Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Powerscourt Golf Club - A Year in Review

The 3rd hole on the East course
Powerscourt is one of Co. Wicklow’s and Leinster’s top golf resorts with 36 holes and beautiful views over the county’s countryside. It is renowned for the quality of its greens. Here is a Q&A with the club's General Manager, Gavin Hunt, outlining his thoughts on the past year.

Overall progress in 2018"The unique weather conditions (Feb/Mar and June/July) impacted not just on visitors and members but also on the club’s green-keeping team and the preparation and presentation of the golf courses. Elsewhere,
2018 was a good year with the re-emergence of Corporate Golf and strong membership numbers."
Most successful initiatives
“We put more of an emphasis on how we structured and promoted our online golf offering, with the assistance of Ryan Bell in Golf Now /BRS,” says Gavin. “This proved to be very successful with improved numbers across the whole week on both our East and West Courses. We also continued our capital project with the upgrade of our gents locker rooms. 2019 will see the completion of the ladies and visitor locker rooms.  As always we continue to invest in our core products which are the golf courses.” 
The East course's 4th hole.
What was done differently?
It was not necessarily a case of doing things differently but doing things more effectively.
Most significant achievements of 2018
“I believe our most significant achievement was how we prepared and presented the courses during adverse weather conditions,” Gavin believes. “The feedback and repeat business was a testament to the hard work completed by Paul Farren and his team.
What was the club’s greatest challenge?
“There is still a high level of transcience in the membership market and we work hard to retain our members. The Men’s and Ladies’ clubs prepare and deliver a strong golfing and social calendar. The recent VAT change and drink driving law amendments will also have an impact on business for 2019.”
A side view of the par three 2nd on the West.
Membership update
With over 1100 members across all categories, the club’s members are instrumental in instigating corporate and society events as well as attracting new members. 
Core plans for 2019?
“Capital projects will continue with clubhouse and course upgrades. We believe this continued investment generates a positive feeling around the club and our members are encouraged by it. It also encourages them to bring more guests to play and visit the facilities which in time introduces the club to new members and business opportunities. How we promote our club and facilities will also play a crucial role in 2019 with a re-evaluation of how we currently promote Powerscourt Golf Club.”
Views down the 8th on the East course
What's your overall feeling on Irish golf at the moment?
“You would have to say there is a positive vibe in the market at the moment,” Gavin believes. “Golfing numbers to the country are improving but they are still choosing the links courses over the other parkland gems that Ireland has to offer. It is a great industry to be involved in and the support that clubs and courses offer each other is unique. Long may that continue.”

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