[Mark Johnson]

who else got the Ballyneal special offer email today?

$400pp for a double including 2 days of golf, 1 night of lodging;  $450pp  for a single

Wow..  Is the course really struggling this  much?   I can't think this is a good sign.   If i recently spent good $$ to join, I would be irate.

On a related note,  anyone want to join me for a couple days?

[Brian Potash]

As a member of ballyneal, I think these deals are exactly what they should be doing in the near term as they begin to rebuild the membership roster.  Hopefully for every X amount of people that take advantage of a deal like this, one new member joins.  They tried the expensive and exclusive model and it didn't work. 

The course was in foreclosure 3 months ago.  What do you expect?

Brian

[Jim Colton]

You're basically getting the accompanied rate, so I guess it saves one the trouble of groveling to a member (assuming you were special enough to get on the list to begin with).

Assuming it doesn't run past this year, then I'm okay with it. Everything I've heard is that the new membership growth is really good and well ahead of anybody's initial projections.

Rock Creek has a similar offer on their website.

[Greg Tallman]

I would imagine it is limited to one visit per person.

Cheap marketing that would likely result in some membership sales. In this economy folks have to understand this will be the norm rather than the exception for a club where losing money is not an option.

If they are smart with their offers and hit the perfect target market it is a no lose situation unless one is a member who refuses to accept the realities of the new world and club's financial situation.

That said a nice letter to the membership explaining the program and its intent would have been wise.

[Mac Plumart]

Private enterprises and their constituents are free to conduct their business in anyway they see fit, IMO. 

[Michael George]

I agree that it is exactly what the club should be doing.  If this was offered long term, it would dilute the value of membership, but for a year or two to build the membership up, it is a great idea.  From all accounts, Ballyneal is an incredibly special place with a great golf course.  The more potential members that are exposed to the club, the better the membership drive should be.

Many of the remote destination private clubs are offering similar packages.  I could not believe some of the national clubs that advertised in the most recent Golfweek Top 100 special publication (where they list the top 100 residential private clubs and top 100 resort courses).  Wade Hampton, which I always understood to have a very stable membership, advertised in the magazine.  So did most of the newer national clubs.  

The key for these clubs will be to find good, long term members from this process.  If a fairly public membership drive (like this) results in members that quit the club in less than 5 years, you will be constantly in an aggressive membership drive.  However if it attracts long term members, you will then have the stability to selectively attract new members in a private manner in the future.

I certainly wish the best for Ballyneal.

[Jason Thurman]

Mark, I've been trying to get a Ballyneal trip together for a couple months but have had a tough time finding someone able to get away from work to join. If you're looking to make the trip, and really want someone to join, I'll keep you posted.

[Chris_Hufnagel]

I agree that it is exactly what the club should be doing.  If this was offered long term, it would dilute the value of membership, but for a year or two to build the membership up, it is a great idea.  From all accounts, Ballyneal is an incredibly special place with a great golf course.  The more potential members that are exposed to the club, the better the membership drive should be.

Many of the remote destination private clubs are offering similar packages.  I could not believe some of the national clubs that advertised in the most recent Golfweek Top 100 special publication (where they list the top 100 residential private clubs and top 100 resort courses).  Wade Hampton, which I always understood to have a very stable membership, advertised in the magazine.  So did most of the newer national clubs.  

The key for these clubs will be to find good, long term members from this process.  If a fairly public membership drive (like this) results in members that quit the club in less than 5 years, you will be constantly in an aggressive membership drive.  However if it attracts long term members, you will then have the stability to selectively attract new members in a private manner in the future.

I certainly wish the best for Ballyneal.

I agree with Michael here...these are new times for clubs (especially national clubs) and a concerted effort to raise awareness and expose the club to potential members can be a good thing - the key will be for it to be a short window for the offer and hopefully long-term retention for the members it attracts.

I haven't been out to Ballyneal yet, but it sounds like a very special place.  I wish them only the best as well...

