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2/25/2014 11:09:05 AM

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Section 5: OPA Board
Subject: COPE Golf Petition? Msg# 878680

From:

Tom Hemmick

Joined 7/21/2005

To:

Joe Reynolds (Read) OceanPinesForum.com

Joined 8/1/1999

Joe, you've mentioned how OP has been having finincial problems with golfing over many years, and given a number of examples, including videos. You've said recall back in 2006 when golfers were promoting the course. My problem is I have been here over 25 years and heard all the same stuff over and over, and every time the belief is things will get better. Back then the worry was over a $100,000 or so operational loss, so net result of all the talking, all the supposed marketing, etc. our yearly operational losses have more than doubled. Golf is a business and a recreation in decline, and not just in OP.

Ocean Pines is not alone in those problems. Its a big national trend. Courses all over the country are having those same kinds of problems. And they finally have been forced to make the final decisions to close them down. The point is OP is not a unique case. Probably more a victim of the times.

Here's some statisitis to support what i'm saying, from the NGF (National Golf Foundation) Click Here

Quoting from the article "U.S. golf course openings remain at historic lows, as NGF recorded only 13.5 openings in 2012, compared to 154.5 golf course closures, measured in 18-hole equivalents"

Also " NGF projects that golf course openings will remain at 20 or fewer per year for the forseeable future, while annual closures are expected to continue in the 150-180 range." These are both qoutes from a golfing trade organization.

Its a sign of the times. Not merely something OP is managing wrongly, or not publicizing enough, or not maintaining, or tee times, or poor grass, or walking fees, or whatever.

Tom

For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where:
Well, if there is one thing the golf course has not lacked it is OPA throwing money at it. Tons of money.

I recall back in 2006 when golfers were promoting the course. My problem is I have been here over 25 years and heard all the same stuff over and over, and every time the belief is things will get better. ${#emotions_dlg.icon_smile1}$ Back then the worry was over a $100,000 or so operational loss, so net result of all the talking, all the supposed marketing, etc. our yearly operational losses have more than doubled. Golf is a business and a recreation in decline, and not just in OP.

Eagles Landing used to make a nice profit. Now Ocean City is struggling for it to break even, even with a greatly reduced staff.

Focus On The Pines Jack Barnes talks with golfers Ralph Menton and Bill Harte about It Ain't Just Golf campaign. 3/30/2006.

Goldman - Golf Drainage OPA Board hears presentation from Harlyn Goldman on golf drainage program. 2/12/2007.

OPA Golf Dollars OPA board discussion of disappointing financial picture of golf operations thus far this year. 6/15/2005.

Golf Marketing Video of OPA Board meeting and Dave Ferguson report on golf marketing, including comments by Mark Venit. 7/20/2005

Lot's more like the above in the video library.

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