Would You Divulge Your Numbers?

As discussed in a blog here last week, the main challenge facing the Rounds Played Program being run by the National Golf Course Owners Association and the Canadian PGA in a joint partnership is trust.

The fear of sensitive business information falling into a competitor’s hands as part of this program is a strong one, but as NGCOA executive director Jeff Calderwood pointed out, the numbers collected are only used cumulatively to establish benchmarks through a technology platform without divulging individual golf course numbers.

“It’s a misconception, but yes, it’s a fear, so we have to market our way through that. I don’t see any of these numbers. Nobody’s getting these numbers. It’s totally confidential and they have to buy into that. Once they get in and use it, they realize it, but that’s part of our sales process,” admitted Calderwood.

If the confidential nature of the program was ever breached, it would be serious black eye for both the NGCOA and Canadian PGA with their credibility on the line, which is why I think the program is worth consideration by golf operations across the country.

If there is a fear of classified information getting into the wrong hands, it might be worth checking out the program’s website here, or e-mailing David McCafferty at davidm@ngcoa.ca. He can also be reached by phone at 1-866-626-4262 to discuss your concerns.

From this vantage point, the program has two benefits. First, it will establish benchmarks not only in rounds played, but eventually in other aspects of a golf business, that will allow participating golf course operators to analyze against similar operations.

Secondly, it will offer an insight into where golf is heading. Traditionally, we’ve relied on a participation study released by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) every few years, but this would allow for more regular monitoring with the numbers coming directly from the point of sale at golf operations.

Can we get past the fear factor in order to achieve those goals? That’s the subject of this week’s GNN Poll:

Would you consider divulging your financial information to the NGCOA/CPGA Rounds Played Program, with a promise of confidentiality?

The poll’s up now on the GNN home page and feel free to add your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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