GMANZ conference the
Survival of the Fittest
By David Newbery
The theme for the upcoming Golf Managers’
Association of New Zealand conference might
sound like a reality television programme, but
in truth, it is far, far more serious and important.
Themed Survival of the Fittest, the conference
will be staged at Russley Golf Club in Christchurch from August 26-28.
“The theme, Survival of the Fittest, could
mean any number of things, but effectively it
is that,” said conference organiser Rod Latham,
who is also the general manager at Harewood
Golf Club in Christchurch.
“Golf clubs in general are struggling so we
tried to find a theme that was appropriate for
the time.”
This year, organisers have mobilised a diverse
array of top-class speakers from the US, Australia and New Zealand.
“We have some good keynote speakers,”
Latham said. “From the US we have Norm
Spitzig, a Master Club Adviser, and Mike Leemhuis, who is the Chief Executive Officer at the
Congressional Country Club.” Both men will
speak on a different topic each day.
On day 1, Norm Spitzig will give a talk on the
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Leadership Traits and Behaviours of Long-tenures of Successful Managers and on day 2 his
topic is Understanding and Embracing Global
Trends in Golf Management.
On day 1, Leemhuis will talk about the Emerging Trends Gauging the Impact of National
Trends and on day 2 he will discuss the ABC of
Leadership – all you need to know about leadership but were too afraid to ask.
But wait, there’s more.
Mike Rondel from BDO, the fifth largest full-service audit, tax and advisory firm in the world,
will be there to discuss the Rationalisation of