gmé | issuu 21

the nineteenth holeThe clubhouse has always been an importantelement of any golf club, but with increasingconsumer demands GME asks is your club

utilising its facilities to the fullest potential?

The leading business magazine for the pan-European golf industry

GolfGolfManagementE u ro p e page 27

October 2001www.portman.uk.com

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When Bernhard Langer missed a four-foot putt in his 1991 Ryder Cup singles match against Hale Irwin, it was a pivotal and memorable moment.

It was costly in terms of a sporting encounter; it wasn’t, however, tragic as some commentators and observers described it.

It is only when we are confronted by a true tragedy that we realise howinconsequential sport is. Nobody can doubt the decision to postponethe Ryder Cup for a year was the correct decision, one which has founduniversal support from both sides of the Atlantic.

It had to be made swiftly against a backdrop of horror - with television pictures of terrorist atrocities still vivid in all our minds.Few can fail to have been shocked by the events of September11, 2001, and the ramifications will be undoubtedly lengthyand widespread.

Many would have agreed immediately with MarkCalcavecchia’s view that the Ryder Cup should not be played.

And even after the first wave of revulsion and emotion hadpassed and the former Open champion moderated his view,the feeling appeared to be that it would be unfair to askthe Americans to play golf less than three weeks aftersuch a disaster.

Therefore, we must respect and applaud the decision -and welcome our American colleagues with even morewarmth than normal when they return to The De VereBelfry for the re-scheduled contest next September.

Golf is a world-wide sport - and the events at theWorld Trade Center were an assault on the civilisedworld. Our world. One world.

Like many sports there is an immense amount ofmoney floating around the golf industry and thesuffering of thousands of families in New York and throughout the world puts that firmly into perspec-tive.

When the sport of golf feels it can return to anormal schedule and hold its head up against thewill of terrorists - for it must not, we must not,give in to violence - it would be fitting if fundsfrom next years re-scheduled 34th Ryder Cup matchcould be diverted to help those families whoseneed is greater than any of ours.

They have been shorn of loved ones and families -we have merely lost a golf tournament. Our prayers

and thoughts are with every single one of themduring this period of mourning.

Contents

Golf Management Europe October 2001

Ryder Cup postponementthe right move

issue 21credits;editorJohn Vinicombe

contributorsDavid BowersAlister MarshallRob Wright

publisherMichael Lenihan

administrationSharon O’Connell

printColourspeed

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No part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted in anyform without written permissionfrom the publisher.

Whist due care to detail is takento ensure that the content of Golf Management Europe isaccurate, the publisher cannotaccept liability for errors.

© Portman Publishing andCommunications Ltd 2001

cover story 7

american golf 19

harold pinto 10

john jacobs 23

News

October 2001Golf Management Europe

Lead StoryAfter a drawn-out selection process,Wales has won the right to stage the2010 Ryder Cup match - with Scotlandhosting in 2014.

On the very day that the 34th matchwas to have started, The Belfry insteadwitnessed the dismantling of grand-stands and a whole hospitality village.

And the future of the competition onthis side of the Atlantic has beenmapped out for the next 29 years.

It brought immediate joy for Welshgolf fans with the news that Celtic Manorhad won the bidding and will stage thematch in nine years’ time.

But the disappointment and indeedanger felt by Scotland - First MinisterHenry McLeish was reported to be“incandescent” - was tempered by theannouncement that Gleneagles will behosts in 2014.

However, under a new agreementwhich gives the European Tour more of asay than the PGA and a higher percent-age of the profits, four continentalcourses yet to be determined will stagethe following four matches.

“Wales, Scotland and Europe are allwinners,” declared tour executive direc-tor Ken Schofield.

The PGA's chief executive Sandy Jonesadded: “I am sure that when people inScotland consider what they haveachieved, while they may be disappoint-ed at first they will see huge benefitsfrom securing the 2014 match.

“It’s a significant prize and not some-thing to be dismayed or angry about.

“I am very comfortable with Waleshaving 2010 and Scotland 2014. We areembracing both and to me the order wasnot crucial. I can understand the initialreaction, but sometimes you need tostep back and some would say 2014 is abetter prize.”

The decision to award the 2010 matchto Celtic Manor and to a course which isnot even built in its entirety yet came aslittle surprise. Over £12m will be spent inthe years ahead re-developing the courseto bring it up to Ryder Cup standard.

Turnberry, Carnoustie and LochLomond were in the running along withSlaley Hall near Newcastle.

Originally scheduled for 2009, thedate has been pushed back a year alongwith the next three matches as a conse-quence of the postponement of thisyear’s clash following the terroristattacks.

Wales and Scotland shareRyder Cup spoils

Textron, principal sponsors of theinaugural Turf Care Conference to beheld at the Gleneagles Hotel from 18 to20 November 2001, has reported thatthe event is now fully booked and looksset to be a resounding success.

Over 120 delegates will be attendingthe conference, which is the brainchildof Jimmy Kidd, golf courses and estatesdirector at the world-renowned resortcomplex.

“This three-day conference is the idealforum for representatives from all areasof the course construction and mainte-nance sectors to meet and expend theirknowledge and understanding of eachother's role. We are absolutely delightedthat demand for places has outstrippedsupply and this bodes well for the futureof the event,” said Kidd.

Gleneaglessold out

China beckons for Swan

Green fee’son the rise

Howard Swan returned earlier this month from two visits to China - to Beijing inthe north and Shenzhen in the south - making presentations to invited audiences ongolf course design and development as well as inspecting potential developmentsites.

The visits, with Elmwood College, are part of an education initiative being under-taken by the college, and supported by the R&A and the China Golf Association.

On the most recent visit, Swan’s practice signed a co-operation agreement with oneof China’s largest and most experienced golf course companies, Pan China Sports, tocollaborate on future projects in China.

The latest edition of the annual reportfrom Golf Research Group (GRG) providesan overview of the size, direction andcurrent economic condition of the UKgolf market.

The UK average green fee is now£21.04 (up 36p on 2000) which hasincreased an average of 19 per cent overthe last five years.

The top 25 per cent of courses,defined as those charging more than £25for a green fee, have been able toincrease their average green fees bysome 28 per cent since 1997 whilst thebottom 25 per cent (charging less than£12.50 per green fee) have been able toincrease their fees by just 12 per centover the same period.

GRG says that in a bid to attract newmembers, 32 per cent of all proprietarycourses no longer charge a joining fee.

The average number of rounds playedover an 18-hole proprietary course peryear is 31,929.

Inturf’s ability to customise their turfproducts to exactly meet client’s require-ments has been demonstrated recentlyon a high-profile project at Celtic Manor.

The 2010 Ryder Cup venue decided toreconstruct and re-turf a number of teeson its Wentwood Hills championshipcourse in readiness for the Welsh Open.

Planning ahead, Jim McKenzie, CelticManor’s director of golf and coursemanagement, knew that a hard wearing,attractive turf with quick establishmentwas needed, and decided to contactInturf.

The York-based company recommendedits custom grown turf service, producinga sward comprising 100 per centBAREINE perennial ryegrass, a highlyrated variety available from Barenbrug.

While Inturf’s standard range of prod-ucts meets most requirements, customgrown turf is cultivated on dedicated areasof the company’s extensive nurseries.

Not only can specific grass species ormixtures be selected for optimum perfor-mance, but the turf can also be grown onsoil that matches the rootzone on whichit will eventually be laid.

Commenting on the installation,McKenzie said: “Inturf went out of theirway to ensure an excellent result for uswith their custom grown turf.

“We have used the company severaltimes before and they were the obviousroute to take.”

Inturf have also used Barenbrug’sBAREINE for a 100 per cent perennialryegrass turf at other golf courses.

“It’s durable, requires low-mainte-nance and looks great,” concluded Inturfdirector Alex Edwards.


The Earthquake Decompactor continues to shake the market with its revolutionarysystem for soil compaction problems. Now marketed exclusively in the UK and

Ireland by Earthquake Turfcare Ltd, both machines on display at SALTEX last monthwere sold during the event, including the 210DK which was purchased by Telford

and Wrekin Services in Shropshire and the 150R, which was sold to Balmers GardenMachinery of Burnley.

Earthquakes shake the market

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Inturf impress to a tee

Murrayaccepts EGUpresidency

Bill Murray, a long-serving admistratorfrom County Durham, has accepted aninvitation to become president of theEnglish Golf Union in the year 2003.

Born in Hartlepool in 1930, Murrayplayed a key role in the EGU moving itsheadquarters to Woodhall Spa andpurchasing the Lincolnshire course.

He was appointed to the FuturesCommittee, which was set up in 1991 tooutline the way forward for the EGU.

“I was the one sent out on the road tolook at various courses and in the endwe settled on Woodhall Spa,” he says.

A retired auctioneer and Estate Agentand General Commissioner for IncomeTax, Hartlepool Division, Murray's intro-duction to golf administration came in1978 when he became honorary secretaryof the Durham County Golf Union.

He spent 12 years in office beforebecoming Durham President in 1991-92.

When John and Edward Ely started asmall landscaping company forty yearsago, little did they realise that one-daythey would have been responsible for thecreation of one of the world’s foremostgolf construction companies.

J & E Ely, now run jointly by brothersNigel and Mark (above), sprung into lifein 1961 and a year later secured its firstgolf contract at Reading golf club.

