NZ Golf grows despite economic downturn
30 Jun 2009
New Zealand Golf is pleased that the game has continued to grow despite the global economic downturn.
The organisation has reported a significant increase in membership and a second straight profit at the annual general meeting in Wellington today.
NZG chief executive Bill MacGowan said while the sport and golf clubs face some huge challenges, he is pleased that the sport is addressing some of the key issues head on.
“We have shared our research findings to districts and clubs. Some have taken them on board and made changes to attract casual players to their clubs,” Mr MacGowan said.
There has been a net increase of more than four percent in golf club membership in 2008 with major increases in secondary membership.
There were more than 129,000 members in 2008, an increase of 5307 members on the previous year. In the main this has come from boost of secondary members with 174 per cent increase in men and 133 per cent increase in women.
“This is the result of clubs listening to why casual players are not converting to become members. Some clubs have addressed this and provided membership options to attract this type of golfer which is great.
“There’s a long way to go and much more than can be done, and needs to be done. We have announced a new nine-hole initiative complete with official handicap system and have some further projects to release later this year.”
The one area of concern was a decrease in membership players under 18 years.
“That’s disappointing for sure. We have been looking at junior golf for some time and have a very exciting and innovative programme to be launched soon that we believe will attract young people to the game.”
NZG has announced a net operating surplus of $253,002 for the year to December 31, 2008 following the surplus of $561,324 in 2007.
“It was a tough financial year and for NZG to report an operating surplus was extremely pleasing.”
Mr MacGowan said while the 2009 year is even more challenging, the new streamlined administration, with the office now dealing directly with district associations, is helping with lines of communication and implementation of key parts of NZG’s strategic plan.
The recent move of their office to Auckland will help bring the organisation closer to the main commercial base and the majority of their membership as well as a significant savings in overheads.
President Patsy Hankins was returned unopposed while there was no election for the Board with the election moving to a new postal system in August, while the meeting also bestowed a life membership on long serving Bay of Plenty administrator, Mike Alexander.
Source – NZGA
