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2010 NZ Golf Manager’s Conference “The ‘Professional’ Manager”
the 2010 nZ Golf manager’s bi- annual
conference, held 29-31 August, has now
come to an end. there were 91 managers
along with another 30 attendees for
the 2.5 day conference held in beautiful
Wellington. Unfortunately it rained for the
entire time the conference was on, but that
is a normal daily occurrence in this part of
the world. the sunday golf outing at royal
Wellington exposed the players to a great
club experience at the 115 year old facility
that was full of charm and history. david
Fordham was my playing partner and the
designated mC for the festivities to come.
the main theme was constructed to help
managers develop more professionalism in
their responsibilities. this was covered very
well by nZ rugby Union High Performance
referee manager Lyndon Bray. the
conference programme was dominated by
subjects to help improve the knowledge
and management skills of all attending.
speakers came from new Zealand, Australia
and as far away as Florida, UsA. master
Club Advisors (UsA) manager norm spitzig
presented on “How to make a good club a
great club.”
the rest of the conference programme
was very well-balanced with speakers
covering a range of topical subjects, such a
volunteerism, the Carbon debate, managers
making a difference, marketing with little or
no budget (from Golf industry Central’s own
mike Orloff) and Capital replacement and
planning. this last one seems to have the
most impact with many managers relating
to their own experience. the picture painted
was not a very good one for many clubs in
the country.
A dinner was held on monday night to over
140 attendees all there to socialise with
fellow industry people and to hear Kiwi
sports Journalist/legend Keith Quinn speak.
the history and banter between Fordham
and Quinn was amazing to experience.
the conference then wrapped up with
an unveiling of the association’s new
website www.golfmanagers.co.nz. the next
conference will be held in Christchurch in
2010, venue and dates to be decided. We
hope to see you all there in two year’s time.
the trade show was a complete sell-out- so
book early for the next one!
www.on-pin.com
www.golfindustrycentral.com.au