Burhill Group Limited is one of the UK’s biggest golf operators. In this case study for our series, The Price of Club Golf, we reveal how they enjoyed a record year in 2023…
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
A ten per cent revenue increase, more than £4 million in investments and refurbishments, and incredible feedback from customers – how did Burhill Golf Leisure’s golf division hit such heights in 2023?
BGL, which own 10 UK venues including Burhill in Surrey, Ramsdale Park in Nottinghamshire, and Birchwood Park in Kent, yielded a six per cent increase in operating profits across their portfolio.
“These significant increases reflect the company’s philosophy of continuous investment in business facilities and team members to secure the highest possible standards for the benefits of members and customers,” explained BGL chief executive Colin Mayes.
“The management team led by Guy Riggott, our newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, has done a wonderful job in developing and retaining our member and customer base after the Covid period, and we are well positioned to develop the business further throughout 2024 and beyond.”
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So what happened?
- Membership remained strong with higher retention rates than ever before
- Consumer surveys – known as Net Promoter Scores – showed customers felt valued and believed the products they were receiving continued to improve
- BGL invested more than £4.1 million into their properties, including £400,000 for a Trackman range at Thornbury, a pledge of over £1 million into clubhouse and course renovations at Abbey Hill, as well as creating the region’s “go-to practice facility” at The Shropshire
Riggott, who was promoted at the start of the year having spearheaded the golf division’s growth since joining the company in 2014, identified the development of people within his teams as being key to the group’s prosperity.
He also cited the company’s sustainability journey, which was launched last year with a 7-step commitment.
BGL Golf are aiming to become the first carbon net zero golf business in the UK and the vows comprise of: planning, policies and procurement, staff and golfer engagement, taking climate action, conserving resources, fostering nature, strengthening communities, and tracking and reporting.
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The measures are already being implemented across the company’s sites, with electrical equipment replacements, using renewable off-site energy supplies, and constructing new reservoirs to ensure 100 per cent of water used on the courses comes from sustainable sources.
Riggott added: “Through these efforts, our goal is to benefit the environment as well as our employees, members, and visitors.
“We’re passionate about finding new ways to reduce energy, water consumption and overall carbon footprint. We are excited to see the continuation of this programme with new initiatives that align with our seven-step commitment to sustainability.”
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
Get involved in the debate. To join the GCMA, click here, or to organise a call with a member of the GCMA team, just complete this form and we’ll be in touch!
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