Working with a small bulldozer andtractor, the father and son team beganconstructing new tees at the Berkshireclub, and so started a love-affair withgolf which continues to this day.

After graduating from the BerkshireAgricultural College, both sons Nigel andMark joined the family-business, but itwas not until 1991 that the companybuilt its first golf course; the par-72,6,133 yard Carswell GC, Oxfordshire.

Since then over 21 have been builtaround the world.

Nigel Ely, current chairman of theBritish Association of Golf CourseConstructors takes up the story; “Whenmy father and grandfather started thecompany in 1961, I don’t believe eitherof them could have ever imagined build-ing courses at places such as Turnberryand Wentworth and as far away as SriLanka.

“It is a testament to our family thatthe company has achieved so much, andboth Mark and I intend to continue withthe same traditions that our father andgrandfather started all those years ago.”

News


Forty up forEly family

Westerwood’snew look

Scottish hotel group, Morton Hotels,last month unveiled its £2.5m invest-ment in the highly acclaimedWesterwood Club in Cumbernauld.

The launch celebrates a significantrestoration of the existing golfing facili-ties and the opening of 51 rooms in anew wing of the hotel.

The 18-hole, par-72 championshipcourse, originally designed by SeveBallesteros and Dave Thomas will benefitfrom the experience of The ScottishNational Golf Centre which also manages atraining facility at Drumoig, St Andrews.


Club Car (Ingersoll-Rand)Paragon Business Park, Chorley New Road,

Horwich, Bolton BL6 6JN England

Telephone: 01204 690515Facsimile: 01204 690543

www.clubcar.com

COVER STORY

Cover StoryFollowing the recent launch of Club Car’snew IQ 48 volt electric car, and inresponse to the dramatic increase indemand for Club Car vehicles, thecompany has expanded its UK andEuropean golf distribution network.

Commenting on the restructure whichhas helped to re-assert Club Car’s posi-tion as the market leader within the UK,Club Car’s business development managerKevin Hart said: “Golf car users willbenefit from a more regionalised networkof Club Car distributors providing prox-imity service.

“The aim is to build up a network ofupto eight distributors with regionalresponsibility across the UK.

“As part of Club Car’s commitment toour new distributor network, it is withgreat pleasure that we welcome MartinLucas to the team.

“Martin joins Club Car as the businessdevelopment manager for the UK andbrings with him 20 years’ experience ofthe groundscare and golf industry.”

One of the new distributors recentlyappointed by Club Car is Mowick who willhave responsibility for North Wales aswell as the north of England.

Already synonymous with buggy hireand sales, and equipped with a first-class service facility, director Els Jacobswas naturally pleased to become anauthorised Club Car dealer.

“We listen to our customers, so whenthey kept telling us how much they likedthe product and how impressed theywere with the performance of the 48 voltelectric buggy, we thought that we hadbetter do something about it.” she said.

Club Car is committed to the game ofgolf, the European Tour and the RyderCup as Hart explains: “A further high-light for Club Car is our involvement asthe official supplier of golf cars to theRyder Cup and we look forward to nextyear’s re-scheduled event at The Belfry.”

Club Car are involved with the RyderCup until 2005 and in addition sponsorthe European team.

Club Car leading the waywith new dealer network

South WalesForge Garage01291 672648CornwallVincent Turf Care01726 860332LanarkshireScotia Golf Cars01899 221999MerseysideMowick01744 893787CambridgeshireJohn Bradshaw01780 781801

NorfolkBen Burgess 01603 628251HertfordshireAT Oliver & Sons 01291 672648KentDrake & Fletcher01233 504500IrelandThe Buggyman00 353 458 782000

EIGCA Conference


DELEGATE INFORMATION

The problems of awkwardplanning policies surround-ing the building of golfcourses don�t just vary

between continents. Generally speaking, certain styles of

new developments prevalent in coun-tries like the US and in southern Europehave major problems getting built innorthern Europe. This is particularlytrue of integrated golf and housingdevelopments.

Which is a shame, as by dovetailingthe construction of golf courses andhousing in one development, affordablehousing built next to self-financinggreenery is not only environmentallyappealing, it�s also commercially sensi-ble, too.

Therein lies one of the main reasonswhy the European Institute of GolfCourse Architects (EIGCA) have elect-ed to make �Golf, Housing and theEnvironment� the theme to be exploredat their two-day conference this year.

To be held at the architecturally-opulent surroundings of Queen�sCollege, Cambridge, in mid-December,an estimated 250 delegates are sched-uled to have their paradigms stretchedand challenged by a select band ofinternational speakers from a widerange of disciplines.

Jointly responsible for putting theline-up together is EIGCA former presi-dent and chair of the conferencecommittee, David Williams.

�We�ve tried to cover every aspectin our speaker line-up,� Williams said,�for what we believe is a very impor-tant topic worth exploring.

�The �garden-city� movement whichgathered momentum in the UK after thewar, guaranteed affordable housing inand around the home counties with anoutlook over some form of greenery.

Local authorities can�t afford tomaintain those natural surroundings inthe same way as back then so the move-ment has fallen by the way side.

�On older country estates, there�s nomoney any more to manage the envi-ronment. However, if housing and golfcourses are built alongside each other,the money the course generates is avail-able to sustain its condition. So why notbuild houses adjacent to the greenery ofa golf course? It used to happen, so whycan�t we still do it?�WentworthWilliams referred to highly successfulgolf/housing developments such asWentworth, St George�s Hills, as well asa number in both southern and northernEurope as good examples of the concept.Although some of these are particularlyexclusive, they don�t have to be.

�It�s up to the planning authoritiesto specify how many plots to the acre adevelopment should yield, which willlargely determine the final price of theproperty.

�But the main outcome will behousing which is more likely to holdtheir value, which look out over a greenspace that pays for itself and which theowners know won�t get built on.

�At the same time, developers canbuild golf courses cheaply enough to begiven away to the community becauseits construction has been paid for by thesale of the properties.�

Simon Gidman, EIGCA�s president,introduced a further aspect to thedebate: �In the UK, planning authoritieshave these formal boundaries betweenbuilding and leisure developments. Support�What we want to see is a greater merg-ing between the two, as one can supportand soften the other.�

Which is pretty obvious when youthink about it, as the same people whowould care to move into a �golfing�community will most likely help sustainit by spending their leisure time andincome within that same community -either by playing golf or using some ofthe other amenities available on the site.

�Planning authorities have veryformal boundaries between domesticand leisure developments,� Gidmancontinued.

�So at this conference, we�ll betrying to redress the balance. Othercountries are far more relaxed aboutgolf and housing development. Therereally needn�t be such a hard linebetween the two.�

This is the EIGCA�s first interna-tional conference since the organisationdropped the �British� monicker fromtheir title, around the time the organisa-tion merged with the European Societyof Golf Course Architects and theFrench Association of Golf CourseArchitects in July last year.

To help the proceedings, a Galadinner held in the huge Cripps CourtDining Hall of Queens College willconclude the first day. (Apparently, alounge suit�ll be fine.)

Breaking the mould of more traditional conference topics in their field, the newlydesignated European Institute of Golf Course Architects is all set to attract a far wideraudience to their event this year, writes Rob Wright.


Entertainment will be placed safelyin the hands of professional after-dinnerspeaker Ian Shuttleworth; a solicitorwho has moonlighted with his extra-curricular wares at the House ofCommons, no less - and a golfer, asluck would have it, currently enjoyingmembership at Ilkley and Ganton. NetworkDelegates will have an opportunity tonetwork with a wide cross-section ofcolleagues and key decision-makersimpacting their field over a drinks� recep-tion prior to the meal, as well as overother mealtimes throughout the event.

A glut of planners, house builders,landscape and golf architects as well asdevelopers are all likely to be present.Delegates will also glean a uniqueinternational perspective on theirrespective disciplines.

Underlining this benefit are thespeakers themselves; an engaging line-up which includes one of the world�sgreat golf architects, DesmondMuirhead.

Schooled in architecture atCambridge, Muirhead is well-known

for his often outspoken views on golf-course design.

Now well into what look like hisclosing years, he was one of the earliestdesigners to work on integrated devel-opments, and so this conference repre-sents a rare chance to listen to a fully-seasoned panorama of golf and housingin the US from an industry legend.

All-in-all, if you�re keen to reviewwhat looks to be a fascinating vista ofgolf and housing development - past,present and future - we really can�t seeanywhere else for you to be betweenDecember 11-12 this year.

Besides, once you�ve had a closerlook at what�s on offer and compared itto the price, you shouldn�t need anymore persuading.Golf, Housing and the Environment -Planning Opportunities for the 21st Century.

Queens College, Cambridge,December 11 and 12, 2001.

Individual Delegate Place, including Gala Dinner, Hotel Accommodation andBreakfast; £295 plus VAT.

Tickets can be obtained by contacting theEIGCA at Merrist Wood College, Guildfordon 01483 884036.

