GCMA 2019 Conference : Highlights & Heroes

Skeyeview attended and exhibited at the GCMA 2019 conference hosted at the impressive De Vere Waterpark Hotel in the Cotswolds this year, where we had the opportunity to speak directly with lots of Golf Club Managers about their desire, and in some cases, urgency, to revolutionise their club’s approach to audience engagement, transitioning from simply a ‘facility’ and into a ‘brand’.

Here’s some of our key learnings from the conference…

• Golf Clubs of all types are recognising the need to embrace digital, social media and video content to develop their brand in the eyes of their members, prospective members and guests

• The rise of female influence in the sport was clear to see at the conference, with the presence of Instagramer The Jazzy Golfer taking part on the conference panel discussion, and both of the Newcomer of the Year Club Manager nominees and Club Manager of the Year being of the fairer sex (congratulations to all winners and those shortlisted on the night)

• IT IS POSSIBLE to bring a golf club back from the clutches of closure as was epitomised by the story of how former pro golfer Fame Tate from Stanedge Golf Club rolled her sleeves up (literally - she cut the grass!) and re-imagined what the club could be

• Americans just get it! Bigger budgets, sure, but also a positive approach to innovation has proven a key success factor as explained to us in a 1-to-1 with Colin ‘Madonna’ Burns, GM of Winged Foot Golf Club, New York, who earns his nickname as a result of being able to constantly innovate and re-invent his approach to Golf Club Management

• Investment in youth and lowering barriers to access to the game is fundamental to ensure the future success of Clubs in future years. Eloquently underlined by the Golf Foundation, who speaking at the conference outlined the social and financial benefits to golf clubs for adopting this approach

Skeyeview aims to support progressive Golf Club Managers innovate their approach to showcasing their course, facilities and building a brand which adds value to members and new-comers alike. We leverage high impact video content coupled with smart roll out across social media and web which can translate into meaningful revenue impact numbers.  

Speaking with club Managers at the conference from around the country, it was clear to us there is a hunger to drive that change forward and redefine what ‘best practice’ means.

Whether you spoke with us at the conference or are thinking about how you can better structure your approach to showcasing your course and facilities with a fresh perspective, we would love to support you achieve your objectives to tee up a prosperous 2020. 

Learn more about how we are helping clubs like yours here or get in touch and we will share details with you on our packages and way of working. 

Upwards!