share with their Boards, and their teams, is critical right now,” said Mike Kelly, managing partner 59club USA. “Club managers are a very creative group. We want to assist in the collection and sharing of the best ideas and also share the data that we’ve created. We’re in this together. We want to do our part and help as much as we can.”

59club’s proprietary survey tools enable club managers to identify member and employee needs, strengthen customer retention and recognize a clear direction on ways to improve the overall experience at their respective clubs. Managers and decision makers can use this service to pick and choose from a wide variety of questions already available within the platform, and/or choose to add custom questions of their own. 59club is providing specific COVID-19 survey questions as part of their complimentary offering of the survey tool.

Click here to sign up for complimentary my59 survey tools.

Click here to get a copy of the data collected.

About 59Club USA

59Club USA is specifically designed to elevate sales and service standards. 59club USA provides mystery Shopper Audits, Customer Satisfaction Surveys, and Training Services, empowering venue managers to analyze their entire visitor and member experience, enabling them to set targets, monitor performance and ultimately make informed decisions to enhance their guest services. To learn more about 59club USA, visit https://www.59clubusa.com/.

The very best individuals, teams and venues in golf unveiled for 9th annual awards celebrating excellence in sales, service, operations, retail and management

The nominations for the 59club Service Excellence Awards have today been revealed, with some of highest-profile and best-loved venues across the globe in the running for a golf industry sales and service excellence ‘Oscar’.

The glittering affair, to be staged this year at The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, will see the good and the great of the golf industry come together to honor individuals, teams and venues for their industry-leading performance in sales, service, operations, retail and management. The evening will be hosted by Alan Tait, on course commentator for BBC Radio Scotland and 59club’s very own Area Manager for the North of England and Scotland.

In a shake up to the historic awards format, and to reflect their international appeal as 59club continues to extend its footprint overseas, seven new categories have been introduced, ensuring the ceremony continues to reflect the very best performances, regardless of size, scale or location at home and abroad.

For 2019, an ‘overseas’ category has been introduced to no fewer than seven awards: Golf Membership Sales Team of the Year, Leading Individual Golf Membership Performance, Golf Operation Team of the Year, Golf Retail Manager of the Year, Food and Beverage Manager of the Year, Greenkeeper of the Year and Golf Manager of the Year. As has been the case in recent years, five of these seven will be further segmented, creating two categories for UK nominees in each, based upon average green fees; above or below £75 per person.

The awards are determined by scores collected from an independent visitor panel who evaluate the experience afforded to visiting golfers and prospective members in accordance with 59club’s non-subjective benchmarking criteria. Each venue is judged on performance in the following areas: sales, service, operations, retail, golf course, food & beverage and management.

The Belfry and Dubai Creek are the frontrunners among this year’s nominees, each of which is up for 11 nominations. The four-time Ryder Cup venue can boast a return to the reckoning for The Ultimate Golf Resort – a title it last picked up back in 2014 – Golf Operation Team of the Year and Greenkeeper of the Year, the latter courtesy of 2018 title-holder Angus Macleod’s re-nomination.

Dubai Creek, meanwhile, will see three team members go head-to-head for just one prize, as Dougie Gair, Michael Major and George Weardon compete for the Leading Individual Leisure Membership Performance. No surprise, then, that George Weardon is also up for the Leading Individual Golf Membership Performance and Dubai Creek, the Golf Membership Team of the Year (Overseas).

Emirates Golf Club follows closely behind on 10 nominations, including the potential for collective glory in two categories: Golf Membership Sales Team of the Year – Overseas and Leisure Membership Sales Team of the Year. Forest of Arden is a short way further back with the potential for success in eight categories, which include a return to contention for two-time winner and reigning champion, Simon Howells, for the Golf Retail Manager of the year – Over £75 green fee category.

Other globally-recognised venues to receive multiple nominations include: Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Ashburnham Golf Club, Breadsall Priory, Celtic Manor, The Dukes St Andrews, Forest Pines, Foxhills, Gleneagles, last year’s Host; The Grove, Ladybank Golf Club, MacDonald Hotels, Monte Rei, Old Thorns, Royal Automobile Club, Rockliffe Hall, Royal Golf Club Bahrain, Sandy Lodge Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Stoke Park, Trump International Dubai and Worsley Park.

