Randy Myers is the Director of Fitness at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Randy Myers on the importance of building a performance center:
When implementing a golf fitness program at your facility, you must understand your members’ needs and implement programs that serve their preferences. For those facilities who are starting from scratch and building from the ground up, you must have the space available to build a performance center. You do not need an elaborate space or expansive capacity when initiating your efforts. You want a focused, effective and dedicated performance center that will engage members and introduce them to the benefits of golf fitness on their golf game, and their overall health and wellness. Starting small and growing slowly is fine and common. You’ll require a 20×20 space, that can support some mats and room to stretch, as well as kettlebells, dumbbells and medicine balls to highlight some basic stretching and strength training. You can obviously start bigger if your circumstances warrant, necessitating additional equipment like bikes, ellipticals and functional trainers. In a more comprehensive scenario, you could incorporate weight training machines and more. Of course, every club’s needs are different, and the size and demands of your membership will often dictate how extensive an endeavor to implement initially. Starting small and growing an effective golf fitness program can often work well within a club’s budget, providing the foundation for something great going forward. With that being said, the most dynamic fitness programs are really about the people. Build a professional team that inspires members – experts such as full-swing instructors, clubfitters, chiropractors, massage therapists and fitness trainers. These individuals should know the game of golf, take lessons, play the game and be able to talk to golfers about golf. They should understand how their efforts in the gym affect the member’s swing on the golf course. Their collaboration with your PGA Professionals will grow your golf fitness program, regardless of how small you start out, rendering a valuable amenity that will attract new members and help retain existing ones.
Randy Myers on the business impact of building a performance center:
That last line above says a lot. Consider why we create new amenities and offer new programs at our facilities. We do so to engage members and keep them at our club. We strive to do the very best for their health, happiness, and yes, even their golf swing. By implementing golf fitness programs at facilities that do not already have them, and building the infrastructure to most- effectively engage members in golf fitness, we are creating a mindset that members may not have had in the past – a fitness-minded approach to game improvement. Although we understand the benefits, both short- and long-term, of implementing golf fitness programming at a shiny new performance center, it is vital to work within your means when pressing start on such engagement. As members embrace the benefits of golf fitness and require additional options in the area, you can increase its presence at your club. Set the foundation and create awareness among your members. You’ll see the growth you desire and members will appreciate.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email randymyers@seaisland.com.
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