[Mark Johnson]

for me, i think a lot depends on how many people the offer went out to.    If it is truly a select list of highly qualified leads, then that is one thing.

 If it is more widely distributed in an effort to bring in dollars, that is completely something different.

[Jordan Caron]

The club has to generate some revenue for operating costs. If the course and members don't mind extra foot traffic, it's a good move.

I'm sure the offer was sent out to their entire email list. I can't imagine trying to decipher between hot and cold leads and only sending this out to the hot ones.

[Greg Tallman]

for me, i think a lot depends on how many people the offer went out to.    If it is truly a select list of highly qualified leads, then that is one thing.

 If it is more widely distributed in an effort to bring in dollars, that is completely something different.

Which is why a neatly crafted letter would have been advised - outline the program(highly targeted membership marketing program), the anticipated response/limited availability(no more than X couples per day/weekend) and the ultimate goal (expect to sign up XX new members).

[John Kavanaugh]

I'm still waiting from an email from a private club that won't take $500 to let me play. Come on people, if you want to play anywhere in the country just call.

[Tommy Williamsen]

Ballyhack has a similar deal.

http://www2.cybergolf.com/landscape/images/128/Stay-and-Play.pdf

[Keith OHalloran]

Thanks Jaka, I just called Pine Valley, they blackballed me even after I mentioned your message on this thread! 

[John Kavanaugh]

Thanks Jaka, I just called Pine Valley, they blackballed me even after I mentioned your message on this thread! 

I guess that explains why there is still a market for clubs without courses with all the "ins" at private clubs.

[John_Cullum]

I'm still waiting from an email from a private club that won't take $500 to let me play. Come on people, if you want to play anywhere in the country just call.

JC Jones is looking to get on Pine Valley, if you can help

[Keith OHalloran]

I am not sure, but I think that Jaka's last post suggests that he needs to join the Outpost club.  At least that is the best interpretation I have come up with.

[John Kavanaugh]

I am not sure, but I think that Jaka's last post suggests that he needs to join the Outpost club.  At least that is the best interpretation I have come up with.

Funny thing, the Outpost joined me first. I think it is great that they bring a new source of revenue to two clubs where I am a member.

[Emile Bonfiglio]

Is now the proper time for me to insert the words "Dismal River" into this thread or do I wait...been so long I can't remember anymore?

[John Kavanaugh]

Is now the proper time for me to insert the words "Dismal River" into this thread or do I wait...been so long I can't remember anymore?

How do you think they got the good leeds?  Eric must have sold the 5th Major roster.

[Sam Morrow]

Is now the proper time for me to insert the words "Dismal River" into this thread or do I wait...been so long I can't remember anymore?

How do you think they got the good leeds?  Eric must have sold the 5th Major roster.

I never got the offer, screw Ballyneal. I wanted to put another notch in my belt.

[JC Jones]

I'm still waiting from an email from a private club that won't take $500 to let me play. Come on people, if you want to play anywhere in the country just call.

JC Jones is looking to get on Pine Valley, if you can help

Indeed, I once had a thread on here about that very thing.

But see, http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,51979.25.html

[Daryl David]

All this talk of leads makes me think of Glengarry Glen Ross.  Wonder if Mr. Patel got an email offer.

Blake: You got leads. Mitch & Murray paid good money. Get their names to sell them. You can't close the leads you're given, you can't close shit, *you are* shit, hit the bricks pal, and beat it, 'cause you are going *out*.

Shelley Levene: The leads are weak.

Blake: "The leads are weak." The f**king leads are weak? You're weak.

[Howard Riefs]

All this talk of leads makes me think of Glengarry Glen Ross.  Wonder if Mr. Patel got an email offer.

I was thinking the same thing.

"Put that coffee down ... Coffee is for closers"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Lf8GtMe4M&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Kalen Braley]

http://www.tetherow.com/oregon-golf/stay-and-play-packages/

Tetherow package

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