Day One; Tuesday, 11th December, 2001

10.00 Coffee and Welcome10.45 Presidents Introduction Simon Gidman11.00 History of Joint Golf and Housing Martin Hawtree

Development11.45 Background to Current Planning Policy Philip Russell-Vick12.30 Buffet Lunch13.30 The Principles of Integrating Recreational Andy McNab

Facilities within Residential Communities14.15 Resort Development Robert Day15.00 Coffee15.30 Potential for Habitat Creation David Stubbs16.15 Case Studies:

Wychwood Park, Crewe, England Ken MoodieSeddiner See, Berlin, Germany Rainer PreissmannPont Royale, Marseille, France David Krause

17.00 Close

Day Two; Wednesday, 12th December, 2001

09.00 Views of a developer Philip Pope09.45 Environmental Planning and Management Gareth Singleton10.30 Coffee11.00 Opportunities for Self-sustainable Philip York

Water Management11.45 Commercial Operation versus Gilberto Jordan

Environmental Stewardship12.30 Buffet Lunch13.30 The Evolution of integration of Desmond Muirhead

Golf and Housing in the USA14.15 Looking to the Future

Economic Factors Muriel MuirdenSelf-sustainable Development Mike Barton

15.15 Coffee15.45 Expert panel/debate All speakers16.30 Depart

The above programme may be subject to change without prior notice.

John Deere Credit is once again offer-ing golf clubs the opportunity, subjectto status, to buy any machine from theJohn Deere range now, and deferpayment free of interest until June 1,2002.

Over £2m worth of new golf courseequipment was financed by JDC lastwinter, following the scheme’s initiallaunch.

To qualify for the scheme, new equip-ment can be ordered from a John Deeredealer up to the end of February 2002.

Payment from June onwards, with nointerest charged on the intervening peri-od, can be made using the normal rangeof credit options, or on a tailor madeschedule to match your club’s cashflow.

Harold Pinto, managing director ofTextron Golf, Turf & Specialty Productshas announced his resignation and willbe leaving the company with effect fromNovember, 2001.

His decision is purely voluntary and heis returning to the USA to head up oneof the subsidiaries of the Boston-basedGoldman Industrial group reportingdirectly to their Chairman and CEO, GregGoldman.

Peter Bell, marketing directorcommenting on the Mr. Pinto's resigna-tion said: “We are all really sorry to seeHarold go and wish him the very best inhis new career opportunity.

“He has done a tremendous job in thepast four years where he has successfullymanaged the integration of Jacobsenand Ransomes, bringing together thetwo organisations under the Textronumbrella and creating a distinct identityfor the two major brands in their respec-tive market sectors.

“He leaves behind a superb team ofpeople in a stable and progressive busi-ness with high expectations of continuedgrowth in their respective markets.

“We all echo the thoughts of GregHyland, the president of Textron in theUS who, in thanking Harold for hisoutstanding contribution said that hewill miss his business insight, his leader-ship and his efforts to consistently movethe business forward, while wishing himgreat success in his future endeavours.”

News


Pinto leaves as Textron seekreplacement

Interest freewith JDC

Title changeat Links Trust

Sea Defences take shapeThe second phase of coastal protection took place last month at St Andrews

between the Jubilee Course and the Eden Estuary. Around 12,000 cubic metres of sand were transferred to a 300 metre stretch of

dunes in what is the largest scheme of its kind to be carried out anywhere in the UK.The scheme is the result of extensive discussions and co-operation between the LinksTrust, Scottish Natural Heritage and other related organisations.

“We have taken expert advice from all quarters and believe we have the best solu-tion in place to protect the Links - a combination of hard and soft engineering whichwill prevent further serious erosion,” said Alan McGregor, general manager.

Following a decision by the LinksManagement Committee at its recentmeeting, Gordon Moir, who oversees themanagement of all six courses atSt Andrews will change his job title tolink superintendent.

Previously head greenkeeper of theEden Course, Moir took up the post lastOctober inheriting the all-encompassingtitle of links manager.

The new title - links superintendent -is more relevant to the world of green-keeping generally and will it is hoped,help to avoid confusion.

It also highlights the focus of Moir’sresponsibility which is the managementand maintenance of the courses.

“With his background and ability,Gordon is ideally suited to his role,” saidAlan McGregor, general manager of StAndrews Links Trust.

“The job is one of the most significantin greenkeeping worldwide and I amconfident that Gordon will help ensurethat St Andrews Links raises its reputa-tion as a world centre of excellence.”


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All this can be obtained throughout the year, even mid-season, withNO DISRUPTION TO PLAY!

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News


Greenkeepers are constantly lookingfor ways to improve the consistencyaand longevity of their turf.

Many products have been the one-hitwonders of the turf world - bursting ontothe scene in a blaze of publicity, but likeJoe Dulce, fading away almost as soonas they had appeared.

Ecosol Sportslite promises not to be soephemeral. It has unique and outstand-ing physical and technical propertieswhen introduced into soil. And what’smore it is naturally occuring and envi-ronmentally friendly.

Sportslite is a porous mineral createdby volcanic activity millions of yearsago. It is already utilised in many of theworld’s top sports facilities, hasimproved the characteristics of the turftherein and is set to revolutionisecertain aspects of turfcare.

It consistently out-performs clay-based soil amendments in independenttrials and is produced to USGA specifica-tions.

It improves fertiliser and nutrientretention in the rootzone, preventsleaching of nutrients, resists compactionand releases absorbed nutrients onlywhen the plant demands it, thereforepreventing plant scorch and environmen-tal pollution.

Its attributes allow the turf managerto build a reservoir for plant nutrient inhis turf without creating a spongy,water-holding layer.

Many of Sportslite’s characteristics aresimilar to those of a fertiliser, but it isbetter for the environment, more cost-effective, remains in the profile - and, isactually proven to be more effective. Inshort everything a turf manager wouldrequire from such a product.

Brett King, the technical director, forEcosolve, the sole manufacturer andimporter of Sportslite, confirms existingcustomers do not have to wait long tosee the benefits of the product.

He said: “We have seen significantsavings for customers using Sportslite,as fertiliser costs are reduced and thereis a sharp increase in nutrient uptakeefficiency.

“The health of the grasses is improvedfollowing the build up of the CEC in theturf and subsequent reservoir establish-ment.”

King was delighted by the positiveresponse at the recent SALTEX exhibition- but not surprised.

Drill and Fill aeration stridesforward for Ecosol

A non-slipsolution

The wet season appears to be upon usonce again, which can often make itdifficult for some golf clubs to keepwalkways and pathways clear and free ofmud.

However, a fibreglass solution couldvery well be the answer providing notonly safe but non-slip areas both on andoff the course.

Colin Burns of Essex-based FibreglassGrating takes up the story: “Varioustypes of Fibreglass Grating can be laidand fixed down in strategic areas toprovide a safe, anti-slip walkway inmuddy and wet conditions.

“Fibreglass is corrosion resistant,impact resistant, lightweight and ofparticular note is the incredible non-slipcharacteristic, which provides tractionover a wide range of environmentalconditions.

“We have recently introduced a mini-mesh fibreglass floor grating, which isideally suited for walkways wherewheeled trolleys are used due to itsreduced opening size.”

Gleneagles launches JuniorGolf Scholarship

Management at the Gleneagles Hotelrecently announced a new and excitingscholarship programme for junior golfers.

Four boys and four girls from the Perthand Kinross County Golf Unions will beoffered unlimited access to the golfingfacilities at the world-famous five starresort during an annual scholarship peri-od.

In addition they will each receive sixhours of coaching from the Gleneagles’golf professionals based at the resort’sgolf academy.

The scholarship initiative is designedto support the activities of the ScottishJunior Golf programme and will targettalented young golfers who are not yetbenefiting from the coachingprogrammes on offer at national level.

It will offer them the opportunity tomaximise their potential while theymaintain membership at their club.

Peter Lederer, managing director ofGleneagles Hotel said: “The scholarshipsare a natural extension to the exisitingwork Gleneagles does to develop thegame of golf at junior level and I amdelighted that we are able to offer eighttalented youngsters the opportunity toraise the standard of their game.

“Gleneagles has outstanding relation-ships with the national and local golfbodies who give tremendous supportthroughout Scotland to golfers of allabilities.

“I am proud to be able to furtherenhance their efforts by launching thisGleneagles Junior Scholarship.”

Torranceopens course

Sam Torrance, Europe’s Ryder CupCaptain, recently opened his first evergolf course design, the aptly-namedTorrance Course, at St Andrews Bay, the£50 million golf resort, spa and confer-ence centre.

The 7,020 yard, par 72 course - whichreportedly cost £7million to design - isset on cliff-tops overlooking St Andrewsand has stunning views over the NorthSea. It will be joined next summer by itssister course, the Devlin, providing atotal of 36 holes.

Torrance commented, “I’ve been askedto design courses previously and saidno, but it’s only once in a lifetime thatyou get asked to build a course withsuch a dramatic setting - especially at StAndrews. This time it had to be yes.”

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Fairway Solutions on offerNorth Staffs Irrigation continues to expand its client base in respect of both

drainage and irrigation contracts. Deane GC near Bolton, has recently been thesubject of a standard drainage programme on two specific fairways.

The second and seventeenth holes at the picturesque club have both been subjectto high levels of water retention during last winter’s avalanche of rain and followingprevious work during 1999, North Staffs were contacted to provide a solution.

Using their trenching system with conveyor for spoil collection, the fairways havebeen drained to a depth of 500mm with lateral spacing every 10m using 60mmdrainage pipes. The main drain is 160mm (350m in length) with 20mm aggregateplaced within 100mm of the surface.

