Regarding proposed alteration to time sheets on Saturday:
I would firstly like to thank all those members who took the time and opportunity to send constructive feedback in relation to the proposal to trial a 1st tee start on Saturdays.
Also, I would like to offer an explanation behind the original proposal of a one tee start.
The Annual Report recorded a reduction in major membership category renewals in 2022-23. A larger than expected number chose an option to transfer to a lower playing membership category (in addition to the usual annual attrition rate).
The reasons given included poor course condition due to rain, lack of playing opportunity as a result, inability to use carts and the planned clubhouse renovation and construction in 2023.
As a result of these transfers, we have seen high vacancy rates on the Saturday time sheet. We have around 30-40 vacancies each Saturday, mainly in the later tee time slots. This has not been the case at MVGC for many years. Currently, the average Saturday playing numbers are around 175 in each competition. Our capacity is closer to 230.
As GM and Operations Manager, I felt there was an opportunity to better utilise the time sheet vacancies and get more public paying players on the course, creating increased revenue for the Club.
Option 1: was to continue as we were on a two tee start and get public off the 11th tee during the middle of the competition, giving the Club some additional green fee income and have very little impact on the member. This generated only a modest financial return and did not fully utilise vacant member slots. Late cancellations by members are unfortunately contributing to this situation.
Option 2: was to switch to a one tee start between 6.30am & 12.30am, which would accommodate 192 players. This exceeded our current Saturday competition member demand of 175. With a 30-minute buffer between public and the member’s competition, this allowed us to commence public play on the 1st tee at 1pm. This meant the Club could receive very significant additional green fee income (at a premium Saturday rate) from 1pm onwards. (Currently public access is not until 3pm)
We reviewed the Saturday playing numbers and felt this was a reasonable compromise in maintaining everyone on the sheet, simultaneously balancing the need to recover income after a very poor start to the new financial year. We felt this proposal could be in place while the membership demand was low and during daylight saving period, where playing spots are increased.
What we underestimated was the disproportionate effect on members wishing to play very early (6.30-7.30am) who would be impacted by this change. The majority of email responses received related to the reduced availability between 6.30 and 7.30am. We received no emails regarding the afternoon time availability where vacancies are greatest at present.
In response to the member feedback and in consultation with professional staff and the Board members at our meeting last night, the following adjustments will be trialled:
1. Saturday booking sheet will return to an am 2 tee start off 1st and the 11th tees for the morning tee times only (i.e., 6.30am to 8.15am). This accommodates the demand for early tee times and addresses the concerns raised in member feedback
2. At 10.30am, member tee off will continue off the 1st tee through until 1pm (or as required), but there will be no member tee off from the 11th tee late.
3. This creates the opportunity for public play from the 11th tee from 11.20am onwards during the afternoon in the lower member demand times.
The change above will allow additional public players from the 11th tee for a limited period of the year.
The Board and Management consider this is a reasonable compromise for member playing expectations, utilisation of vacant time spaces currently evident and creates the opportunity to generate financial benefits for the Club during the daylight-saving period. This will continue as a trial.
The Board and Management aim to balance the member’s current requirements and expectations with the commercial reality of running a successful and sustainable business into the future.
Thank you again for the constructive feedback and I hope this message goes some way to satisfy member concerns moving forward.
Kind regards,
Andy Hugill
General Manager
