AGA BC Symposium Recap

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by Doug Ferne, NGCOA Regional Director

Over 80 golf industry personnel attended the first AGA BC Golf Symposium hosted by Richmond Golf and Country Club on March 26th. The Allied Golf Association of British Columbia contains representation from each Industry Association, dedicated to providing one cohesive voice for the business of golf in British Columbia.

AGA of BC currently consists of two representatives from each of the BC Golf Industry Associations (WCTA, BCG, CSCM, NGCOA, PGA of BC, BCGSA) who are committed to working together in equal partnership for the growth of golf in British Columbia. It has been agreed by all AGA of BC associations that the overall health of golf in the province needs to be addressed with a collective effort.

Funding Model: The initial funding of AGA BC came through each member Association providing $1,500. In order for the future financial stability of AGA BC, a funding model needed to be pursued and adopted. A committee presented a Captive Insurance model that would provide funds to AGA BC and the participating courses through the sale of Hole-in-One Insurance. The program would not cost AGA BC or courses any additional dollars.

The Captive Insurance Model requires a for profit entity to be created by AGA BC whereby ownership shares and investment shares would be divided between AGA BC and Mobile Entertainment Inc. (Captive Insurance Company). The Captive Insurance Model would be a web-based application and be available to all courses which would like to participate. An upcharge on the insurance premium is possible and will still be a very competitive rate so that any participating course will benefit from their enrollment in the program (at the rate they choose to upcharge on the premium).

State of the Game: Data presented showed that the overall golfer population in British Columbia has increased from 2009 to 2010; however we are still not at the levels seen in 2003. Furthermore although there has been an increase from 2009 in participation, the trends for the game going into 2016 suggest British Columbia could lose a significant amount of golfers who are playing the game if nothing is done. The Canadian average of golf participation is on the decline.

Information was provided from a survey of BC Golf members attempting to determine the reasons that might make “core” golfers play more and respondents suggested discounted golf rounds, more free time, travel packages and lower membership fees.

Consensus at the meeting was that non-core golfers need to be surveyed as well and Chapter President Andy Hedley (VP Golf BC) relayed he would be willing to survey Golf BC’s 80,000 member database if a common question bank could be created and agreed upon.