Membership Report

VALE

We remember with affection the following Members who have passed away in the last year. We acknowledge with gratitude their contribution to PHGC. These Members are part of the history and tradition of PHGC. We cherish the memories of their contributions and friendship.

John Heffernan was a member of our Club for 62 years, having joined with twin brother Bob in 1959. His contributions were enormous, most notably being a Vice-President and a Board member for 15 years. He was a prolific volunteer in many areas of Club life and was an enthusiastic worker at worthy events like exservice’s and ASX charity days. John’s golfing achievements were many. He was almost a scratch golfer by today’s standards; he played in the Major Pennants team; he won both the President’s Cup (then the Ken Oakes Memorial) and the Captain’s Cup. He recorded a hole-in-one in 1991. With brother Bob he won the Drum Cup, an achievement that they both proudly savoured. He made a rich contribution to our Club for the entire duration of his membership and left happy memories with so many of his Club friends.

Gwen Symons was the daughter of our second Club Professional, George Howard, who also carried the responsibility of caretaker. As a young girl she lived on the premises and could truly be viewed as a product of this Club, its land and the beginnings of our wonderful culture. During her very long life and membership, which began in 1962, she was a committee member 1980-1984, and Treasurer for three of those years and won two ex-servicewomen’s trophies, along with the Wisteria Salver in 1979.

Gordon Winch won the Captain’s Cup and the B Grade Championship during his 59 years as a member. An eloquent speaker and a renowned English Professor and author, he regularly entertained the many who valued his company. His wife Diana was a longstanding popular member. Gordon enriched us with his wit, generosity and collegiality.

Dorothea (Dot) Lawson was a member for 66 years and was married to Ted who was also a popular member. She served on the Women’s Committee for three years, was an accomplished golfer who won many competitions and recorded a hole-in-one in 1995. Dot was an enthusiastic bridge player and very keen gardener.

Geoffrey Travis was a successful accountant who, along with brother Barry, followed his parents into our Club and joined in 1948. He was a member for 73 years. He won a Gold Button in 1980 and scored an ace in 1987, but his greatest contribution was in his fellowship. He regularly entertained his wide circle of friends with his enthusiasm and sense of humour. His standing was such that he was one of only three people who have twice given the toast to the Club. His collegial presence was his greatest strength and perhaps the most important legacy he left us.

It is a privilege to present this Report on behalf of the Membership Committee, whose members are David Blackshaw, Mark Bradbury, Graeme Martin, Lesley Roberts and Sue Fabian (Chair). I thank the Committee for their work and dedication to the welfare of Pennant Hills Golf Club and its Members over the past year. I also thank Barnaby Sumner, Kim Truijens and Craig Usher for their excellent contribution and support of the Committee. Kim, as the first contact for those considering Membership of Pennant Hills Golf Club, is outstanding in the warmth of her approach and her understanding of the opportunities, conditions and process involved in becoming a Member. Craig keeps us up to date with vital Membership category numbers and financial information. Barnaby’s untiring work in promoting Membership opportunities and importantly his comprehensive screening of candidates and provision to them of immediate information about the Club, has produced excellent results in the past year: a comprehensive welcome and engagement of all candidates. He and the staff are to be congratulated. The work of the Women’s Committee is acknowledged for its diligent and effective programmes in welcoming new Members.

The Membership Committee continues to focus on four core strategic goals:

• Optimising the satisfaction of Members and their potential access to the golf course and Competition play while at the same time paying careful attention to ensuring that Member numbers are at a level which provides necessary income for the Club and minimises the impact on Member subscriptions • The development and implementation of strategies to understand the needs and expectations of Members in order to support and increase the satisfaction and enjoyment of all Members.

• Inducting, welcoming, engaging, supporting, encouraging and retaining new Members and as a consequence producing committed long-term members • Exploring ways in which Members are retained throughout their golfing and post-golfing careers and improving programmes and services to deliver the highest level of participation and retention

The Membership Committee can report the following highlights from the year just completed.

