Se transformer pour continuer à briller

Fort de plus de 26 années d’expérience au Golf National, hôte de la Ryder Cup et des Jeux Olympiques, Philippe Pilato, directeur général, témoigne de l’impact significatif de 59club sur l’amélioration de la qualité des services offerts par le club et souligne comment cette approche peut être bénéfique pour l’ensemble du golf français.

Racontez nous les prémices de votre collaboration avec 59club

Jusqu’en 2016, notre clientèle était principalement française. L’organisation de la Ryder Cup a marqué un tournant, nous amenant à servir une clientèle de plus en plus internationale environ 2 ans avant la tant attendue compétition. Or, nous avons rapidement constaté que nos procédures n’étaient pas adaptées à ces nouvelles exigences.

Les évaluations initiales menées par 59club ont confirmé nos craintes, révélant notamment des difficultés à satisfaire les attentes de notre clientèle étrangère. Pour remédier à cette situation, nous avons déployé des efforts considérables en matière de formation du personnel et de partage des bonnes pratiques.

Quels outils utilisez-vous principalement et comment ?

Afin de mieux comprendre les attentes de notre clientèle variée (abonnés, joueurs occasionnels, visiteurs internationaux, etc.), nous utilisons les outils 59club. Grâce à l’analyse de l’expérience visiteur et aux sondages my59, nous avons pu identifier les besoins spécifiques de chaque segment de clientèle et ainsi adapter nos services en conséquence.

Nous avons mis l’accent sur nos atouts : les parcours de golf et le pro shop. En parallèle, nous avons cherché à combler nos lacunes, en particulier en termes de service client. Étant donné les contraintes économiques en France, nous avons dû optimiser nos ressources humaines. C’est pourquoi nous avons concentré nos efforts sur l’accueil en pro shop, premier point de contact avec nos clients et moment clé de l’expérience client.

Qu’en est-il à l’heure actuelle ?

Depuis 2016, grâce à 59club, nous avons opéré un véritable changement de culture au sein de nos équipes. En nous concentrant sur la formation de notre personnel à un accueil centré sur le client, nous avons constaté une amélioration de 50% de nos résultats, notamment sur la partie « Accueil ». Auparavant, nos employés avaient tendance à adopter une attitude plus égocentrée. Nous avons réussi à inverser cette tendance en leur montrant que le client est notre priorité absolue.

Cette focalisation sur le client, mise en place dès 2016, est devenue une évidence et cette démarche, ancrée dans nos pratiques quotidiennes, a permis d’améliorer considérablement notre performance en matière d’accueil. En nous concentrant sur les besoins et les attentes spécifiques de chaque golfeur, nous avons renforcé notre relation avec eux et justifié leur choix de venir au Golf National.

Si vous aviez un conseil à donner, quel serait-il ?

Pour reprendre ce que nous avons pu mettre en place au Golf National, nous avons formé notre équipe à adopter une vision globale du parcours client, allant bien au-delà de l’accueil à la réception. Le rôle de la réception va bien au-delà d’un simple accueil et d’un sourire ; il s’agit d’offrir une expérience client complète, en prenant en compte tous les aspects du parcours, du parking au premier tee.

En incitant nos collaborateurs à adopter une vision d’ensemble et à travailler en synergie, nous avons considérablement amélioré notre performance globale.

Quel est votre regard sur le marché français et l’approche globale par rapport au service client ?

Je pense qu’il faut que l’on arrive à professionnaliser le service que l’on offre aux golfeurs et je n’hésiterai pas à recommander les services de 59club pour aller dans ce sens car c’est ce dont nous avons besoin en France. J’ai récemment visité un club de golf avec trois collègues du Golf National. J’ai été surpris de constater que les trois personnes à la réception nous ont complètement ignorés, sans un seul mot d’accueil. Dire bonjour est pourtant la chose la plus simple au monde.

