Golf Industry Central Autumn 2014 | Page 4

Mike’s Space WELCOME to the 2014 Autumn edition of Golf Industry Central. It’s been a few months since our last issue, and we hope everyone has had a nice Summer holiday period. Winter is definitely on its way and the Masters is only around the corner!! Mike Orloff is an Operations and Marketing Specialist for Golf Industry Central and a PGA Member in the USA and Australia. Originally from Southern California, Mike has permanently resided on the Gold Coast for the past 10 years. He has over 20 years of commercial golf experience in various senior management roles and currently provides operational and marketing solutions to the golf industry in the region. Currently, Mike also lectures part-time for the PGA International Golf Institute and runs the industry based website www.golfindustrycentral.com.au. Editor / Sales: Mike Orloff [email protected] +61 415 682 259 Contributors: David Newbery Senior Writer Mike Sebastian In this issue: There has been a host of recent announcements of golf courses being swept up by overseas investors. Out feature contributor David Newbery provides us with an overview of the courses purchased, who the new owners are, and what their motivation has been to enter this new region. We hope that these new owners are able to bring a refreshed approach to the business models that the rest of the industry may be able to learn from. The NZ Golf Managers have announced their biennial conference dates which the event is being held in Auckland. I’ve had the honour to attend as a presenter the past couple events, and I’ve learnt something new each time. Though their challenges are similar in many ways to what is being experienced internationally, the perspective given can be a different approach that we all can learn from. Norman Von Nida was a trailblazer for golf in Australia, a legend that has impacted on so many of the great not just in Australia but worldwide. Golf Industry Central had the privilege to attend the recent unveiling of The Von Bronze at Nudgee Golf Club. Ill be honest, my knowledge of golf history in this region is a bit limited as I’ve only been here since 2000. The stories I heard about The Von on the night were very inspirational and I’m looking forward to tracking down a copy of the book written about him. He strongly believed in giving back to golf in whatever way he could. Maybe a copy of the book should be mandatory reading for all PGA Tour players so they understand who came before them and what role and responsibility they now play in expanding the game in the areas they can influence. Speaking of growing the game- we have a few stories and case studies about some great programs being undertaken in Australia and New Zealand. SNAG Golf is making some big impacts with their programs and was happy to share some success stories. The ALPG relaunched their ActewAGL Next Generation Club and held a recent camp in Canberra. David Newbery gives us a detailed report on what they are up to. As always please send me any items that you may think are newsworthy for the industry and we are happy to look at publishing on our website or magazine. A special thanks to our sponsors as well for supporting this publication and our busy website. Mike Orloff Operations and Marketing Specialist CEO Asia Pacific Golf Group Publisher Morlo Pty Ltd ACN 123 872 784 ABN 1812 3872 784 PO Box 773, Main Beach, QLD, Australia, 4230 Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication and it’s management. Golf Industry Central exists to help golf facilities throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia perform better. We offer easy access to golf industry news, job vacancies, recruitment services and operational advice. We also help overseas markets access t