Next phasecomplete atAphrodite Hills

The eagerly awaited tournament golfcourse at Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus, hasreached a landmark stage in its develop-ment with one third of the golf coursenow green.

The recently completed areas, whichinclude holes 1, 2, 10, 15, 16 and 17 aresituated around the first show villas atAphrodite Hills, a project by LanitisDevelopment.

Paving the way for villas, apartments,townhouses and a five-star Inter-Continental hotel, the show homes aredue for completion in Autumn this yearand will give journalists and potentialinvestors a first glimpse of the integrat-ed development to come.

The Cabel Robinson-designed course islocated between Pafos and Limassol onthe southern coast of Cyprus and is onschedule to welcome its first players inOctober 2002.

Bossing the Heavens


Alot of bunkers up and downEurope�s green and pleas-ant fairways may well findthemselves swimming in

water for the fourth winter running;which quickly brings most people�sattention around to the weaker drainageareas on their course.

But if it�s drainage you�re thinkingabout, don�t over-react or act prema-turely, because you should also beconsidering water storage and ways ofrecycling the water you take off thecourse.

In the first place, it�s going to saveyou a fortune in irrigation costs eachyear. Building lagoons or reservoirs tocatch rainfall in the wet seasons givesyou water on tap for irrigation at thelowest tariff available (though fortaking ground water, you�ll need alicence from the Environment Agency).

Without such a winter store to drawfrom in the summer, taking water offthe mains from a water supplier cancost five times as much. And shouldwater restrictions start to bite duringlonger dry spells, your own supplycould be a godsend.SavingsNot only that, Jackson House, a direc-tor from lake constructors HouseBrothers & Bailey Ltd, estimates thatgenerally, any work will have paid foritself in money saved on your water billin just two to three years� time.

�At the Belfry, we built a 15 milliongallon reservoir - probably one of thebiggest on a UK golf course - purely byexcavation,� House said. �Althoughvery effective, it�s a particularly expen-sive way of doing it. And yet theowners still predict that they�ll get theirmoney back pretty quickly.� "

All golf courses collect a lot of water each year. Rob Wright passes on several goodreasons why you should look at putting all that water to good use at the same time asheading off the threat of a waterlogged or dried-out fairway.

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House�s company is probably thebiggest in the UK for constructinglakes, water features and reservoirs -their specialities - having built 1,500 sofar and now build at a rate of well overone a week. He strongly recommendsusing lakes to help drain the land forenvironmental benefits, too.

�Nationally, it does the countrysidegood to conserve water. In the 1880s,there were three times as many pondsand lakes in the UK as there are today.

�This shortage accelerates the flowof water to our towns and probablycontributes to the widespread floodingproblems we�re seeing now.

�And building a water featurealongside your clubhouse to act as ahazard on a nearby hole adds tremen-dously to the view from the 19th. It caneven attract wildlife, such as kingfish-ers. Many golfers are keen on natureand this can add a lot of enjoyment totheir game.�FishingHouse mentioned other spinoffs, too.�Some courses with a winter storagereservoir are now considering putting afew fish in and getting an extra incomefrom anglers.

�I think the best thing to do iscanvass the existing membership, seewhich ones would like to fish andcharge them an additional membershipfee, thereby forming a syndicate so thatthey can fish whenever they want.

�This also adds extra scope for theclub so that it can attract the wholefamily down for the day.�

All of which naturally demands thatthorough planning takes place beforeany appraisals of drainage and watermanagement is implemented to get themost out of the potential available. Andit�s a good idea not only to have accu-rate drainage plans, but also an overalllong-term drainage scheme - even ifyou can�t install it all in one go.

MJ Abbott is a specialist contractorto the sports and leisure industry, offer-ing a full range of construction, renova-tion, irrigation and drainage services.Managing director Nigel Wyatt alsoencourages early planning.

�Get your contractors chosen andbooked as soon as you can,� he urged.�With the way things have been weath-er-wise, most contractors are now tiedup. You ought to be looking at jobsnow for starting in Spring next year.�

Ideally, work should always takeplace in drier seasons. Although theright equipment - such as floatation-tyremachinery - can limit damage to a

course, wet soil will still get compact-ed, closing fissures in the sub-soil,reducing porosity and delaying theeffectiveness of the work done by up toa year.

And so to designing your scheme.House recommends finding the lowestpoint on a course where all the waterwill naturally drain to, where the watertable will be at its highest, and considerbuilding a lake there.

It�s then relatively cost-effective toinstall a submersible pump to push thewater around the course to top-up otherfeatures. However, during particularlydry spells, heavy use and evaporationcould lead to low water levels whichcan look unsightly. StorageWell-designed primary and secondarydrainage can help with this. Alongsidegood drainage, underground storagetanks can be used to collect waterinstead, but these aren�t endorsed byLionel Whitnell of Whitnell Contracts.

�Underground tanks take up ahorrendous amount of time in excava-tion and construction,� he said. �Theydon�t store as much as water featurescan and then, once installed, how doyou get at them for maintenance with-out a lot of hassle?�

He recommends that a bore-holesystem is used to feed lakes on a course.�By boring down into the fissuresunderground, water is extracted by apump which is attached to a float systemand works much like a toilet cistern.

�When the water level goes below acertain point, the float sends a signal tothe pump to tell it to draw water up tothe correct the levels.

�But it�s because you can end upwith a muddy rim around your waterfeature that lakes are generally used fordrainage, and reservoirs - tucked awaysomewhere behind trees or a clubhouse- are generally used for irrigation.�

To help deal with unsightly rims,House suggests that the right plantsplaced around the water bank can alsohelp with appearances if levels drop afew inches.

�The other thing we do a lot islining,� he continued. �A specialmembrane underneath the waterreserve�s lining insulates the lake fromthe soil and helps keep the water cool.

�So when dew forms in the warmersummer months, it condenses on thecooler water surface. It�s absolutelyamazing how this helps keep the lakesand reservoirs levels high all summer.

Levels can be critical. Many waterfeatures are kept water-tight by usingpuddled or blue clay to seal the sideswherever available.

But if these become too exposedthey can crack, which will lead to leaks.�Compacted well to a depth of 500 -800mm is ideal,� adds Whitnell. �200 -300mm is alright if the water level willbe consistent. Alternatively, we workwith linings.�

Which is where lining contractorssuch as the UK�s largest, Landlinecome in. They are able to supply andengineer water-tight lining solutions -ideal for complex site situations and forprotecting against contaminated soil.

�NATIONALLY, IT DOES THE COUNTRYSIDE GOOD TO CONSERVE WATER. IN THE 1880s, THERE WERE

THREE TIMES AS MANY PONDS AND LAKES IN THE UK AS THERE ARE TODAY.�


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�Traditional methods of holdingwater involves puddled clay,� agreedLandline sales manager Mike Pomfret,�but it has to be the right type of clay. Ifit does crack, the water has a pathway toescape and you almost certainly have tostart again to correct the problem.

�Modern-day linings are quick, effi-cient and cost-effective. The type ofmaterial we use depends on the type ofconditions.� DesignLandline are able to come in at theearly stages and help design the rightsystem to minimise or eliminate poten-tial hazards such as algae and waterweed infestations as early as possible.These can be thwarted very simply.�Just build deeper,� advises Pomfret.

�Shallow ponds generate algaegrowth quicker. Moving, cooler anddeeper water minimises infestationgrowth.�

If infestations persist, relativelyinexpensive remedies are available. �Afloating pump - similar in design to aship�s propeller helps keep the watermoving,� suggested Jackson House.

�It�s in for a couple of weeks,depending on how bad the infestationis, and the problem probably won�treoccur again that year.�

So with enough foresight, most even-tualities can be catered for. But at theend of the day, if somehow the unthink-able still occurs and you temporarily loseyour water feature, at least your coursewill still be playable!

�GET YOUR CONTRACTORS CHOSEN AND BOOKED AS SOON AS YOU

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The American DreamWith the demise of Clubhaus plc, American Golf (UK) have emerged as the biggest golfoperator in the UK and they clearly have their sights set on future acquisitions in Europe.John Vinicombe talked to managing director David Seidl.

American Golf and itssubsidiary, American Golf(UK) Ltd., the world�slargest golf course opera-

tor, is decided on further expansionhere and in Europe.

While an economic downturn isbeing forecast on both sides of theAtlantic, the huge leisure conglomerateis seeking to add to an already impres-sive portfolio of courses. The Britishmarket will continue to provide freshopportunities to take the company tofurther limits.

The annual turnover of AmericanGolf is $750m. The correspondingfigure for American Golf (UK) is $52m.All in all, the parent company has 325courses in the US and in the UK thereare 24 long term leases or freeholdproperties controlled from the BlueMountain base in Binfield, Berkshire. NetworkIt is from there that David Seidl, themanaging director, controls a networkof courses that came into being eightyears ago and has continued to flourishunder the Stars and Stripes.

Most of the locations are inSouthern England and roughly twohours distance from London. The flag-

ship is St Mellion International nearPlymouth.

The head of the UK operation sincelast February is a 52 year-old formerUS Army officer who was a member ofthe original team that opened up theBritish market in 1993.

When we met at Blue Mountain,Seidl had only recently returned fromleave in America and was on a transcon-tinental westbound flight two hours outof New York on September 11.