Le problème ne réside pas dans les individus, mais plutôt dans la gestion des équipes. Les collaborateurs ont besoin de directives claires et d’une formation adéquate pour offrir un service client de qualité. Trop souvent, les golfeurs arrivent, on leur prend leur carte bleue, on leur débite 50€ puis on les envoie sur le parcours et on pense que le travail est terminé. Or, le service client dans le golf va bien au-delà de cela. En France, il existe un réel besoin de formation continue pour le personnel d’accueil des clubs de golf qui, souvent, ne sait pas vraiment comment agir et quoi faire.

Un dernier mot Philippe ?

Travailler avec 59club m’a personnellement aidé à me focaliser sur les aspects clés de la gestion d’un golf. C’est un outil “magique” qu’il a contribué à élever le Golf National là où il en est aujourd’hui. Et je suis convaincu qu’il pourrait apporter un bénéfice similaire à de nombreux autres directeurs de golf en France.

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Managing major change at The Belfry

Chris Eigelaar is Resort Director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort. He has been in the role since 2020, having previously been General Manager. Home of the world famous Brabazon course, the Warwickshire property is going through a significant upgrade.

What is happening at The Belfry?

The leisure club has just over 3,000 members. There are extensive events and conference facilities and three amazing golf courses, one being the iconic Brabazon. We employ about 800 people. Part of my overall responsibility is overseeing the current development. We’re investing £80 million into building an additional 149 bedrooms, 600-seater conference space and, on a separate site, a leisure club.

It’s about managing the projects plus ensuring the business keeps ticking over and we continue to hit our targets from a guest satisfaction, revenue and, ultimately, client perspective.

What are the challenges of running a largescale business with such work going on?

We started our bedroom refurbishment programme in October last year. We refurbed our main hotel, the bedrooms, our Brabazon Bar corridors in the resort and that was fairly challenging because it was affecting our main hub.

It was all about communication – understanding guest flow and really managing the volume of guests coming in. The project ran from October until March and we’ve got the larger scale project happening – the £80 million investment.

It’s managed by two different contractors, both accessing the resort from two different areas. There is no movement and no crossover in the resort. One thing we said from Day Dot was we want no high-vis jackets walking around the car park for our guests to see. It’s fine if they see on arrival, or departure, but as soon as you’re in the main resort you don’t want to see any high-vis jackets. We’ve been very fortunate that, to date, we’ve had minimal impact from a normal delivery perspective. But it’s entirely up to my management team, and the great communication we have with our clients and with our internal team, to ensure we mitigate as much disruption as we possibly can. It’s not easy. It takes a lot of time and effort, but the real challenge is you need to be consistent in your expectations.

There was that first month of myself, my team, walking around ensuring the contractors understand what we expect and making sure we lay that down as quickly as possible and be consistent in asking the same questions and ensuring they deliver.

How do you embrace the change?

We were very focused on the innovation piece. We were very open to people offering change and accepting change and that’s the journey we took our team on three to six months before this development happened. Throughout, we’ve kept all 800 staff members involved in what is happening, what is coming, having town hall, having briefings, to ensure it’s not just what we do as a leadership group.

It affects everybody in the business and it’s ensuring we listen to them if there are any challenges. You’ll be 30% bigger with the development.

Will that change your position in the market?

Our number one priority is retaining our current clients. We retain 70 per cent of our conference and event business. Before we start understanding our new customer base, it’s about retaining the current and taking them on a journey with us.

We will be able to host larger events – our current large capacity is 280 – so we will be fishing in a different pond because of size and scale. Some of our current corporate partners who have outgrown us, and potentially utilise bigger event spaces, we need to have conversations with them to say, ‘come back to The Belfry’. We are building this for you because you said, ‘we need something bigger’.

The crucial thing for us, from a location perspective, is we know there are opportunities to attract key events in London or Manchester.

It’s not about taking anything away from current venues in the Birmingham and the Midlands area – we are very keen to go and find new business and new events that are not currently visiting the Midlands.

What lessons can you share from the planning process?

