Golf clubs fighting hard to stay on course

Editorial Department • Published 6 Aug 2009 15:00 0 Comments

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As lenses were polished and autograph books were readied at the Lough Erne Golf Resort recently, one could not be forgiven for rubbing their eyes and asking themselves if the luscious greens they were about to watch two sporting superstars collide on, really belonged to the Erne County. As reality subsided, it became clear that the hoards of local golfing enthusiasts and the rich and famous who had gathered, were confirmation of Fermanagh's position as holding what Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster, described as a 'real golfing product.'

For many local golfers though, Wednesday's spectacle did not reflect the reality that many local players and clubs have found themselves in. While it is widely accepted that the Lough Erne Resort will enhance the local economy, the Resort's luxury status will limit playing opportunities for many local golfers, especially during the 'credit crunch.' Indeed, local golf clubs will be where the majority of locals play their sport and many have found themselves having to react to the difficult economic conditions in order to keep their course competitive. Pat Duffy, from the management team at Castle Hume Golf Club admitted that "the next 18 months could prove very telling for many local golf clubs." This feeling was reflected by Enniskillen Golf Club's secretary, Terry Stevenson, who said that the key to their success was to dwell on the importance of their members and "to find a happy medium between economics and the members".

The attention being heaped on Fermanagh, due to the Lough Erne resort, is something that Mr. Stevenson stressed "has to be a good thing," for local golf. The association between the county and the sport has, "made Fermanagh a destination," in Mr. Duffy's opinion, yet it is has been accepted that the initial effects of this tourism boost could take some time to come to fruition. Many of the smaller clubs are also hopeful of a 'spin-off effect,' from the opening of the course, but given the current economic climate, the clubs have had to focus on other aspects or avenues in order to stay afloat.

Paddy Maguire, treasurer of Blacklion Golf Club, felt that local golf had been effected by changes in the economy and employment and stated that their course was indeed facing a new challenge. "Before it was fair to say that we were in a comfortable position, but in competitive times it is important for us to sell our course and the advantages that it has, in a way that we may have not had to before," he said, adding, "to promote our course we need to emphasise the value for money that we offer, such as introducing new deals and reducing fees, as well as the terrific scenery that has come to characterise the course. This is important for us as we try to encourage new players to come to the course."

Mr. Stevenson from Enniskillen Golf Club also described current times as "challenging," reflecting on how they regretfully had to reduce staff and clubhouse opening hours during the winter months to be cost-effective. Despite these obstacles, Mr. Stevenson was keen to stress how he felt the club had a solid strategy for their future, drawing on their history and its existence for over 100 years as a defining factor.

"It is very important for us to keep members and emphasise the importance of family and husband and wife memberships, which are key to our club's make-up. We need to be as competitive as we can, concentrating on novice schemes and getting juniors involved in golf so that we keep interest in the club regenerated."

The value of members appears to be a common theme throughout the clubs in their battle against the recession, emphasising the community atmosphere that is a significant element of membership. Mr. Maguire felt a history of volunteer work at Blacklion, that had existed in the club up until the nineties, was a valuable part of their history and this was something he hoped could unify members if the club ever to face challenges to their survival. It is this unity and commitment to the course that has also led Mr. Stevenson to conclude that, " I am confident that we will carry on as a successful club."

Despite strategic changes and forward planning becoming more prevalent in local clubs, recent publicity has no doubt boosted the sport and golf fans, players and clubs alike are hopeful that Fermangagh can build upon its foundations and establish itself as one of the leading golfing counties in Ireland, with all of the clubs reaping the benefits. Pat Duffy, who has seen Castle Hume blossom into a successful club, enthused: "Fermanagh being seen as a golfing county is very good and last week's events have hyped the whole country. The exciting thing is that it is only starting."

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 06 Aug 09

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