He is, by nature, an optimist, but ashrewd pragmatist for all that, and notprone to knee jerk reactions: �I don�tsee in the UK a lasting effect after whathas happened, providing that is the endof such events.

�We have had some cancellationsof conference bookings back home butI don�t see it lasting. The question iswhat will be the impact on the econo-my and the impact on the golf busi-ness.�

In a frank interview about companypolicy, Seidl outlined plans and pulledno punches. It is his view that theleisure business, and that includes golf,must be prepared for a slowdown ingrowth. "

�WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPAND

MORE IN EUROPE AND IN

THOSE SOUTHERN CLIMES

WHERE GOLF IS POSSIBLE ALL

YEAR ROUND. FOR THAT

REASON WE HAVE NOT LOOKED

IN EITHER FRANCE OR

GERMANY.�


�The recently competitive golfmarket is pretty flat right now and Ithink it will continue to be for the fore-seeable future due to the prevailingeconomic conditions. I am sure themarket will come back and the UK is agood market although there has notbeen a lot of new construction.

�The courses that were not avail-able to the public before are now avail-able and taking up market share. Thecorporate support of business thesedays, however, has dropped and wehave seen it happen all over the worldin our courses.

�Corporations are suffering fromthese economic times and financialsupport has actually fallen off over thepast couple of years.

�My experience is that the firstplace large corporations always adjustis on the entertainment side of businessand that includes golf. But I�m sure theeconomy will pick up. But when thatwill happen, your guess is as good asmine. Tight Ship�Running a tight ship is important rightnow. Competitors are discountingprices in order to maintain the numberof rounds on a golf course. I don�t thinkyou want to give in to that end of thecompetition.

�What you want to do is provide aquality product that is superior to yourcompetitors so that you don�t have todiscount the prices you are chargingand you are creating good value foryour customers.

�When they are going to make theirgolfing decision they are going to cometo your property because it is betterserved and is a better quality golf club.�

Latest acquisitions are StaplefordAbbots and Chelsfield Lakes, both inEssex and the company has strucknorth by a presence at Cookridge Hallnear Leeds.

�What we are doing is only limitedby financial resources, but, like anycompany, you will find that we are notstanding still. On the contrary.

�We have looked in Scotland andSpain. The Spanish course is nearBarcelona and there is another furthersouth along the coast in which we areinterested.

�We would like to expand more inEurope and in those southern climeswhere golf is possible all year round.For that reason we have not looked ineither France or Germany.

�In surveying an area we look atpopulation support; chimney pots ifyou like, and that is why we have somany courses in London and the HomeCounties. In a wider context, AmericanGolf has recently gone into Australiaand Japan. We see the growth of thecompany at this time in the internation-al market rather than US-based.

A possibility that American Golfmight buy troubled rivals Clubhaus wassmartly fielded by Seidl. �I don�t thinkthere is an opportunity to purchase it ata price they might expect.�

The smile on his face broadened.And he added the acquisition of HomePark, that his company renamedHampton Court Palace, had been some-thing of a coup.

The course at Hampton Wick,Kingston-on-Thames, has givenAmerican Golf UK something of atoehold into an Establishment address.

A 25 year operating licence wasgranted after the Royal Palaces decidedto put the course (550 members) out fora competitive bid. A broker acted as thego-between and a plum dropped intoSeidl�s lap.

�The course has been there for 105years and after we were declared to bethe preferred bidder there was a naturalhostility by some members towards theRoyal Palaces. Some of that reactionspread a little bit over onto us, but weare pleased and I think the members aretoo.�

Not too many doors have beenslammed in the face of the company.One admitted mistake was at a coursenear Swindon where difficulties withdrainage prompted AG (UK) to sellafter 18 months. That setback occurredshortly after beginning operations here.

�We did look at East SussexNational which had been the home oftwo European Opens. As I understandit, the owners� expectation of value wasconsiderably higher than what we werewilling to invest in the property.�

There was a strong North Americanflavour about ESN when it opened over

�THE RECENTLY COMPETITIVE GOLF MARKET IS PRETTY FLAT

RIGHT NOW AND I THINK IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE FOR THE FORE-

SEEABLE FUTURE DUE TO THE PREVAILING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.�


a decade ago. It was the brainchild ofCanadian hotel tycoon Greg Turner andthe two courses were designed byAmerican Bob Cupp.

�Any time you can acquire a prop-erty at a competitive price and make itwork, that is fine. But the minute youspend too much money, you are nevergoing to make it work.� WaterfordDoes AG (UK) have any designs uponIrish courses? �We don�t have any there.We looked at one in Waterford recently,but we aren�t looking right now.

�As I said, a European locationwould have to be one where golf can beplayed 12 months of the year whichrules out Northern Europe. Anotherarea in which we don�t have an interestis North Africa.�

If there is to be a greater impetus togolf in the UK it is Seidl�s view thatgolfers need to identify with a figure-head comparable to Nick Faldo. �I�veheard a good number of people say thatsince I�ve been over here.

�The club golfer would love torelate to a guy rather as we do to TigerWoods. That would do a heck of a lotfor the game here.�

He made a valid point about lossessustained by UK clubs during severalwet winters. �A lot of traditionally oldprivate member clubs used to be verystrict in not allowing visitors or non-members to play on their courses.

�That has changed and rules beenrelaxed or removed to bring in visitorsin order to pay the bills. It is a case ofnecessity.�

David Seidl (handicap 11), hasexperience of playing company coursesall over the world. One of his favouritesis Ko�olau in Hawaii and consideredone of the most challenging on theplanet.

From the back tees it is 7,310 yards(par 72) and Seidl swears there isabsolutely no run on the ball. Hedescribes it as, �tough duty.�

From 1972-80 he served in the USArmy specialising as a quartermasterofficer and operating officer clubs. Helived in Hawaii for three years as acivilian working for the army and hasbeen with American Golf for 16 yearshaving held a series of vice-presidentpositions. ImpressedHe hasn�t joined a private members�club in the UK and prefers to stick tocompany courses but was greatlyimpressed by Sunningdale Old courseand Wentworth. �Sunningdale is reallysomething special and quite beautiful.�

That was Seidl�s verdict on theunattainable, but it did no harm to havea look although I wonder if they knewwho was giving the property a morethan professional once-over?

Of course, a man can alwaysdream...

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The English Genius


PROFILE

John Jacobs, the founding fatherof the European Tour and doyenof teaching professionalsthroughout the world, has been

inducted into the World Golf TeachersHall of Fame.

Jacobs was chosen from more than40 nominees selected by the American-based GOLF Magazine�s Top 100Teachers and a panel of golf historiansand journalists.

He received more than 75 per centof the vote, making him eligible to joina select group of a prestigious club.

Jacobs, one of the game�s mostinfluential and perceptive teachers, was

hailed by GOLF Magazine as, �theEnglish Genius� when he received hismedal commemorating his march intothe Hall of Fame alongside TommyArmour, Percy Boomer, Ernest Jones,David Love Jnr, Harvey Penick, PaulRunyan and Bob Toski.

The nominees were chosen based onthe following criteria: Unfailing dedica-tion to his/her students; knowledgeshared with the teaching community;demonstrated professionalism and aminimum of 25 years teaching profes-sionally

It is an indisputable fact that �JJ� hasseen and done it all in a career in which

he has become Europe�s most influen-tial golf instructor of the past 50 years.

He may be pushing 76, but hisvigour, enthusiasm and unremittinglove of the game still pervades everyconversation.BlueprintIn addition to his teaching motto of,�make it simple�, Jacobs has also beena high class player in his own right,twice Ryder Cup captain and a respect-ed TV golf commentator, coursedesigner and, somehow, able to findenough hours in the day to put togetherthe blueprint for what is now theEuropean Tour. "

John Jacobs is, quite simply, a golfing-legend of the modern era. Renowned the worldover, the two-times Ryder Cup captain met with John Vinicombe at his Hampshire retreatto discuss his latest accolade.


He admitted: �I feel a very luckyman because teaching this wonderfulgame has made me a million friends.The Golf Channel in America broadcastthe ceremony live from Bay Hill inFlorida and I felt very humble whenButch Harman phoned in to say thattwo people had influenced his methods- his father and me.

�It was very flattering, coming fromthe man who has worked so closely andsuccessfully with Tiger Woods andDarren Clarke, among others.�

A man of many accomplishments,Jacobs has, like Charles Foster Kane, aprecious childhood memory that isnothing to do with his chosen path inlife. Just as �Rosebud� gave up itssecret in the fiery furnace of Xanadu asCitizen Kane closed, so Jacobs, in analtogether more lifelike fashion,revealed one of his most treasuredmoments.

Scoring a century for MaltbyGrammar School in Yorkshire may nothave alerted those dour members of thecounty committee to young Jacobs�talents with the bat, but it remains anearly pinnacle for this extraordinaryman.

He would doubtless have given aking�s ransom to have won the Open,but equally, I suspect, to have worn theWhite Rose, and gone on to play forEngland, would be a fair swap.

To this day Jacobs nurses a burningpassion for cricket and yet almost allhis life has been devoted to playing andteaching golf and spreading the gospelthroughout the planet.