We know there are going to be some curveballs, and nothing will go entirely smoothly. It’s an 18-month development programme, which includes six months of refurb as well. It’s two years of a lot of changes happening around the resort. It was all about myself, my management team, being agile and adapting as quickly as we can to any challenges given to us or set by construction or third parties and facing it head on. And then it’s talking about it, sharing frustrations, sharing any challenges with one another, coming together and ensuring we deliver it and improve as a team.

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Engendering customer loyalty

The Viya app allows consumers to book golf and leisure activities across hundreds of venues in Dubai. We asked Julian Danby, Viya’s Director – International Business, to explain how it is driving global business.

What is Viya and its role within your organization?

Viya is our dynamic golf lifestyle loyalty and rewards app, launched in Dubai in 2020 under the umbrella of Dubai Golf. Viya was initially designed to enhance the experience for our golfing community and has since evolved into a powerhouse platform spanning nearly 200 venues. Beyond golf clubs, it now includes leading restaurants, beach clubs, gyms, and a variety of activities like fitness classes, personal training, marinas, and spas. Customers can seamlessly book and pay for services through Viya while earning and redeeming points.

Think of it as your all-access pass to living the good life while earning and splurging points between rounds. I am responsible for redefining Viya to suit international markets and roll out the product globally.

This exciting venture involves adapting Viya’s versatile platform to resonate with diverse cultures and preferences worldwide.

We’re not just aiming to expand geographically; we’re crafting tailored experiences that cater to the unique tastes and expectations of global users. It’s about enhancing accessibility and ensuring that, whether you’re in Dubai or London, Viya remains your ultimate golfing companion.

Who owns Viya and how has it impacted your business?

Viya is proudly owned by Dubai Golf, a leading entity under the Dubai government managing iconic properties such as Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The impact of Viya on our business has been transformative, especially evident in our recent expansion into Abu Dhabi. Taking charge of venues like Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Viya quickly became instrumental in driving revenue.

A standout example is Yas Acres, where Viya facilitated a remarkable 70% of our monthly green fee revenue within just four months of operation.

How do you measure Viya’s success, and what metrics are crucial?

Success for Viya hinges on customer loyalty and engagement metrics. We gauge this through repeat visits, customer referrals and of customer spend habits.

“The impact of Viya on our business has been transformative, especially evident in our recent expansion into Abu Dhabi”

Was it challenging to onboard partners to Viya’s concept?

Fortunately, our established golf facilities in UAE provided a strong foundation and a compelling case for potential partners. As Viya expanded to encompass leisure and lifestyle options, it quickly gained traction in the market.

Clubs and vendors recognized that being part of Viya meant offering excellent value and attracting a dedicated customer base. Viya became the word on the lips of every golfer and their close network of friends, and as such we had vendors knocking on our door wanting to be a part of it.

How do you evaluate the return on investment from your collaboration with 59club?

The return on our investment with 59club is evident in improved staff retention, enhanced service delivery, and the consistent delivery of exceptional experiences. While it’s challenging to quantify in purely financial terms, the value lies in our ability to maintain high standards and implement innovative ideas.

What’s the best advice you’ve received and how does it resonate in your work?

The best advice I received from my dad was: “If a job is not worth doing properly, it is not worth doing at all.” This mantra drives our commitment to excellence in planning, execution, and ensuring we have the right resources and team in place to deliver exceptional results.

It’s the same ethos that lights up our game with 59club, pushing us to wow our customers by reinforcing our dedication to exceed customer expectations and achieve operational excellence.

You’ve collaborated with 59club extensively. Why is this partnership crucial?

Our partnership with 59club, spanning more than a decade, has been pivotal. 59club provides invaluable training and customer feedback that enhances our operational standards. By benchmarking against other clubs internationally, 59club helps us continually raise the bar that keeps our F&B and Golf operations running smoother than a ball on a glassy green

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Golf-Club Pfalz Partners with 59club to Elevate the Golf Experience and Service Standards

59club continues to expand its presence in the DACH region and is excited to announce a new partnership with the renowned Golf-Club Pfalz. Known for its stunning landscape and outstanding golfing experience, the club is setting new benchmarks with this collaboration, aiming to further enhance the satisfaction of its members and guests.

