Golf Inc. - October 2008 - (Page 9)

What golfers enjoy development companies, recently taking a minority investment stake in Troon, it gives the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company an inside track on future golf projects in the two emirates. The r ulers of Abu Dhabi have identified golf as a key element in the emirate’s tourism development strategy. It is expected to play a major role in its effort to become an internationally recognized leisure and business travel destination. Troon currently manages TDIC’s Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home of a European PGA Tour event, the Abu Dhabi Open. TDIC also is developing a hotel, residences and spa adjacent to the golf club. See related story on page 40 The National Golf Foundation recently surveyed 850 core golfers to find out what they enjoyed most about playing the game. Here’s what they said: People (the golfers you play with) Course condition (good greens) Course design (memorable holes) Ball striking (hitting good shots) Score (how well you shoot) Weather (rain or shine) Amenities (clubhouse, range, etc.) Course aesthetics (surroundings) Exercise (walking and swinging) Competition (trying to win) 4% 3% 8% 7% 6% 6% 12% 17% 19% 19% NGCOA-NCA survey provides benchmarks The 2008 Golf and Club Industr y Compensation and Benefits report compiled by the National Golf Course Owners Association and the National Club Association reveals that private clubs are where the money is. The sur vey of more than 1,000 NGCOA and NCA members and multicourse owners showed that private club salaries on the course and in the kitchen were dramatically higher than their public facility counterparts. The lead agronomic manager/head superintendent at private facilities surveyed earned an average of $118,186, compared to an average salary of $72,222 at public facilities. Private club head chefs, meanwhile, averaged $77,250 compared to $44,982 for their public course counterparts, according to the survey. The study of 1,043 NGCOA and NCA members and multi-course owners was conducted by Industry Insights, an independent research and consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio. How many rotors will you need to buy, install, dig up and replace to last as long as one Rain Bird® EAGLE™ Series Rotor? November/December 2007 www.GolfIncMagazine.com 9 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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