President's Letter
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." - Mark Twain
Dear Members and Guests,
This famously funny line has been used many times, in this case in reference to the private club industry. Recently one of my good friends (and a competitor) was quoted as saying that over the next several years we could see up to 25 percent (1,000) of all private golf clubs in the United States close. His rationale - that real estate may be more valuable for alternative uses, plus a decline in member growth - is reasonable but unlikely. While admittedly biased, we believe the private club industry and, by extension, ClubCorp have a great future ahead. Why? In one word: community.
At their roots, clubs are an extension of our communities, and our communities always have included gathering places, and always will. My 23-year-old daughter wants to have fun with friends, network, and dine just as much as my 65-year-old uncle. The growing popularity of social media reflects our desire to interact and share common interests or just pass the time. If the recent recession taught us anything, it might be the value of community, friends, family, and shared experiences. So call me old-fashioned, but I believe as long as our clubs remain relevant and inviting, we are, as an industry, still in the prime of life.
Speaking of lives, did you know you can help save or improve thousands of lives around the country? Simply get involved in the 4th Annual ClubCorp Charity Classic. This year, we will once again open all of our clubs for the world's largest golf and dining charity event (ask at your club for dates and activities). During the last three years, we've raised more than $4 million for charities, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, MDA's Augie's Quest, and our own Employee Partners Care Foundation. Please help. Participate, invite friends, donate, and have fun. The Charity Classic is just one way our clubs prove their value in all our 150-plus communities. In advance, thank you once again.
With a fond farewell,
Eric Affeldt
President and CEO
eric.affeldt@clubcorp.com
Photography by Lisa Means
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