Golf Inc. - October 2008 - (Page 21)

the cost-cutting measures Humphrey has imposed at Pumpkin Ridge. “In an effort to reduce mowing frequencies, which helps with labor, machinery, repair and maintenance costs, we’ve started applying growth regulators to fairways, approaches and greens and using liquid fertilizer and wetting agents to hand-water certain areas,” Humphrey said. The club also has implemented a section management maintenance program, which assigns a number of responsibilities to the same person while he’s in a specific area. “If they’re mowing a green, for instance, they also rake the bunkers, fix divots and move tee blocks in that immediate area, rather than have someone else come out to do those things,” Humphrey said. “That creates efficiency of movement, which also saves fuel.” Labor is a big line item at Pumpkin Ridge, as at most courses. Humphrey said his supervisors “literally manage labor by the day and by the hour, and that has really worked.” We’ve taken advantage of pre-books on staples like balls, shoes and other items. There are no risks because at the end of the year, we can typically send those items back at no cost if they don’t sell. Scott Humphrey, General Manager, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club When there are slow spots on the tee sheet, an outside services or dining room staffer may be sent home early. Overtime is allowed only when authorized by a supervisor. Outside managers and shift leader positions also have been created to provide more accountability for staff time and productivity. On the F&B side, in addition to saving trash pickups through recycling, Pumpkin Ridge switched from using expensive plastic cups for beverages to paper cups specially designed by its existing vendor. The pro shop also gets attention at Pumpkin Ridge, Humphrey said. “In the merchandise arena, we’ve taken advantage of pre-books on staples like balls, shoes and other items,” he said. “There are no risks because at the end of the year, we can typically send those items back at no cost if they don’t sell.” Humphrey said they also partner with a major pro shop merchandiser, who will generally be willing to provide shop fixtures at no charge. And, while Pumpkin Ridge no longer allows members to pay their monthly statements with credit cards, the club itself has upped its own use of credit cards for purchases like linens and other supplies. “That way,” Humphrey said, “we save money because we get a discount for paying immediately, and we pay the credit card on time so there’s no carrying charge.” October 2008 www.GolfIncMagazine.com 21 http://www.obsports.com http://www.obsports.com http://www.GolfIncMagazine.com

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

Golf Inc. - October 2008 Contents From the Editors: Smaller is Less Costly Survey Reveal Golf's Economic Impact in EMA Private Club Managers Earn Bigger Salaries Dyes Mourn Loss of Family Member Changing Demographics Impact European Golf Scene RDC Golf Group Finds Affordable Golf Niche Links at Summerly Offers Unique Twist Cost Crunch Most Powerful People in Golf Contractors Focus on Renovations, International�Projects Troon, IMG Reach Into Booming Middle East Market Americas Recap: New Player Design in Mexico Europe-Africa Recap: Moroccan Lakeside Development Asia-Australia Recap: 3 Billion Dollar Resort in Vietnam The Last Word: There's No Substitute for Good Friends on a Golf Course

Golf Inc. - October 2008

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