CEO to Present State of the Association Address at Annual Conference in New Orleans
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 26, 2009) – In his annual letter to association members, NGCOA CEO Mike Hughes reminds golf course owners and operators that despite a tough economic climate “what made the game great continues to make the game great” and that “the fundamentals for a solid business are still in place.”
Hughes also notes that the challenges brought on by the economic downturn have “crystallized the importance and clarity” of the association’s mission. “I have long believed that the main reason the NGCOA exists is to provide real solutions to members’ real problems. I hope you see that pragmatic philosophy at work in everything your association does,” Hughes wrote.
Hughes will deliver his state of the association address on Feb. 5 during the NGCOA’s 2009 Annual Conference in New Orleans.
In his CEO letter, which is now available on the NGCOA Web site (ngcoa.org), Hughes cites the new Get Golf Ready player development program, NGCOA purchasing programs and National Golf Day among the association’s highlights in 2008.
Get Golf Ready, which was developed by a consortium of golf’s allied organizations with input from manufacturers, is designed to bring adults into the game through a series of five introductory lessons in informal, small-group environments.
In 2007 NGCOA purchasing programs were the source of more than $400 in rebates for every participating member. “That’s real savings and welcomed support in this economic climate,” Hughes noted.
Observed in April for the first time, National Golf Day focused attention on golf’s economic, environmental and philanthropic contributions. Along with the NGCOA, The PGA of America, PGA Tour, USGA, LPGA, GCSAA, CMAA, the Golf Course Builders Assoc., the American Society of Golf Course Architects, The First Tee and the World Golf Foundation were represented in Washington for the event.
In the face of the current economic slowdown, Hughes urges owners and operators to get close to their customers and make sure they are providing tangible value.
“People are passionate about the game and the data indicates that rounds of golf are holding up pretty well considering the scope and magnitude of the economic downturn. However, I believe that their economizing will lead to a migration of rounds, as golfers shop price more and take their business where they see the best value.”
The NGCOA’s Annual Conference will run concurrently with the 2009 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 5-7 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. The Golf Industry Show, which is presented by the NGCOA, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the Club Managers Association of America, is the golf industry’s largest gathering of golf course owners, operators and professional members of the golf course and club management industries.
About the NGCOA
The National Golf Course Owners Association is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information, visit www.ngcoa.org or call 1-800-933-4262.
Contact:
Bill Bryant, Bryant Marketing Communications
678.366.3232
bbryant@bryantmarcomm.com
Joe Rice, NGCOA
800.933.4262 Ext. 222
jrice@ngcoa.org
