Agenda item

The Service Manager – Neighbourhoods provided an overview of the Glendale Golf Annual report highlighting:

·         how the contract is monitored throughout the year

·         that golf is still in decline as a sport nationally

·         that the weather in the past twelve months has had a considerable effect on the golf course usage

·         an increase in non-golf activities such as party bookings and weddings

·         an increase in member satisfaction with the condition of the course and club house.

The Service Manager – Neighbourhoods introduced Tom Brooke from Glendale Golf and Luke Colaluca from Lex Leisure who jointly delivered a presentation to the Board summarising the performance of Edwalton Golf Course during 2018/19.

The presentation highlighted higher levels of customer satisfaction than in previous years as well as outlining an ambitious programme of developments for 2019/20 including a stronger relationship with the local leisure centres run by Lex Leisure, improved use of social media, developing a GP golf referral scheme, and member of the month awards.

The Chairman of the Board asked about the national decline in golf. Mr Brooke explained that in simple terms the industry built too many golf courses in the 1990’s in line with an increase in participation. However, modern time demands are different and in order to survive golf needs to become more family orientated.

Councillor Jeffreys questioned the very low numbers of female club members and asked what the management were doing to encourage more women. Mr Colaluca explained that the club was very aware of this issue and had developed a range of activities and incentives to encourage more female participation over the next twelve months. Councillor Plant congratulated Mr Brooke on the improvements made to the clubhouse and grounds over the last few years and enquired about peak times for course usage. Councillor Clarke questioned the decline in the foot golf figures and Mr Brook explained that whilst popular to start with foot golf had not proved to have any longevity on this site.

Councillor Walker asked for further clarification of what was being done to meet strategic objective 4 in the contract. Mr Colaluca updated the Board about the use of junior golf sessions, wee nippers, and the scrag golf sessions being held in Edwalton Primary School weekly.

Councillor Phillips questioned the reasons behind the drop in hygiene rating for the restaurant and was informed that both floor and ceiling defects were noted by the inspector. These were being rectified and a re-inspection would be requested shortly to bring to hygiene rating up to where it should be.   

The Chairman thanked Mr Brooke and Mr Colaluca for their presentation and for answering the Board’s questions and noted how pleasing it was that the facility was much improved on the past few years.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    the performance of Glendale Golf Ltd and their sub-contractor, Lex Leisure, for the contract year 2018 as outlined in the report and the accompanying presentation be noted.

b)    data pertaining to strategic objective 4 to be sent to the Board.