Few reach the top and fewer staythere and remain quite unaffected bysuccess. The man who teaches theteaching professionals, has launchedmany a bright star into the firmament,and treats royal partners like a chum.He is really a canny Yorkshireman whohas never forgotten his roots oranything else.

Robert, his father, was professionalat Lindrick and mother, who was inservice, caddied to bring a bit moremoney into the family. Young John,when an assistant at the Hallamshire,was brought up with a proper respect forbrass.

His job paid £2 a week from theclub, 30 shillings extra from WillieWallace, the pro, and two out of thefive shillings from each of the hourlong sessions. After six o�clock, luckyJohn copped the whole five bob.

�Rita and I were married on that in1949�, John recalled at his convertedcoach house residence in Lyndhurst,Hampshire. As a concession to leisure,for golf is his business, John indulges apassion for fishing.

It was the promise of the Avon�strout that lured him to Hampshire 30years ago. Monday was sacrosanct:�When I�m fishing, I only think fishing.�

Jacobs� tournament trail ended in1963 and after a career when he was awinning Ryder Cup player (twicecaptain), he was tourney director of thePGA in the mid-seventies by whichtime his world-wide chain of golf clin-ics had been set in train.FlairHis instructional books have sold wellover 500,000 copies. These not onlydeal with basics and refinements of thegame but also contain Jacobs� anecdotalflair and dry wit.

When Jacobs received one of hismany royal calls for lessons, there mighthave been repercussions had PrincessLilian of Belgium understood himremarking on the strength of her grip.

�You may be a princess, but if youhold the club like that, you will alwaysbe a hooker...�

When it comes to yarning, Jacobs isin a class of his own. After all, he hasbuilt around 30 courses all over theworld including Pakistan and the NorthWest Frontier.

After he left the Hallamshire for thepro�s job at the Gezira Club, Cario afriendship was struck up with HassanHassanein. He was the brilliantSudanese who won the Italian andFrench Opens and played with John atWorthing in the Spalding where he hada hole in one.

Sadly, Hassanein took his own lifeby dousing himself with petrol andstriking a match. So not all of Jacobs�memories are good and he and his wifequit Egypt when revolutionary mobs setfire to Shepherds hotel.Prize MoneyThe most Jacobs won in any one eventwas £400 when he and Henry Cottonsplit the prize money in the PenfoldMatchplay. It was enough to buy aVauxhall Velox. There is no compari-son between what Jacobs earned fromteaching and building courses to whathe made as a player.

�I got this reputation for teaching,but really, I wanted to play. Probably, itwas a blessing. In those days I was avery good driver in more ways thanone.

�I didn�t think it at all unusual todrive back overnight from the Open atCarnoustie to be in my shop next morn-ing at Sandy Lodge in Middlesex. Itwas the same for the rest of us.

Ewen Murray, the Sky golfcommentator, was one of Jacobs pupils.�I smoked for 43 years and he sent metablets in the hope I�d kick the habit. Itworked after I�d even tried hypnosis soI�ve a lot to thank him for.�PilotJacobs has achieved much and thatincludes qualifying as a glider pilot.He did a course near Lindrick andbecame an instructor.

But, on entering the RAF at 17,John failed an aircrew medical and wasclose to becoming a Flight Engineer onHalifax bombers when the war ended.

�I GOT THIS REPUTATION FOR TEACHING, BUT REALLY, I WANTED TO PLAY. PROBABLY, IT WAS A

BLESSING. IN THOSE DAYS I WAS A VERY GOOD DRIVER IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.�


In golf, though, he has always hadhis feet on the ground. The tall, power-ful figure, is stooped to some degree,but John still has a full growth ofsilvery wavy hair that adds a distin-guished look.DemeanourThe golfer�s mitts, like sausages, arethe clue to a lifetime of working withhis hands. His demeanour is courteousand pleasant. You couldn�t imagineJacobs ever having lost his temper.

He likes a good red wine sincegiving up smoking and has been knownto put away a bottle in the evening asthe conversation flows. There is noside to the man, not the slightest traceof pomposity or self-importance.

In an age of golfing gurus withbubble reputations, Jacobs� reputationas the games supreme teacher is unchal-lenged over the years.

A lifetime of studying the mechan-ics of the awing, of applying thatknowledge as a player at the highestlevel, and of coaching thousands ofgolfers from Jack Nicklaus down to therawest beginner, equipped him withunrivalled qualifications.

He scorns theories, passing fads andgimmicks so there is no John Jacobs�method� just proven truths and thenatural laws of mechanics and dynamics.

He dispenses that vast body ofscholarship with down-to-earthYorkshire gumption which recognises

that each individual needs an individualinterpretation of the golfing way as wellas an individual way of expressing it.

Jacobs understands better than mostthat the mechanical act of striking a ballis only half the game, if that, and hisinsights into the psychology of golf areas penetrating as his crisp 2-iron shotswere into the teeth of a gale.

From Jack Nicklaus to TonyJacklin, from Sandy Lyle to Jose MariaOlazabel, �Dr Golf� has been the advi-sor called in when things go wrong.

Now he is in the Hall of Fame andrightly honoured the world over; yetanother instance of being rewarded bythe game to which he long ago dedicat-ed his life.

The 10th, Ballybunion Old Course, Ireland

e P r H i O c T h O e G p R w A o P r H t Y h

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Hidden Benefits

Many golf clubs considera good catering opera-tion to be a service totheir membership and

are therefore prepared to accept a lossrunning it if it keeps their membershipfigures high.

Centred around the clubhouse, thesevenues are often splendid affairs,bedecked with solid craftsmanship andno small dose of prestige-tinged history.

But as impressive as many undoubt-edly are, most clubhouses tend not to beopen to the public. Which, given theirquality and sedate surroundings, has torepresent a missed opportunity.

There are several ways in whichgolf clubs can widen their clubhouse�sremit without compromising theirmembership�s preferences too much. StorageFor example, every clubhouse needschairs in the dining area, so why notspecify chairs that stack or tables thatfold away? These can be wheeled outwhen needed to transform capacity forother functions, such as weddings, soci-ety golf days, or corporate use.

London�s GN Burgess and Co arewell-known manufacturers of such flex-ible and functional conferencing andbanqueting furniture.

They look to supply pieces thatdisplay a certain amount of style so thatthey endorse or enhance the club�simage.

Burgess are not offering custom-made furniture but can supply varia-tions on their range of products, whichare ideal for traditional member clubsand places as select as Wentworth.Chairs can be customised with a varietyof fabrics to match your decor, or evenbranded with the club�s crest or logo.

But if you�re looking at a majoroverhaul of your existing clubhouse,the process should start with a thoroughappraisal. "

Whenever you�re fortunate enough to be able to reassess your 19th hole arrangements,Rob Wright has some interesting perspectives to help you tap what could be a veryprofitable resource.


# Assess your existing facilities in terms of strengths and weaknesses

$ Are general improvements feasible or do you need to start again from scratch?

% What are other leisure facilities in your area doing to appeal to their primary and secondary audiences?

& Which specific ideas appeal to you and your membership?

' How do your existing strengths and weaknesses impact those new ideas?

( How much can you safely allocate financially to fulfilling those new ideas?�It�s always very important to have

a cost parameter to begin with,� agreedNeil Saunders of specialist joiners andcabinet-makers Harringtons, based inNottingham, UK. For over a 100 years,Harringtons have been developing abusiness which designs and builds well-crafted interiors for the leisure industry.

Full-service suppliers likeHarringtons have a string of joiners,upholsterers, curtain makers, polishersand cabinet makers available. Setting aclear budget constraint will help ensurethat you get no more than the skills youneed to get your job done.WiseAs the process develops, it�s also wiseto allocate just one person to negotiatewith suppliers.

�There has to be a clearly definedperson heading up the project,� insistsSaunders, �so that the club�s contactwith us is more-or-less reduced to aone-to-one; someone authorised tomake decisions on behalf of the devel-opment committee. Otherwise, you canhave too many people affecting thefinal outcome.

�In worse-case scenarios, you canhave individuals from the club insistingon personal preferences which are thenimplemented but later need to bereversed because they weren�t speakingfor the rest of the committee.�Obviously, this can add to both thelength and cost of the project.

As with all these things, thoroughplanning is the key to success. �In anideal world,� continued Saunders, �itwould be good to be talking to clubs inSeptember and spend two to threeweeks taking the brief and devisingsome ideas with budget costings.

�Once approved, we can then makesure the materials are available and getall the orders in before Christmas.Ideally, it�d be good to do the work inclose season. For a major refurbish-ment, January to March is a good timeto be on site.�ObstaclesAside from timing, there are other moresignificant obstacles to consider beforeprogressing too far with your plans.

�Sometimes, membership won�tagree with ringing any changes,�Saunders recognised.

�They�d rather spend money on thegreens than on the 19th hole. Also,people often want things to stay theway they are out of nostalgia; �thingshave always been like that.� But by thetime they get to us, they�ve usuallyworked through all the respective argu-ments for and against.�

Whenever you eventually do decideto be bold and use your clubhouse togenerate an additional revenue stream,make sure you never lose sight of thefollowing wake-up calls, because when-ever you can�t apply a well-reasonedperspective on any of these points, youcould earn yourself several sleeplessnights in the not-too-distant-future.