Another new introduction to the night’s proceedings will see 59club bestow accolades upon venues for their commitment to engage, analyse and enrich their member and guest experience, utilising a collateral of survey tools across the my59 software platform. 19 venues will be recognised within this category, including: Colchester Golf Club, Dunscar Golf Club, Ferndown Golf Club, Gog Magog Golf Club, King’s Lynn Golf Club, Langland Bay Golf Club, Maxstoke Park Golf Club, Orsett Golf Club, Radyr Golf Club, Sherbourne Golf Club, St Ives (Hunts) Golf Club, The Scandinavian and The Vale Resort. The 19 venues will all compete to win an Ultimate Service Excellence accolade.

Always a highlight of proceedings among attending guests, the evening will also see the 59club Industry Benchmark, its Gold, Silver and Bronze Flag Awards, presented to golf resorts and private members clubs which have demonstrated distinction against broad criteria for both service and the quality of their facilities.

Looking ahead to a glittering evening in St Andrews, Simon Wordsworth, chief executive of 59club and a Fellow of the PGA, said: “Over the past 12 months, 59club members have again shown an incredible commitment to providing their members and guest with the golf industry’s highest service standards, and what better way to reward them than with what promises to be an evening to remember in St Andrews.

“There is no doubt 2019 has been the most impressive year on record, with many of the categories far too close to call. More than this, however, the evening will stand as recognition of those individuals and teams who go above and beyond to ensure the experiences they provide are nothing short of exceptional. Our awards are a tribute to their tireless work, and we can’t wait to join our guests in their celebrations.”

The 59club Awards are supported by: 3d-ifs, CGI Insurance, Golf Genius, Golfbreaks.com, Tacit, Toro, Club Car, Kennet, The PGA, England Golf, GCMA, Performance54, Albatross Digital Golf, BIGGA,Swatkins, Colt Mackenzie McNair, Foresight Sports, Crossover, Foremost, Golf Retailing, Golftell Member App, Design Elegance, Fluid Productions, PlayMoreGolf and Course Mate.

To book a place at the awards evening taking place at The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, on March 13, please contact: naime@theaspirationgroup.com

For more information about 59club, visit www.59club.com.

2018/19 59CLUB ‘SERVICE EXCELLENCE’ AWARD NOMINATIONS (in alphabetical order by venue):

Leading Individual Golf Sales Performance:

Damion Gee (Ashburnham GC), Jack Bowen (The Belfry Hotel & Resort), Rachel Alford (Breadsall Priory), Joel Westwell (The Grove), Ben Stokes (MacDonald Hotels), Jennifer Jefferies (Stoke Park)

Golf Sales Team of the Year:

Ashburnham GC, Breadsall Priory, Forest of Arden, MacDonald Hotels, Stoke Park, Woodhall Spa

Golf Membership Sales Team of the Year – Overseas:

Dubai Creek, Emirates GC, Trump International Dubai, Yas Links

Golf Membership Sales Team of the Year – UK:

Breadsall Priory, Forest of Arden, Foxhills, Herons Reach, The Mere, Ramside Hall,

Leading Individual Golf Membership Performance – Overseas:

George Weardon (Dubai Creek), Rhys James (Emirates GC), Beatrice Wambua (Trump International, Dubai), Khay-Gie Aniciete (Yas Links)

Leading Individual Golf Membership Performance – UK:

Luke Speed (Breadsall Priory), Philomena Wilkinson (Forest of Arden), Aditi Auluck (Foxhills), Helen Roseberry (Ramside Hall), Ashley Freeman (Rockliffe Hall), Philip Stickler (St Pierre)

Leisure Membership Sales Team of the Year:

Celtic Manor Resort, Cranleigh G&CC, Dubai Creek, Emirates GC, Old Thorns, The Vale Resort

Leading Individual Leisure Membership Performance:

Dougie Gair (Dubai Creek), Michael Major (Dubai Creek), George Weardon (Dubai Creek), Cian Hurley (Emirates GC),
Andy Meech (Emirates GC), Emma Jenkins (Old Thorns)

Golf Operation Team of the Year – Overseas:

Abu Dhabi GC, Dubai Creek, Emirates GC, Monte Rei, Saadiyat Beach GC, Trump International Dubai

Golf Operation Team of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

The Belfry Hotel & Resort (The PGA National Course), Dalmahoy Resort, Forest Pines, Rockliffe Hall, Sandy Lodge GC, Worsley Park

Golf Operation Team of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

The Belfry Hotel & Resort (The Brabazon Course), Celtic Manor Resort (The 2010 Course), The Dukes St Andrews, Forest of Arden (The Arden Course), Foxhills, The Grove

 
Golf Retail Manager of the Year – Overseas:

