Alderley Edge enjoys top lockdown result!
DURING the lockdown many sports clubs, including golf clubs, suffered a big hit on their membership, activities and finances.
But Alderley Edge Golf Club has bucked the trend by seeing over 120 new members join their club.
Edge’s respected professional Charles le Sueur explained how the club has achieved this: “Two years ago we redesigned the club logo to do away with the perception that AEGC was a closed doors members-only club.
“The words ‘friendly local golf’ were placed underneath and we pride ourselves on having a membership offering for anyone ranging from social memberships right the way through for a regular player who wants to play in competitions.
“During the lockdown we emailed our database of ex-members and visitors, Facebook advertising and word of mouth.
“We gave people the freedom to walk the course during the lockdown and some joined as social members and we also had several donations.
“The membership options on offer were £850 for full membership for 15 months, a £325 flexible points membership, a £295 introductory six month membership for early stage golfers including six hours of lessons and a £160 three month trial membership – which has currently been suspended due to demand.
“Then in follow-ups to joining we have an active buddy scheme for people who are keen to get their handicaps sorted and our open booking system encourages members to play with people who they haven’t played beforethis helps to fill the tee start sheet at busy times rather than have single players.”
New member Gareth Pritchard said: “I was previously a member at another course but due to work commitments was not getting the best out of it. Equally when playing with friends I played several different courses throughout the year. Therefore the flexible points system based on membership and the ability to use them on other courses, whilst maintain the local club benefits is what attracted me to this type of membership.”
Charles concluded: “Since the lockdown we have added 105 playing members and six social to our membership with the main age range being between 20-50 years.
“I would like to thank all of the volunteers on the various committees who have been working hard to get the course ‘ COVID ready’ along with all of the volunteers helping with marshalling the course and the first tee.
”Anyone requiring more details etc can contact me on 01625 596200 ex 2.”
Macclesfield’s men came out of the lockdown in a medal playing for the ‘major’ Etchells Trophy and Paul Goodwin was the proud winner posting 67 to finish ahead of Mark Taylor and Gary Benson, both 68 and Jamie Morris 70.
Shrigley Hall’s men also got back into action in the June Stableford and Jack Bennett was top of the shop with 40 points from Mark Brierley 39, Daniel Chesters 37 and Andrew Jackson, Andy Atkinson, Scott Malkin, Roger White and Steven Holroyd all locked on 36.
A seniors Stableford at Avro was won by Derek Jones with a fine 41-pointer from Bob Holt 38 and Peter Hale 35.