Respect your limitations...Your course may be next to a perfectlygood hotel, so it�s probably best toleave them to do the weddings and barmitzvahs unless you relish head-to-headcompetition with your neighbours andpotential colleaguesAssessing the cost...Allocating funds to install state-of-the-art conferencing facilities in your club-house is one thing; making sure there�senough money to publicise the newservice, handle enquiries and providefirst-class hospitality when thecustomers arrive is anotherKnow your break-even point...Honest, realistic projections on turnoverare always far more helpful than wish-ful thinking. With the right informationto hand, you can assess how your newventure will impact the bottom line andwhen it�s likely to begin to be a finan-cial benefit, instead of a liability

Once you�ve considered thesepoints, you�re ready to start putting inkto paper and compose some final plans.

Guy Robson, new owner of SeckfordGolf Club near Woodbridge in Suffolk,has recently arrived at this point. DriversOne of the key drivers for his decisionto change Seckford�s clubhouse wasthat the existing facility wasn�t able tosustain a service to the number ofpeople who came to play golf withoutsocieties and corporate hospitalityguests interfering with existingmembers.

His plans to build an all-new club-house are now awaiting planningpermission. And by resisting the temp-tation to treat the official process asadversarial, gleaned insight for hisplans from the planners themselves.

�They were very helpful,�commented Robson.

�THERE HAS TO BE A CLEARLY DEFINED PERSON HEADING UP THE PROJECT,� INSISTS SAUNDERS, �SO

THAT THE CLUB�S CONTACT WITH US IS MORE-OR-LESS REDUCED TO A ONE-TO-ONE; SOMEONE AUTHO-

RISED TO MAKE DECISIONS ON BEHALF OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. OTHERWISE, YOU CAN

HAVE TOO MANY PEOPLE AFFECTING THE FINAL OUTCOME.�


�By consulting with them from theoutset, they guided us through the entireprocess and gave us advice as to whichideas were most likely to get accepted.�After all, it�s not just in the planner�sremit to uphold regulations, but also toencourage strong development.

Intriguingly, though, it wasRobson�s own personal experiencewhich helped lead him to include amore radical element to his plans.

�I have a three-year old,� he said. �Atweekends when I want to play golf, it�snot fair on my wife that I have to leavethem behind. Or that the only answer Ican give when my kid says, �Can I cometoo, Daddy?� has to be �No�.�

Which is why Robson is incorporat-ing space for a cr�che in his plans,including indoor and outdoor super-vised play areas, their own menu andchild-friendly toilet facilities. Butthere�s more to his decision than justpersonal interest.

�Just 11 per cent of our membershipare women,� quoted Robson. �And theperception that you have to be white,middle-class and male to play golfcertainly isn�t valid, is it?

�So we�d just as rather Mum was onthe golf course and Dad was on thedriving range.�AgeRobson plans to split his crèche facili-ties into two age groups, covering twoto ten-year olds. But at those ages, isn�the a little worried that screaming kidsrunning around will interfere with theambience of his club? Robson had aswift retort to that one.

�Generally, anyone who thinks kidsgo around screaming doesn�t have kidsor has forgotten what kids are like!Besides, children are the future of golf,aren�t they? Experience�So we need to get them involved in thesport today, not tomorrow. If they�recoming here, we want them to enjoy theexperience and we want their parents tocome here and relax too - even ifthey�re not golfers.�

Non-golfers welcome in a golfclub? The very thought might not washwith some clubs, but with others, itcould just supply the impetus whichfinally takes the lid off your very own,highly profitable watering hole.

�I HAVE A THREE-YEAR OLD,� HE SAID. �AT WEEKENDS WHEN I

WANT TO PLAY GOLF, IT�S NOT FAIR ON MY WIFE THAT I HAVE TO

LEAVE THEM BEHIND.�

Charles MadorCHARTERED ARCHITECTS

Specialists in Golf Projects

Project Managers for the Suffolk Water Parkdevelopment, designers of the Open Golf

Centre Clubhouse at Iford Bridge,Christchurch and the new

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Call us to discuss your new or refurbishment building project

Cross Street Studio20 Cross Street, London N1 2BG

Telephone: +44(0)20 7354 4310Fax: +44(0)20 7354 8613

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Swan Golf Designs LimitedGolf Course Architects


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The Elliott Group was formed in 1963 and for over 35 years we have provided building systems to meet our customer requirements. Our success in matching customer needs to products and services has resulted in Elliott

directly employing over 700 people operating from over twenty locations around the United Kingdom.

We are delighted to have supplied the developers with a temporary clubhouse during construction of the Queenwood Golf Club, Surrey, and we look forward to being of equal service to other golf clubs

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Firm Focus


COMPANY PROFILE

As most occasional golferswill testify, the biggest andmost frequent complaintwhen visiting a new course

is often the lack of visual and informa-tive signage.

Beautifully manicured fairways areall well and good, but they count fornothing if visitors to the course arebemused as to where they should beaiming. Play your own course as a visi-tor would play it - you could beunpleasantly surprised.

Let�s start with the basics. Uponentry to the course complex chances arethere is a sign directing visitors to thecar park and/or clubhouse. Yet when itcomes to directing golfers to the firsttee, some clubs are sadly lacking.

The Rockley Park welcome sign(opposite) is one of the many high-qualitysigns available from Woodclass.

The company offers an attractiveand practical signage system with three-dimensional graphics on cedar woodobtained entirely from renewablesources. StunningThe sand-blasted effect can be stunningand the company�s clients have includ-ed Gleneagles, Valderrama, Kodak,Pepsi and Lufthansa and its signs canbe seen on more than 50 courses inmost European countries.

One of the company�s most recentcommissions is for the new BoavistaGolf Complex in Lagos, Portugal whichis owned by the Emerson Group.

Part of the order includes 18 teeboards along with 75 tee marker boardswhich are smaller than the standard teeboard but will still mark the yellow, red,white and black driving distances.

Proprietor Ian Watson is happy tooffer advice to prospective clients.

�The most important thing about theinformation on a sign is to keep thingssimple, clear and informative,� he said.

�With our signs, the location doesnot matter with regard to the region�sweather, as all our signs are fully weath-erproof. But it does pay to have an ideaas to where you will be erecting the sign.

�Setting the signs in concrete is apopular way of erecting, but it maycause additional mowing time as theedges would need to be trimmed.

�With our signs being wooden theyare quite rustic and many clubs make afeature out of them by planting someplants in a bark chipping surround forexample.�

One of the main benefits of usingWoodclass Signs is the personal servicewhich has become the company�s trade-mark in recent years.

Along with a free design and consul-tation service, the Preston-based compa-ny can carry out free site surveys andcan even supply samples upon request.

A new full-colour brochure has justbeen printed which not only details thecomprehensive range on offer, butoutlines the extensive network of agentsacross the UK and now throughoutPortugal.

The company has recently branchedinto the design, concept and productionof scorecards and associated courseliterature, which can of course helpgenerate invaluable sponsorship revenueto your club.RevenueThe extra revenue can then be put toalternative uses by paying for yourcourse signage.

�Quite often members run their owncompanies and it would only costbetween £300 to £400 to erect a tee signwith the company�s logo on it.

�The member gets permanent adver-tising for minimum outlay and thecourse gets free signage.

�It is something which is becomingincreasingly common in my experi-ence,� concluded Watson.

Woodclass clearly ina class of their own

Woodclass SignsUnit 10, Chandler Business Park, Talbot Road, PrestonLancashire PR25 2ZG

T: (44) 01772 435341F: (44) 01772 435283W: www.woodclass.co.uk

�THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT THE INFORMATION ON A SIGN

IS TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE, CLEAR AND INFORMATIVE.�

Fiscal Ideas

OPINION


Obtaining finance for your golf operation can often by a complicated matter due to the lackof understanding from potential lenders. Andrew Snook of Textron Financial Corporationsuggests an alternative approach.

High street bank managersdevelop all types of bank-ing relationships with theircustomers. Savings

account, personal accounts, car financeand commercial lending programmeshighlight the multitude of relationshipsand business types a high street bankmanager must oversee.

By the very nature of their role as alocal bank manager they must under-stand an awful lot about an awful lot ofdifferent things.

However, should you try to discussyour business with them you mightreceive polite nods, blank stares, orderisive laughter. They appreciate yourbusiness; they probably do not under-stand it.

It�s not difficult to see why. Golfcourses are highly specialised, compli-cated businesses that often incorporatea restaurant, a high street shop and arecreation centre all on 140 acres ofmaintained turf.

So where does that leave you whenyou need money using your golf courseas security for a loan? More often thannot it means you are at a big disadvan-tage. You fall victim to your bankmanager�s uncertainties about yourbusiness.

While they value your business,they are unlikely to provide anythingbut a very conservative loan with oner-ous repayment terms.

Typical structures for golf loansfrom high street banks include low loan

amounts (as a percentage of value orcost), short terms ensuring full repay-ment of debt within 10 to 15 years,financial covenants that focus on yourbalance sheet rather than your operatingstatement, and their low interest ratesare often supplemented by on-goingloan maintenance charges.

At the outset this can mean fewerloan proceeds for you. During theloan�s term it will mean more of youroperating cashflow is used to repayyour debt or maintain the loan leavingyou with less money on a daily basis.

