Golf Inc - April 2008 - (Page 10)

Top News Movers&Shakers Is it time to change golf’s business model? Speakers at Golf Inc. conference to offer insights into the way today’s courses operate A frank and thought-provoking look at what’s right and what’s wrong with the way today’s golf courses are operated will be one of the featured sessions at the upcoming spring Golf Inc. Conference, April 21-23 at the Doral Golf Resort in Miami, Fla. Participating in the discussion, “Time to Blow Up Golf ’s Operating Model?” will be Joe Steranka, chief executive officer of the PGA of America, M.G. Orender, president of Hampton Golf and a former PGA of America president, Joe Munsch, president of EAGLE Golf, and Bobby Heath, chief executive officer of Western Golf Properties. Panel members will look at what golf courses need to do right now and in the future to offer what golfers n e e d an d w ant an d w h e t h e r t h e traditional management model for courses is working. “With the challenges facing operators today, it’s critical that the in dustr y examine its business model to determine what courses can do to help ensure success both today and to mor row,” s aid C has e Pe ck ham, associate publisher of Golf Inc. “This panel will be an important first step in that internal dialogue.” Among the other top golf industry executives taking part in conference educational sessions at Doral will be Dana Garmany, CEO of Troon Golf, Eric Affeldt, CEO of ClubCorp, Rudy Anderson, vice president of investments for CNL Lifestyle Co., Joe Beditz, CEO of the National Golf Foundation, and Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports. “Our speakers will offer insights into the industry’s best practices and provide ke y b e nch m ark i ng i n for m at i on ,” 10 Golf Inc. April 2008 Tim Clarke General Manager of Global Golf Wilson Golf Once the dominant equipment brand in the golf industry, Wilson over the past decade has struggled to find its niche as newer companies like Callaway, TaylorMade and PING soared past the Chicagobased manufacturer in sales and market share. Clarke, who took over management of Wilson Golf twoand-a-half years ago, has fought to reestablish the Wilson Staff label as a major player in the equipment arena by focusing on its line of premium irons, the Ci7 and Pi7. “Because of our heritage, irons are what we’re all about,” Clarke said. That strategy already is paying dividends: Sales in the U.S. and Europe were up by double-digit percentages in 2007, he said. The brand image also got a significant boost last year when Padraig Harrington used Wilson Staff clubs to capture the British Open. In addition to seeking a greater presence on the PGA Tour, Clarke also has beefed up Wilson’s R&D efforts and has expanded its green grass shop sales team in an effort to boost sales. Peckham said. The semi-annual event, a primary gathering for industry leaders, will feature 35 educational sessions, a 40-booth exhibit hall and three days of networking events, including a golf outing, an opening-night gala, cocktail reception, invitation-only luncheons for developers and operators and a networking breakfast. Bobby Heath Joe Steranka M.G. Orender Joe Munsch AT A GLANCE Spring Conference Date: April 21-23 Location: Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Fla. Registration information: 877-465-3462 or www.golfincmagazine.com ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance and Toro Co. are presenting sponsors for the conference. Other speakers include Steve Adelson, vice president of Discovery Land Co., Henry DeLozier, principal of Global Golf Advisors, Jim Hinckley, CEO of Century Golf Partners, Peter Hill, CEO of Billy Casper Golf, John Semcken III, vice president of Majestic Realty, and Billy Fuller, principal of Billy Fuller Golf Design. http://www.golfincmagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Golf Inc - April 2008

Golf Inc - April 2008 Contents Editors Column Birney Takes NGCOA Helm Construction Costs on the Rise KemperSports Adds 14 Courses Americas: Fazio Designs St. Kitts Layout Europe/Africa: Seaside Resort Planned in Egypt Asia/Australis: Faldo Opens New Chinese Course High-Tech Tools: New Technologies that can Help Operators There's No Economic Slump at Still-Popular Reynolds Plantation Tim Moraghan Wants to Make Golf Fun Again Why a $1.5 Billion Resort has Made Environmental Protection a Top Priority Most Admired Operators Marketing Experts Make Their Pitch for Golf Courses From Korea, with Cash Last Word

Golf Inc - April 2008

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