At the core of the partnership is the regular analysis of the entire Golf Visitor Experience, combined with tailored training programs for the club’s team. These targeted measures will ensure that Golf-Club Pfalz remains at the forefront of customer service excellence.

Axel Rohr, Vice President of Golf-Club Pfalz, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration:

“We are very excited to enter this partnership with 59club to further refine the experience for our members and guests. Through regular evaluations of our services and targeted training for our team, we aim to ensure that Golf-Club Pfalz continues to offer first-class customer service and remains one of the top clubs in the region.”

With the tools and insights provided by 59club, Golf-Club Pfalz will be able to conduct a detailed analysis of its Golf Visitor Experience, maintain high service standards, and uncover new opportunities for development. The goal is to strengthen operational processes while ensuring that all guests and members consistently receive the best possible service.

Neil Lubbock, Director of Golf at Golf-Club Pfalz, added:

“We are proud to create an environment that combines the best of our golf course with top-notch service. With the support of 59club, we can take our service to an entirely new level and further enhance the golfing experience at our club.”

James Jewell, Managing Director of 59club Central & East, commented on the new partnership:

“Golf-Club Pfalz shares our commitment to service excellence, and we are very excited to support them on their journey. We are confident that our partnership will position the club as a leader in customer satisfaction in Southern Germany and beyond.”

As 59club continues its expansion in the DACH region, this partnership highlights the growing demand for outstanding customer service in the golf industry. With a unique combination of tailored guest experience analysis and targeted team training programs, Golf-Club Pfalz is set to strengthen its position as one of Germany’s best golf clubs.

For more information on 59club and its services, click here.

For more information about Golf-Club Pfalz, click here.

Golf-Club Pfalz schließt Partnerschaft mit 59club, um das Golferlebnis und den Service auf ein neues Level zu heben

59club baut seine Präsenz in der DACH-Region weiter aus und freut sich, eine neue Partnerschaft mit dem renommierten Golf-Club Pfalz bekannt zu geben. Der Golf Club, der für seine atemberaubende Landschaft und das herausragende Spielerlebnis bekannt ist, setzt mit dieser Kooperation neue Maßstäbe, um die Zufriedenheit seiner Mitglieder und Gäste weiter zu steigern.

Kern der Partnerschaft ist eine regelmäßige Analyse der gesamten Golf Gasterlebnis-Reise, begleitet von maßgeschneiderten Trainingsprogrammen für das Clubteam. Diese gezielten Maßnahmen sollen sicherstellen, dass der Golf-Club Pfalz in Sachen Kundenservice weiterhin an der Spitze steht.

Axel Rohr, Vizepräsident des Golf-Club Pfalz, zeigt sich begeistert von der Zusammenarbeit:

“Wir freuen uns sehr, diese Partnerschaft mit 59club einzugehen, um das Erlebnis für unsere Mitglieder und Gäste weiter zu verfeinern. Durch regelmäßige Überprüfungen unserer Dienstleistungen und gezielte Schulungen unseres Teams wollen wir sicherstellen, dass der Golf-Club Pfalz auch in Zukunft erstklassigen Kundenservice bietet und zu den besten Clubs der Region gehört.”

Mit den Tools und Einblicken von 59club kann der Golf-Club Pfalz seine Golf Gasterlebnis-Reise detailliert analysieren, seine Servicequalität auf hohem Niveau halten und neue Möglichkeiten zur Weiterentwicklung nutzen. Ziel ist es, die operativen Abläufe zu stärken und gleichzeitig sicherzustellen, dass alle Gäste und Mitglieder stets den bestmöglichen Service genießen.

