MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT BRYNHILL ON
Monday 1st July 2024
Members Present:
Finance: Glenn Taylor & Greens: Cael Penberthy
Chair: Elliot Palmer
Also Present:
Scott Warne (General Manager), Brian Phillips (Auditor), Leone Warne (Director of Golf)
& Nicky Duval (taking minutes)
Apologies for absence:
Sam Pascoe
Minutes of the last meeting.
Although meetings had been held in May - June no formal minutes were taken due to staff absence.
The Chairman welcomed Leone Warne to the meeting as the new Director of Golf.
MATTERS ARISING
General Manager’s Report
2024/1.7.1. Mr. Warne reported that the number of members over 18 now stands at 369. This number includes 15 life and 13 six-year members. An additional 125 more members have joined the club with the same number expected this year. Mr. Warne stated that once 400 members had been reached that a possible joining fee would be introduced.
2024/1.7.2. Mr. Warne informed the committee that the next project for the Club would be to improve the entrance foyer. Mr. Warne to look at project details and ways to fund.
2024/1.7.3. Mr. Warne opened a discussion with the committee regarding the club’s curb appeal and first impressions to potential new members, visitors and guests for functions. Mr. Warne discussed the possible erection of a 1.5 metre galvanised fence with a large club logo in the centre panel.
2024/1.7.4. Mr. Warne gave an update on the men’s toilet refurbishment. The complete works were being project managed by Lee Price and full payment was being made from Corey’s fund. The committee expressed their gratitude to Lee.
2024/1.7.5. Discussions took place regarding the recent improvements to the club and all agreed that the club was going in the right direction. It was agreed that the real success factor would be retaining the current membership.
2024/1.7.6. Mr. Taylor suggested that Mr. Warne look into the possibility of a brown sign from the council. Mr. Warne to action.
2024/1.7.7. Mr. Warne suggested that the Bar Manager & Course Manager attend an EMC meeting once a quarter. All agreed. Mrs. Duval to action.
2024/1.7.8. Mr. Warne informed the committee that he had met with Vale Cleaning regarding the cleaning of the club. Vale Cleaning are a sponsor and professional company able to offer an improved service. Mr. Warne to action appointment.
2024/1.7.9. Mr. Warne gave an update on the Simulator launch day. Over 200 people attended. For the first two weeks of opening, it generated nearly £400 in hire costs. This facility will help retain members & bring in new members. Expected to come into its own during the winter.
2024/1.7.10. Mr. Warne informed the committee that work, on the house adjacent to the golf club, by the council was on hold as a well have been found on the property. Mr. Warne to speak with the council regarding the erection of a fence for health & safety purposes. Mr. Warne to action.
2024/1.7.11. A discussion took place regarding the need to look at financing a 2nd floor possibly through Bank of Wales. This would secure the future of the club. Mr. Palmer & Mr. Warne to action.
Director of Golf Report
(There was no report)
2024/2.7.1. M. L. Warne stated that in the three weeks that he had been in post, he was getting a feel for the club, getting to know how systems work. Receiving positive feedback from members.
2024/2.7.2 Mr. L. Warne stated the importance of meeting & greeting potential new members & visitors to course, himself & Jordan would make it a priority to encourage new members to join and encouraging visitors that had played more than 3 times to take up a membership.
2024/2.7.3. Discussions regarding the price increase in member buggy hire took place with Mr. Warne suggesting a loyalty card for members to have a free buggy after a certain number of hires.
2024/2.7.4. Mr. Warne stated that the new voucher system available on the Brynhill website was working well. The option to purchase vouchers for Green fees, sim room hire and Pro Shop spend are available.
2024/2.7.5. Mr. Taylor questioned if Corporate Membership was being advertised. Mr. L. Warne stated that only resort courses such as the Vale & CMR were attracting the Corporates at the moment.
Greens Report
(There was no report)
2024/3.7.1. Mr. Warne stated that the rough mower had been ordered with an expected delivery time of 3-4 weeks. This machine would be on a 5 year lease. Old machinery to be sold. Secondary lease to stop. Mr. Penberthy & Mr. Warne to action.
