21st September 2021
Return To Golf / Booking Process Changes
Booking Process Changes
For some time, we have been receiving feedback from members about their apparent inability to book in their preferred time slots. Arguably the return to golf from lock down in late 2020, and the resultant high level of demand, contributed to the concerns of some members. Typical feedback indicated that early in the booking window it was sometimes difficult to book a tee-time, but closer to the date of play there were gaps in the bookings.
These concerns were also raised at the Golf Members Meeting held in May. Moreover, in the recent members survey there was also feedback related to booking availability.
Following the meeting we have been reviewing booking data, collected from a selection of Saturday’s – our most heavily booked day – from March to the end of July. With our current lockdown, later data was not available.
Some key observations from the data:
• The number of bookings made on the Friday for play in the Saturday 8 days away ranged from 156 to 192 members – with eventual fields of 137 to 186 players
• But those who did not play, after making the booking, was between 20% and 36% of those booked – with the average around 30%
• This equates to between 40 and 60 members who booked, but did not play
• Most of the booking cancellations were on the day of play or the 2 days prior
We understand that “life happens” and cancellations are inevitable. We also believe that the lottery process, where one member of a regular group will book on behalf of his / her partners, may be a contributing factor.
To address this issue the booking window will be reduced to 6 days i.e., bookings for Saturdays will open at 4pm on the Sunday prior. This will be implemented in readiness for our return to golf.
Our rationale is that members should be in a better position to understand their availability to play closer to the date of the booking. Hence the percentage of those booking early and cancelling late should be reduced. We are encouraged by feedback from other clubs, with only 18 – hole facilities, that this change assisted their members in securing bookings. Of course, we cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to book at the exact time they would prefer – on
busy days – but are confident that this small change will have a positive impact.
All other aspects of the booking process will remain the same and the 6-day window applies to each day.
We will continue to review our booking process and will implement further changes if necessary to provide our members with an efficient and fair booking process.
Return to Golf
We are still waiting to hear from Golf Australia about the exact details in which Gardiners Run can open for golf safely. However; with the return to golf now within sight, we will again need to manage the bookings in a staggered manner. Please keep an eye out for member communications via email and on the website instructing members when the
timesheets will open and what the restrictions will be.
We look forward to seeing you all back at Gardiners Run very soon.
James Woite Ray Seddon
Gardiners Run Manager Golf Captain