Neil Lubbock, Golfdirektor des Golf-Club Pfalz, ergänzt:

“Wir sind stolz darauf, eine Umgebung zu schaffen, die das Beste aus unserem Golfplatz und einem erstklassigen Service vereint. Mit der Unterstützung von 59club können wir unseren Service auf ein völlig neues Niveau heben und das Golferlebnis bei uns noch weiter ausbauen.”

James Jewell, Geschäftsführer von 59club Central & East, kommentierte die neue Partnerschaft:

“Der Golf-Club Pfalz teilt unser Engagement für Service-Exzellenz, und wir freuen uns sehr, sie auf ihrem Weg zu begleiten. Wir sind überzeugt, dass unsere Partnerschaft den Club in Süddeutschland und darüber hinaus zu einem Vorreiter in puncto Kundenzufriedenheit machen wird.”

Mit der stetigen Expansion von 59club in der DACH-Region unterstreicht diese Partnerschaft die wachsende Nachfrage nach erstklassigem Kundenservice in der Golfbranche. Dank der einzigartigen Kombination aus maßgeschneiderten Kundenreisen-Analysen und gezielten Team-Trainingsprogrammen wird der Golf-Club Pfalz seine Position als einer der besten Golfclubs Deutschlands weiter festigen.

Für weitere Informationen zu 59club und seinen Dienstleistungen klicken Sie hier.

Für weitere Informationen zu Golf-Club Pfalz klicken Sie hier.

Country Manager – 59club Europe South

Position: Country Manager – Spain 

Location: Spain including Balearic & Canary Islands (remote with travel)

Closing Date: NA 

59club 

A Global leader in the provision of service analysis, offering Financial Benchmarking, Mystery Shopper Audits, pioneering Survey and Feedback Software & Staff Training within the Golf, Leisure, Spa, F&B and Hotel Industries.

Market leading software and assessment criteria provides the resources to improve and maintain ‘sales & service’ etiquette, in turn increasing customer satisfaction, revenue & profits in the process. 

59club was established in 2007, with a Head Office based in the UK. We are now operating in Continental Europe, the Middle East, Asia, United States, Canada and Australasia. The EU South is based in the Costa del Sol, Spain.

The Role 

This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Manager to join 59club Europe South, supporting and growing a portfolio of partner venues who are looking to develop their business and the processes behind what they do. The Country Manager is the face of our business, a great communicator and educator, confident in the analysis and presentation of data with the ability to proactively source new opportunities and forge lasting relationships. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Proactively manage relationships, contracts and outcomes with key stakeholders 

• Creation and delivery of bespoke training content to partner venues 

• Seek opportunities to develop the footprint of 59club within primarily within Golf, Spa & Leisure

• Manage a portfolio of existing clients in line with 59club account management protocol 

• Support 59club in the creation of content and product development 

• Ensure the accuracy and timely presentation of monthly venue reports 

• Train, Support and Monitor the work of 59club Testers to ensure delivery of agreed programme 

• Support the effective delivery of 59club events and 59club attendance of industry events 

• Inspire, motivate and engage customers to maximize opportunities for collaboration

• Adhere to 59club account management procedures, CRM protocol and database controls

• Drive brand awareness within the country and wider region through key marketing strategies

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will possess the majority of attributes listed below: 

• A passion for Hospitality and a background working within the industries supported by 59club 

• A working knowledge of the 59club Benchmarking Criteria 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal) 

• A working knowledge of Resort and Club Operations 

• A track record of delivering KPI’s including financials and business development 

• Experience in the creation and delivery of training programmes 

• Skilled in managing, administering and presenting large quantities of data

• Willingness to travel to meet the needs of the business (including overnight) 

• Driving Licence essential

• The candidate must speak both Spanish and English fluently 

Application Process 

To apply for this role, please complete the short form below attaching a copy of your CV. For any additional questions, please contact Lee Mathew Waggott – General Manager 59club Europe South (lee@59club.com)

    For more information about 59club, please visit www.59clubeurope.com