In the United States the situation issomewhat different. Local banks stillmake loans to golf courses and withvery similar structures to those dealsoffered by banks in the UK and Europe. DifferenceOne major difference exists. In theUnited States, golf course operatorshave another alternative; commercialcredit companies such as TextronFinancial Corporation, which has anentire division dedicated to providingnothing but golf course loans.

Commercial credit companies haveloaned more than $1 billion or £650million to golf courses in the US. Infact, commercial credit companies havebecome the single largest source fordebt capital required by golf courseoperators and, as such, have becometrue specialists lending to golf courses.

Their clients range from singleowner-operated facilities to the largemulti-course operators such asAmerican Golf, ClubCorp, and

LinksCorp. Obviously these companiesare doing something right.

How have these companies growntheir business and successfully compet-ed with local banks whose interest ratesare generally lower? ExpertsGolf lenders have grown their portfo-lios by being golf business experts.Staffed by former bankers, golf clubmanagers and golf consultants, thecommercial credit companies haveindustry specific experience and depthof knowledge that your high street bankmanager is unable to develop. Whilethe bank manager wears many hats,golf lenders wear just one.

This focused approach allows golflenders to view loans from a differentperspective and to provide loans withstructures more appropriate to theindustry. More critically, a golf lender�sexperience allows it to be flexibleregarding the structure of your deal.

While each golf course provides aunique opportunity, golf lenders areable to provide a unique solution toyour specific situation rather than makeyour loan fit their programme.

Because golf lenders look only atgolf courses they focus on a course�soperating statement to understand thecashflow generated by the facility. Golflenders lend against that cashflow andits ability to cover the annual debt.

As long as cashflow is at least 30per cent more than the annual debtservice (based upon the loan amount,


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the interest rate and period over whichthe capital balance is to be repaid), golflenders are comfortable lending at thatlevel.

Banks understand the underlyingland value rather than the golf courseoperation and its cashflow stream.Their loans are structured with anadvance of 75 per cent of the value ofthe property almost regardless of thecashflow generated, the operation of thegolf course and its ability to cover theannual debt service.DistinctionTo a bank there is no distinctionbetween a loan�s �term� and its �amorti-sation�. If you borrow money from abank for a period of 10 years, your capi-tal balance (the amount you originallyborrowed) will be fully repaid or amor-tised over the 10-year term of the loan.

A golf lender may lend you moneyfor up to 10 years but will amortise thecapital balance over 20 to 25 yearsbecause they are more comfortable withthe continuity of cashflow.

At the end of the 10-year term thereis a final payment consisting of theunamortized capital balance. This struc-tural difference has a significant impacton a golf course�s daily operations and

the cashflow generated annually afterdebt repayments.

Other differences are apparent. Golflenders require a monthly paymentwhile banks generally look to be repaidon a quarterly basis. However golflenders look at the monthly variabilityof your operating cashflow and deter-mine an appropriate payment that canreduce the need for, and the associatedcharges with, an overdraft facility at thelocal bank.

If you sell annual memberships thatprovide considerable inflow of cashwhen they are sold, it makes sense tomake a higher payment at that time,rather than make regular quarterlypayments and suffering the financialconsequences at a time when your cash-flow is diminished due to the seasonalnature of your operation.

Both high street banks and golflenders charge an arrangement feealthough the amount can vary and bothwill expect you to pay any chargesassociated with closing the loan.

Uncertain of the golf business,banks often require credit enhance-ments for golf loans such as personaland corporate guarantees that remain inplace for the life of the transaction.

Golf lenders may also require aguarantee, particularly if the operatingprofit provides minimal debt coverage,but are willing to let the guarantee lapseonce operating profit has improved to apoint where debt service coveragereaches a pre-agreed level.NeedsHighlighted are some of the ways thatgolf specialist lenders distinguish them-selves from high street banks. Whilegolf lenders cannot claim to be allthings to all people they are more likelyto understand your situation as golfcourse operator and offer creative solu-tions to your financing needs.

If interest rate is your overridingconcern when examining financeopportunities, then you should visityour local bank and hope the manageris wearing his or her golf hat.

If you are looking for a higher loanamount, a lower payment, more moneyas your operating profit improves andgenerally more flexible terms for yourgolf loan then you should call a golfspecialist lender.

They will strive to provide the kindof loan package that has made them thefirst choice for golf finance in theUnited States.

�IF YOU SELL ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS THAT PROVIDE CONSIDERABLE INFLOW OF CASH WHEN THEY ARE

SOLD, IT MAKES SENSE TO MAKE A HIGHER PAYMENT AT THAT TIME�

Portfolio


01473 270000

St Andrews signs with TextronTextron has signed a new five-yearagreement with St Andrews - effec-

tive from January 1, 2002 - toprovide a range of turf maintenanceequipment to keep the famous linksin immaculate condition. As a result

Textron will provide turf mainte-nance equipment to St Andrews

Links Trust, the body responsible forthe six links courses .

01254 266845

A new arrival for NetlonThe Netlon Group has expanded its

range of easy-to-install grass pavingsolutions with the introduction ofNetpave 25 which was launched at

IOG SALTEX recently. Netpave 25provides a good level of protectionto grass surfaces for light vehicles,

which makes it ideal for use in over-spill carparks and other grassed

areas occasionally used as paths.

01952 682380

Club range hits the locker roomLink Lockers has launched its new

Club Range of personal lockers andchanging room furniture. The new

range features a design style that isspace-efficient and adaptable to

each location; and interior fittingsthat are designed to provide

comfortable, secure and attractivelyfurnished changing environments

for members of all golf clubs.

01889 590312

JCB push comfort to the limitA new generation of JCB mini exca-

vators has been unleashed on theEuropean market which bring a raft

of improvements to the range.JCB’s 801 mini excavators are

already the number one brand inthe UK and the new range now

comprises three main models whichplace great emphasis on improving

operator comfort levels.

0113 242 0231

The ideal clubhouse solutionThe new MFCS range of mobile cater-ing counters by IM Design offer users

a practical solution to the varyingdemands of every day in-house cater-

ing, in any location that requires asmart but changeable food presenta-

tion and serving system. The fullyfunctioning counter system can be

set up to serve lunch and then relo-cated for extra space when needed.

01797 320636

DED show-off new rangeExpected to become the standard

receipt printer of choice, due to itsprice to performance ratio, the

TSP600 was shown by DED recentlyat Leisure Industry Week. This

extremely low cost, high qualityprinter is ideal for any kind of

application that needs fast, reliablemono or two colour receipt printing

at low cost.

0113 387 7700

Bags of room with OgioThe Ogio Duffel range of luggage

offers golf users different designs tosuit all tastes including the ‘JPEG’,which is a vast packing space and

suitcase, with four interior compart-ments to help you stay organised.The range is weather resistant and

the ‘JPEG’ is equipped with easyrolling spin cycle inline skate wheels

and retails around £110.

01473 270000

Textron lend local supportTeams from Woodbridge Golf Club

and Fynn Valley Golf Club, Ipswichwon the Textron-sponsored Suffolk

Junior Scratch and Handicap compe-titions at Hintlesham Hall recently.At the prize giving ceremony, DavidHouston, chairman of Suffolk Junior

Golf thanked Textron for their gener-ous sponsorship and Hintlesham Hall

for providing a magnificent venue .

40 years of constant investment in the latest machinery for earth moving, shaping and finishing including our own engineered equipment for bunker construction, cultivation and seeding techniques have enhanced our reputation for reliability and efficiency in golf course and sportsfield construction. Modifications including

storage lakes, land drainage and water features, budget feasibility studies and project management are all reasons why we are celebrating forty years of excellence.

49 Woodlands Road, Sonning Common, Reading UK RG4 9TDTel /Fax: +44 (0)118 972 2257 • E-mail: [email protected]

www.elygolfconstruction.com

International Golf Course Construction

Our projects include:

• Brocket Hall Golf Club, England

• Aroeira Golf Club, Portugal

• Stoke Poges Golf Club, England

• Cotterell Park, Wales

• Victoria Golf and Country Club, Sri Lanka

• The Kintyre Course at Turnberry Golf Club, Scotland

• Royal Liverpool Golf Club, England

• *Bridgedown Golf Club, England

*Designed by Seve Ballesteros

88tthh ggrreeeenn,, KKiinnttyyrree CCoouurrssee aatt TTuurrnnbbeerrrryy,, SSccoottllaanndd(Photograph by Eric Hepworth Golf Course Photography 01302 322674)

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ELY

E Y

Est 1961Celebrating40 Years ofExcellence

J & E. ELY LTD

still numberCompetitive TermsSupplying and maintaining a rental fleet in excessof 2000 golf cars confirms our ability to offer themost comprehensive and flexible finance packages.

Immediate DeliveryCurrently holding the largest stock of both new andrefurbished petrol and electric golf cars - includingutility vehicles, anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Freedom of ChoiceMarket leading brand names including CClluubb CCaarrand EZGO. The choice is yours!

Service and PartsGuaranteed nationwide call-out service includingmaintenance programmes supported with thelargest stock of spare parts in the UK.

Immediate DecisionNo delay credit facilities and assessment for rentalcontracts, hire-purchase and lease buy back.

A International Company

Mox Golf Car UKCobweb Farm Building, Manor Farm, Lyford, WantageOxfordshire OX12 0EE

Sales 01235 867550Parts 01235 868204Fax 01235 867410

gmé | issuu 21

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