Midlands group members look to work together

The Midlands Golf Course Owners Association enters the new year with a new philosophy, and the result should benefit everyone – the owners in terms of less expense and more revenue, and players in terms of improved conditions.

The association’s membership once reached the 20s, but only 11 clubs paid the $150 dues last year, leaving the organization with the options of changing or perishing.

“In the past, we haven’t tried to help each other,” said Greg McBride, the Spur at Northwoods professional whose family owned the course for 27 years before selling to a company headed by Charleston attorney Joe Rice. “I’ve been a member all those years, and most paid their dues and did not really participate.”

McBride agreed to take the association’s presidency with the understanding that “we would try different things.”

The organization had $60,000 in its treasury, with most of the revenue accumulated through the years of selling its “passport book” that offered playing opportunities at reduced rates. The board decided to put the funds to work.

“(The money) was just sitting there,” McBride said. “We’re a non-profit organization, and there are legal restrictions on what we could do with it.”

The board decided to use the money to assist all its members. The MGCOA is acquiring six carts for clubs to use free of change if extras are needed for an event. The association also provided assistance of up to $1,000 to help member courses damaged from the October floods.

In addition, the association plans to purchase in bulk at reduced rates and clubs would pay the organization for the supplies. Plus, they are setting up junior golf events to increase revenue during slow times.

“Here’s the rationale,” McBride said. “If a club needs extra carts, they have in the past had to rent them, and that cut into their profit. Now, they can add extra teams – and increase their revenue – by using the association’s carts at no charge.

“We all need things such as fertilizer. If we buy in bulk, we get a better price, and a club’s expenditures are less. The savings to clubs can be significant. Think about saving as little as a quarter or 50 cents or up to $1 a bag in fertilizing the entire course (around 140 acres), and the savings add up in a hurry. That’s a pretty good return on $150 (annual dues) that also includes dues to the state and national organization.”

The junior tournaments would provide revenue at times the courses are mostly empty.

McBride has a two-day event scheduled for Northwoods in February that he anticipates adding more than $2,000 to the bottom line “at a time we would not have that much play.”

An idea to come: Advertising Midlands courses during Masters Week, which could not only benefit golf courses, but also hotels and restaurants.

Board members include McBride, vice-president/secretary Dian Berry (Golden Hills), treasurer Ken McCarthy (Woodlands), Clem King (CC of Lexington) and Tom Mason (Pat Tee Golf Center). Happ Lathrop, executive director of the South Carolina Golf Association, is a consultant.

“It’s crazy for all courses not to band together for the common good,” McBride said. “We’re not going to meet and discuss what courses charge. That’s their business. We want to add programs and generate more revenue. If we work together and do that, we have more to invest in our courses and everybody wins.”

Chip shots

The Spur at Northwoods 2016 High School Tune-Up tourney is set for Feb. 13-14 and is open to high school students in South Carolina preparing to play varsity or junior varsity golf this year. The field will be limited to the first 60 entries. Call tournament director Tom Mason (803-600-8671) to register. … The 2015 Palmetto Cup Matches finally will beplayed April 3-4 at the Patriot at Grand Harbor in Ninety Six. The matches fell victim to the October floods, and other attempts to reschedule have failed for multiple reasons. The competition features teams of top amateurs against top club professionals. . . . Registration has opened for the Drive, Chip and Putt competition for youngsters 7-15. Visit www.drivechipandputt.com for information.