OGRO Conference and Exhibition Review 2008

This years event, once again held at The Ramada Hotel in Maidstone, Kent, was the most successful so far. Over 200 delegates and exhibitors combined to make this the most relevant day of the year for golf operators of all types. Golf courses are considering their practice facilities like never before and this led to a marked increase in the number of course operators attending the event this year.

For the first time OGRO made two lifetime achievement awards to John Stirling and Roger Mace. There was not a dry eye in the hall as Both Roger and John were reminded of their careers with a brief précis of their work throughout their careers. Tributes were paid by many not able to be there on the day including ex assistants, colleagues and friends. Both Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the Professional Golfers’ Association and Peter Alliss, the ‘voice of golf’ sent acknowledgements of the pairs’ lifelong devotion to the game. OGRO President John Jacobs OBE made the awards and the standing ovation for these excellent professionals was moving and no less than they deserved for their outstanding contribution to the game of golf.

The Conference was opened by Rohan Barnet, Managing Director of OGRO, who acted as Master of Ceremonies throughout the day.

Rick Grogan, Chairman of TopGolf was the lead speaker and he started the presentations in fine style with a review of TopGolf’s activities in the last 18 months, since their merger/acquisition of the UK TopGolf sites. Two new TopGolf facilities have opened in the USA in Dallas and Chigaco. These installations have massive capacity and have refined the previous TopGolf Centre concept to meet local needs and also offer the ultimate levels of service, which have become a byword for TopGolf Centres. Although TopGolf technology is not available to all ranges, Rick’s input on their business model and the enhancements to service levels by the group over the last two years were of major interest to all the delegates. The new TopPutt putting consoles are available to most ranges and their stand was particularly busy during the Lunchtime exhibition.
We are particularly grateful to Rick for making his transatlantic schedule fit around his presentation to OGRO’s delegates.

Peter Ballingall, who flew in from his Spanish base to deliver his address to the Conference. Peter explained how he had developed residential schools at both Barnham Broom and more recently in Spain at his current base – The El Rompido Golf Complex. Peter has driven huge amounts of business through his schools and also to the facilities at which he has been based. His teaching theory is derived from his time working with John Jacobs, who he was delighted to meet up with again. Many range and course operators are now in a position to run their own residential golf schools and Peter’s insights into this growing market were invaluable to many of the delegates.
Julian Dell’s presentation could not have been better timed. Retail sales across the industry have been difficult for the past few years and Julian was able to demonstrate some of the key points to focus on, regardless of the size of space available. His experience with, first Tescos, then more recently his own american golf franchise chain has given him excellent knowledge of the golf and range market. Julian, together with his business partners, recently sold their franchise back to american golf. They had operated a total of eight major golf shops and now run the ranges at three of the sites. Julian is available as a retail golf consultant and can be contacted on 07860 401157.

There is still considerable interest in the design and construction of new ranges. Colin Jenkins and Paul Dubrow talked the delegates through the various aspects of planning, designing and constructing a first class golf range for the 21st Century. Colin’s focus was more on the pre-build concept, the design of the range, associated buildings, flow of customers and how to most accurately predict the turnover of the new facility. Paul, whose company Global Ranges (sponsors of the OGRO Conference and Exhibition) has now built several major new ranges, discussed the various considerations faced by new operators. Global ranges have now built three two-tier ranges, most recently the magnificent new 50 bay range at Portmarnock, near Dublin (full feature in GRN this month).

The Table-Top Exhibition was, as in previous years, held during the two hour lunch break. The exhibitors were very busy with enquiries and sales and all the main range supply companies attended. Range Servant, Seoul Nassau and European Golf Machinery were well represented together with Power Tee, Tansun, Nano Technology from Korea, Fiberbuilt, Srixon, Topflite/Callaway, Swingout Sister, Manson Insurance, Harris Miniature Golf, Huxley, and The PGA Collection. There was much interest from the TopPutt stand, their new slimmed down, single unit is proving to be a winner with operators across the range industry.

Delegates enjoyed the lunch break and caught up with old friends and new. The exchange of ideas between those involved in the range industry is always a high light of the event.

The afternoon session started with the Review of the Year. Colin took the delegates through recent changes in the industry and reflected on a difficult year for many in the industry. The session closed with some new ideas, including possibilities on taxation, and other ideas for generating more income. The conclusion of this session was that well run golf centres will continue to offer a much needed service for the public and will therefore be profitable. Each new generation brings different challenges, which need to be addressed if success is to continue. Many operators participated in the session and the feedback from the floor was that higher levels of service and professionalism would always drive more business, but sitting back on ones laurels is a dangerous policy. There are also many new ranges under construction or in the planning stages.

Bill Mylward’s company Pepperacre Ltd has been running golf course and range construction work for over 16 years. Pepperacre’s unique difference to many in the field is that they use imported inert material to create fabulous natural features in golfing surrounds. The imported material – sometimes inaccurately labelled as ‘landfill’ – can make course and range operators vast amounts of money subject to the right planning conditions and the suitability of the site. Golf facilities can also be immeasurably improved with better drainage, safer layouts and a top class overall design. Of particular interest to range operators is Pepperacre’s provision of a ‘golf pod’ which enables range sites to continue in business while work is undertaken on the outfield. While the work can take some time and planning permission is not always assured, the rewards are substantial, so Bill’s presentation was amongst the most keenly heard throughout the day.

Lucy Dickman and her husband Robert run the highly successful Cuckfield Golf Centre in Sussex. Lucy has branched out into the ladies fashion business and now offers all golf facilities the opportunity to host ladies fashion sessions at their site. Lucy, supported by Victoria, gave us an entertaining presentation which was much appreciated by the delegates. Swing Out Sister offers a full range of ladies clothing, with no stocking requirements and generous commissions paid for hosting venues. For once the area of ladies golf clothing looks set to be profitable and easy to manage – Swing Out Sister take the strain and do all the work for you.

Declan Malone is a PGA professional who runs golf academies under the N1 brand. His operations are at 7 different golf ranges and he manages a total of 15 PGA professionals. As part of his work with the academies Declan has been deeply involved in the online booking system and management tool – The Golf Academy Manager. Declan took the audience through the main features of The Golf Academy Manager which is fully customised by each teaching centre and can be directly linked to the website of the range or golf centre. Customers can book lessons and receive tuition tips direct to their email address or phone. The system is ideal for operators who are looking to enhance the professionalism and service of their teaching business. Various groups can be targeted, reminders of lessons sent and a clear overview of the teaching service seen. The Golf Academy Manager is available from £12-£20 per month per professional, depending on the number teaching at any one centre and a free three month trial. One extra person on a group session comfortably pays for the system.

The Conference was drawn to a close by Rohan at about 4.15pm, with many delegates staying behind for another hour or so.