Our membership numbers have rebounded to levels not seen since 2017. Pleasingly and due to careful balancing, this has not adversely affected member access to the course. We continue to review the mix of membership categories monthly; however, we remain alert to the less than satisfactory number of new women members and will continue to focus keenly on turning around the slow decline.

This year, 82 Members chose not to renew. Not only was this a comparatively small number, but the bulk of these were Members who were no longer able to commit to regular golf and few were leaving because of dissatisfaction with our Club. Importantly we are delighted to report that 138 new and reinstated Members were welcomed, a net result of a positive increase of 51 Members after allowing for 5 deceased Members with active membership.

The Voice of the Member Survey has created a new channel for Members to communicate with the Board and management. Matters relevant to the role of the Membership Committee have been noted and actioned where appropriate.

A significant new initiative has been the establishment of focus group sessions with younger members which have given them an enhanced voice and provided the Committee with an understanding of what that cohort needs to assist in growing our youth and younger adult base. Several successful “Young Blood” social and golf events, targeting new Members under the age of 40, have been conducted this past year. Each event has attracted around 60 participants who have consistently reported high levels of enjoyment

The New Member induction evenings have continued to serve as an effective way of introducing new Members and informing them about the PHGC community and its many opportunities. At the induction meeting:

- the chair of the Membership Committee delivers a comprehensive presentation covering important aspects of the Club’s governance, finances, website, communications and culture - the President gives a warm official welcome - the Captain and Director of Golf cover essential golf, local rules and etiquette matters - the President of the Women’s Committee highlights the enthusiastic women’s membership - An excellent welcome dinner follows each meeting, including other Board and Women’s Committee members who have complemented all the above and assisted in introducing new Members to the outstanding cuisine, staff and service.

We continue to utilise and where necessary enhance, Try Before You Join, Get Started and Get Started Plus programmes which have been excellent vehicles to not only enrich the offering for potential new Members but also to enable us to get to know them, encourage them and ease them into regular involvement, both golf and social.

The Get Started programmes continue to provide an excellent pathway, particularly for women, to achieve familiarity with golf and our Club. This is proving critically important as we focus on growing our number of women golfers. “Give Golf A Go” sessions have been scheduled for the warmer months to cater for women who are contemplating golf and membership.

We continue to be encouraged by the positive responses to the new Emeritus category and it has been most satisfying to record the appreciation of the Members in that category as they enjoy their new level of access. Importantly this category enables long term contributors, who no longer play golf, to have a continuing relationship with our great Club.

Several Policies have been developed and approved by the Board including: - Member Reinstatement - enabling a reasonable transition back into the Club for former Members who wish to return - Safety of Children and Young People - ensuring we are compliant with child protection regulatory provisions - Respectful Relationships - ensuring compliance with regulatory provisions on bullying and harassment

- Touring Professional - establishing fair terms for attendance by any member who turns professional and holds playing dates on a golf tour - The Committee has also paid attention to many policies requiring review during the course of the year, including Family Discounts, TBYJ, Get Started and Get Started Plus

Sue Fabian Chairperson Membership

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY STATISTICS

As at 30 June 2022 As at 30 June 2021 Category Male Female Male Female

6 Day Member 56 134 63 147 6 Day Member 31 to 40 Yrs 1 1 1 0 6 Day Member Over 80 Yrs 12 13 7 10 6 Day Member Senior 23 20 21 22 Absentee Member 137 34 133 24 Country Member 19 4 24 5 Emeritus Member 18 5 12 5 Flexible Member 86 8 70 10 Full Playing Life Member 2 0 1 0 Full Playing Member 289 2 268 2 Full Playing Member 21 to 25 Yrs 27 0 19 1 Full Playing Member 26 to 30 Yrs 24 4 24 3 Full Playing Member 31 to 40 Yrs 27 0 23 1 Full Playing Member Over 80 Yrs 12 0 12 0 Full Playing Member Senior 58 0 59 0 Full Playing Member Special 1 0 4 0 Full Playing Member U21 Yrs 63 17 57 16 Honorary Member 1 0 1 0 House Member 43 42 46 46 Limited Playing Member 77 30 83 21 Staff Member 6 1 4 1

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