Giovanni Malcotti (Castelconturbia), Gregorio Gonzales (Dubai Creek), Juan Kramer (Emirates GC), James Durkin (Saadiyat Beach GC), Carmen Laguna (Son Muntaner), Sven Nielsen (Trump International, Dubai)

Golf Retail Manager of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Tom Hughes (The Belfry Hotel & Resort, PGA National Course), Gordon Robinson (Cardrona), Sandy Smith (Ladybank GC), Jonny Dye (Rockliffe Hall), Jeff Pinsent (Sandy Lodge GC), James Lambert (Worsley Park)

Golf Retail Manager of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Tom Hughes (The Belfry Hotel & Resort, The Brabazon Course), Simon Howells (Forest of Arden, The Arden Course), Sean Graham (Foxhills), Mike Shrieve (The Grove), Alasdair Good (Gullane GC), Tim Harris (Stoke Park)

Food and Beverage Manager of the Year – Overseas:

Sandeep Pandey (Abu Dhabi GC), Francois Roldan (Dubai Creek), Steen Simon (Emirates GC), Gloria Cortés (La Manga), Angélique Monteiro (Monte Rei), Candice Hall & Paul Gindra (Royal GC, Bahrain)

Food and Beverage Manager of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Jacques Hobson (The Belfry, PGA National Course), Caroline Lees (Ladybank GC), Moses Solomon (Royal Automobile Club), Ben Hunt (Rockliffe Hall), Andrew Williams (The Vale Resort), Chris Dinnage (Worsley Park)

Food and Beverage Manager of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Jacques Hobson (The Belfry, The Brabazon Course), Martyn Woods (Celtic Manor Resort, The 2010 Course), Matthew Penman (The Dukes, St Andrews), Houssem Belabed (Gleneagles), Christian Schindler (Hanbury Manor), Christian Tarca (Stoke Park)

Greenkeeper of the Year – Overseas:

Matthew Perry (Dubai Creek), Matthew Perry (Emirates GC), Joao Goula (Monte Rei), Jamie Faulkner & William Evans (Royal GC, Bahrain), Clinton Southorn (Saadiyat Beach GC), Ben Griffiths (Trump International, Dubai)

Greenkeeper of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Paul Hopkins (Ashburnham GC), Jamie Wade (The Belfry, PGA National Course), Matt Aplin (Goring & Streatley GC), Colin Powrie (Ladybank GC), Jon Wyer (Rockliffe Hall), Ian Brawn (Worsley Park)

Greenkeeper of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Angus Macleod (The Belfry, The Brabazon Course), Jim McKenzie (Celtic Manor, The 2010 Course), Rob Rowson (Forest of Arden, The Arden Course), Scott Fenwick & Craig Haldane (Gleneagles, Kings Course), Phillip Chiverton  (The Grove), Ashley Allpress (Roehampton Club)

Golf Manager of the Year – Overseas:

Francisco de Lancastre David (Abu Dhabi GC), Stephen Hubner (Dubai Creek), Rhys James (Emirates GC), Darren Griffiths (Monte Rei), Phil Waine (formerly Royal GC, Bahrain), Francisco de Lancastre David (Saadiyat Beach GC)

Golf Manager of the Year – Under £75 green fee:

Chris Reeve (The Belfry, PGA National Course), Fraser Liston (Forest of Arden, The Aylesford Course), Matthew Peacock (Forest Pines), Jason Neve (Royal Automobile Club), Ben Stockman (Sandy Lodge GC), Stephen Hindle (Worsley Park)

Golf Manager of the Year – Over £75 green fee:

Chris Reeve (The Belfry, The Brabazon Course), Will Hewitt (formerly Celtic Manor Resort), Ayden Roberts-Jones (The Dukes, St Andrews), Fraser Liston (Forest of Arden, The Arden Course), Gary Silcock (Gleneagles), Brad Gould (The Grove)

Golf Group of the Year:

Almarose Group, Arabella Golf, Dubai Golf, Foxhills Collection, MacDonald Hotels, Marriott Golf.

my59 Service Excellence Award:

Ashburnham GC, Celtic Manor Resort, Colchester GC, Dalmahoy Hotels & CC, Dunscar GC, Ferndown GC, Gog Magog GC, King’s Lynn GC, Langland Bay GC, Macdonald Hotels, Maxstoke Park GC, Old Thorns GC, Orsett GC, Radyr GC, Sherbourne GC, Stoke Park, St Ives (Hunts) GC, The Scandinavian and The Vale Resort.