New revenue stream for golf clubs and associations

Go Golfing, Australia’s biggest organiser of tournaments and tours for amateur golfers, has launched an innovative golf tour program that allows clubs and associations to generate significant revenues from members travelling to scheduled destinations.

Queenstown in New Zealand’s south island is Go Golfing’s featured destination for 2009. Eighteen golf clubs and a couple of veteran associations are already reaping the financial rewards of hosting a group tour. Between March and April next year, Go Golfing is on target to host more than 750 golfers booked on the eight-day tour packages.

Go Golfing’s managing director Peter McCarthy told Golfer Pacific that some clubs are earning upwards of $8000 from their group tour to Queenstown.
“We have created a WIN-WIN for golf clubs and their members,” he said.
“With so many golfers travelling to Queenstown we have been able to negotiate big discounts on golf, accommodation and all inclusions.
“Volume purchasing has enabled us to offer a tour package that saves golfers $500 on retail prices while also providing an attractive commission back to their club.”

On the back of major international investment, Queenstown is set to be ranked among the world’s premier golfing destinations. The Remarkables mountain range, luminous colours of the glacial fed Lake Wakatipu and rugged natural landscape provide a wonderful amphitheatre for golf. Millbrook, Kelvin Heights, Arrowtown and the newly-opened Jacks Point combine to give a rare experience for the discerning golfer.

Boasting a plethora of restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and casinos – Queenstown is an idyllic escape for golfers and partners alike.

The club tour itineraries include Shotover Jetboating, heli ride with landing atop The Remarkables, wine tastings, gondola trip, luge rides and stunning welcome and presentation dinners.

There is time for an optional trip to NZ’s number one attraction, the mythical Milford Sound. View the tour program within this feature. In addition to negotiating the tour package, Go Golfing also provides a range of promotional and administrative services to assist clubs.

“Once the club confirms their tour dates we publish a colour tour brochure branded with the club logo,” McCarthy said.
“Posters and snippets for club newsletters are supplied to help stimulate interest.
“Administratively, Go Golfing process member bookings and payments and issue tour confirmations and informative updates.
“Our licensed MTA travel agency can assist with flight bookings, travel insurance and individual tour extensions as required.
“In Queenstown we have experienced and friendly tour managers to ensure a hassle free tour experience.
“The club’s only responsibility is to disseminate tour information to members.”

Established in 1996, Go Golfing hosts Australia’s biggest amateur tournaments including the Mitsubishi World Masters on the Gold Coast in October and the Wrest Point International Masters in Hobart each January.

Some eight years ago they added international golf tours to their business portfolio. Go Golfing’s 2008 tours were sold out many month’s in advance and in 2009 they have tours to New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, China, Mauritius, South Africa, Las Vegas, Canadian Rockies, South America, Dubai and Egypt.

For more information click here or to enquire about a club golf tour contact Peter McCarthy at Go Golfing on (07) 5562 5307 or e-mail peter@gogolfing.net.au