After a big break I am back. I hope you forgive me for such delay. Recently I came across with Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE)and and executive recruitment specialist, Colt Mackenzie McNair's new findings about golf salaries and benefits study (2010). The survey focused on Golf Clubs and Resorts.
Here are the main findings of the study:
- A degree-level education or professional qualification was not a prerequisite of a senior role and only 50% had either of these. It seems to me that time stopped in the golf industry in the last 60-70 years or we are not in such a bad condition if we can afford such luxury. By reading Colt Mackenzie McNair's job positions I had different impression…
- Salaries reflected the caliber and experience of the respondents. 40% of the respondents said their earnings excessed 60,000 Euros annually. Both in UK and Ireland the bonus schemes were almost the same and it was not unusual to have bonuses above 10,000 Euros. In these countries the basic salary was much lower unlike in Germany or in Scandinavia. The question and challenge of every employer to find the right ratio of basic salary and bonuses. Do we consider the market situations and economic climate? Or whether the employee will be able to earn satisfyingly?
- Amongst other employees, Golf Course Managers (green-keepers) earned the highest salaries, with a third paid in excess of 50,000 Euros per annual.
- Cca. 60% of Club House Managers/F&B Managers/Stewards and Membership Managers/Administrators earned less than 30,000 Euros annual.
- On average, over 90% of golf clubs perceived a need for training staff. Scandinavian golf courses received much more trainings than their British partners. This finding proves me that there are managers who do not recognize the importance of on-the-job trainings (also as part of a motivation system).Do you know that it is cheaper to retain qualified employees than find somebody to replace them?
- Nearly 75% of the golf clubs (who participated in the survey) had a gross annual revenue under 2 million Euros. The situation is even worse in the US, where golf course revenues (median) fell by 5.1%.
- Surprisingly 2009 was stronger than 2008 for many golf clubs in Europe from membership and visitors fee. At the same time in the US it fell by 4.6%.
- In spite of these sad facts staffing levels has not changed between 2008 and 2009. One in 5 increased their numbers of employees in this period. How is it possible? I am sure it has not happened in CEE region.