GolfBIC looks on the bright side

Delegates at the recent Golf Business Industry Convention (GolfBIC) were told to be “cautiously optimistic” about its prospects for the year ahead by Colin Mayes (pictured), Chairman of the UK Golf Course Owners Association (UKGCOA). The two-day conference was held at the Marriott Forest of Arden and more than 270 delegates attended.

GolfBIC is a joint venture between The UK Golf Course Owners Association (UKGCOA) and The Organisation of Golf & Range Operators (OGRO). The two-day event featured seminars, topical workshops, exhibition, networking and a charity dinner that raised more than £6,000 for the Golf Foundation.

Mayes explained to delegates, “We all know how difficult it has been and the weather has cost us all money. But, despite all the problems of the past couple of months, we are looking up and are cautiously optimistic. Everybody I speak to is reporting reasonably good numbers and we should all be looking forward to the summer with confidence.”

Mayes is also Chief Executive of BGL Golf, which owns and operates 10 golf venues in the UK and encouraged clubs, courses and ranges to back National Golf Month, which featured high on the agenda at GolfBIC. “You’ll hear a lot about National Golf Month and I would urge everyone to get involved. It is difficult to pull all of golf’s organisations together, but we have done it and now we have a great opportunity to develop golf and bring new people into the game.”