Mayo golf clubs picking up the pieces after costly storm impact

by Paul O'Neill

FOR the majority of local clubs, the golfing season could not have got off to a more disappointing start: poor weather conditions, light footfall through the clubhouse doors, the unexpected new expense in the trading, profit and loss account as the tidy-up following the recent storm has involved the additional costs of plant and machinery hire, increase in staff overtime payments, and the non-existence of any reasonable green fee revenue.

There will be a call to action over the coming weeks and there is no doubt that the recent voluntary assistance offered by some members will be called upon weekly going forward, well into the late spring and early summer.

Thankfully this assistance is only physical and not financial, which is something at the very least golfers should be appreciative of.

It is hard to assess the damage caused to the regional golf industry, with the obvious danger now being that floating members who have yet to pay their annual subscriptions may look upon the apparent curtailment of full playing conditions in the short term as reason enough to hang up their clubs.

It is incumbent on those involved at the committee level to be energised in getting the message out to the membership that the season ahead will be delivered with the utmost professionalism, mixed with a little bit of buzz and razzamatazz.

When the dust has settled, I would hope that some government assistance will be forthcoming to assist clubs in their endeavours to get the show back on the road before the tourist season begins in earnest.

The golf industry, especially in the west of Ireland, has a duty of care to its local economy to deliver a premium product that will contribute to the overall tourist offering, adding pounds, shillings and pence to the tills of accommodation providers, local shops, bars and restaurants from St. Patrick’s Day onward.

Some cooperation amongst local clubs might be a good place to start. We are lucky here in Mayo with the 4 Club Alliance, that established ties are already in existence.

I can see no harm in a general meeting chaired by a prominent member of the golf community, open to local golf clubs, and with the local government representatives in attendance, highlighting our concerns, making them aware of the issues that face the sector following Storm Éowyn.

The perception of golf clubs amongst the public is still one of elitism and members only. Those of you who read and interact with this column are aware that nothing could be further from the truth.

It is time for action and whether clubs decide to plough their furrow alone or join together as a community we must look for assistance in our time of need.

There is no shame here for us, as one just has to look at what the local golfing public has delivered for charities over many years.