Dear Members
I am privileged to advise that the MCC again won the Metropolitan Golf Facility of the Year, last Friday night in front of 500 industry peers at the Crown Resort.
This is the fourth time MCC has nominated in the last eight years, winning in 2017, 2019, 2022, and now 2024.
This is a tremendous achievement to continually be recognised with this Award however, it was stated by our governing bodies that MCC is very deserving, “as it governs at a level above the rest of the industry, and why it operates so soundly and achieves outstanding results”.
Winning such awards with this endorsement is a great reflection on the club.
It was an extensive process, but some of the key aspects in the areas of nomination we were recognised for excelling in:
Governance
- The change to our new governing structure, how we now structure, and the seamless change with member support.
- The decision-making processes and therefore, how the club successfully addresses industry issues. All guided by Strategic and Master Planning.
- Whilst many clubs are struggling to get lease renewals at the standard 21 years, the club renewed for 30 years, a tremendous outcome.
Membership and participation
- The benefits and price MCC offers membership is recognised as outstanding
- The course is at capacities, but how it is managed through a business model
- The golf academy, how well it is structured, pathways and support
Financial
- With a turnover of $4.3m and surplus of $950,000, the club sits at the top of golf clubs in all Australia, let alone WA.
- Significant capital reinvestment, self funded with no levies, large price increases, selling land or loans.
- The ability to reinvest heavily and still build cash reserves for the $2m irrigation system.
- The long-term capital and financial planning, and business models in order to meet the required reinvestment golf facilities need to undertake.
Course
- It was certainly recognised the issues all courses are having with foreign grasses, but the ability to address these with the resulting presentation of the course for the WA Open was outstanding
Clubhouse
- The extension of the Balcony is a great addition
- Taking over the food business model, with an increase in services, and done profitably rather than at a cost
Community
- The support of other charities and organisations.
- Significant in kind contributions to other community organisations
- Programs such as the Clontarf Tuition Program the club funds, is a highlight in W.A.
Great governance allows excellent operations, which deliver the desired results. We must acknowledge the long-term evolution of our governance, lead by all past Boards and Committees. You do not evolve a club to such successes in one year. It is a constant understanding that those who volunteer on committees, work to and evolve the governance of a club, not their own agendas.
Our employees are a standout. It was recognised by the judging panel the amount of work the club went through last year, which creates significant challenges to all employees. The club met these challenges, whilst retaining 100% of all permanent employees through 2024.
To achieve this recognition we are fortunate to have a very hardworking, professional and competent Board and Management team. A massive congratulations to past and present people that have contributed.
And finally, but importantly, to you as Members. Your support for our evolution has contributed to this success. MCC has a fantastic facility and I thank you for being part of it.
Continue to enjoy your golf and this great club.
Ron Stone, President