2024/3.7.2. Mr. Warne informed the committee that a date for the demonstration for robots to cut the greens would be received in the coming weeks. This would be the first trial of its kind in Wales. The robots would cut 24 hours per day for 2 hours at a time with a charge of 45 mins. With the position of the charging station it would cut the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th 17th & 18th.
2024/3.7.4. Mr. Taylor asked for an update on work need on the 16th bunker. Mr. Warne stated that this was a winter project, currently there is no lip on the bunker so the sand will not stay in there, the course manager is aware. Mr. Warne to put out notice to inform players that they can have a drop zone behind it. Mr. Leon Warne to produce video to show rake & place if the wind is blowing the sand out. D.O. G. to action.
2024/3.7.5. Mr. Warne informed the committee that one of the green keepers was off work after having surgery on his shoulder and would be off work for 6 weeks.
2024/3.7.6. Mr. Penberthy reported that the course manager had informed him that an aerator was needed to maintain good greens. This piece of machinery would cost £25k. A discussion took place and the need for a utility vehicle was also noted.
2024/3.7.7. Mr. Warne informed the committee that he and the Course Manager, had met with a Professor from Swansea University regarding Leather Jackets on the course. The cost for the 5th green to receive treatment is £1,700 and this was needed for the whole course. Mr. Warne warned the committee that courses had been lost from not dealing with the problem.
Clubhouse Report
(There was no report)
2024/5.7.1. Mr. Taylor commented that the Bar staff needed uniforms for special events taking place at the Club. Also improved casual uniforms to be sourced. Leon Warne to provide prices. Ms. Pascoe & Mr. Warne to action.
2024/5.7.2. A discussion took place regarding room hire rates for members. Costs for overheads to be considered. Ms. Pascoe & Mr. Warne to action.
2024/5.7.3. A record £18k was taken over the bar in April with May & June both doing very well also, but no figures could be obtained at the moment due to teething problems with the back office reports from the new till system. The new till system was working well. The Coors rep commented to the Club that Brynhill was 40% up whereas the majority of her other clubs were 2% down. Overall fantastic work from Barrie & his team.
Finance Report
(There was no report)
2024/4.7.1. Mr. Taylor reported figures obtained from the Director of Golf since the opening of the new pro shop. £5265 visitor green fees and £3,323 member guest green fee & buggy hire £4,463.00. The increase in buggy hire was noted as now the Pro shop is open until 6pm in the evening.
2024/4.7.2. Mr. Taylor stated that the figures look positive and to continue to do what we are doing.
Chairman’s Report
(there was no report)
Any other business
There was none.
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 5th August 6.15pm
ACTION POINTS
2024/1.7.2. Mr. Warne informed the committee that the next project for the Club would be to improve the entrance foyer. Mr. Warne to look at project details and ways to fund.
2024/1.7.6. Mr. Taylor suggested that Mr. Warne look into the possibility of a brown sign from the council. Mr. Warne to action.
.
2024/1.7.7. Mr. Warne suggested that the Bar Manager & Course Manager attend an EMC meeting once a quarter. All agreed. Mrs. Duval to action.
2024/1.7.8. Mr. Warne informed the committee that he had met with Vale Cleaning regarding the cleaning of the club. Vale Cleaning are a sponsor and professional company able to offer an improved service. Mr. Warne to action appointment.
2024/1.7.10. Mr. Warne informed the committee that work, on the house adjacent to the golf club, by the council was on hold as a well have been found on the property. Mr. Warne to speak with the council regarding the erection of a fence for health & safety purposes. Mr. Warne to action.
2024/1.7.11. A discussion took place regarding the need to look at financing a 2nd floor possibly through Bank of Wales. This would secure the future of the club. Mr. Palmer & Mr. Warne to action.
2024/3.7.1. Mr. Warne stated that the rough mower had been ordered with an expected delivery time of 3-4 weeks. This machine would be on a 5 year lease. Old machinery to be sold. Secondary lease to stop. Mr. Penberthy & Mr. Warne to action.
2024/3.7.4. Mr. Taylor asked for an update on work need on the 16th bunker. Mr. Warne stated that this was a winter project, currently there is no lip on the bunker so the sand will not stay in there, the course manager is aware. Mr. Warne to put out notice to inform players that they can have a drop zone behind it. Mr. Leon Warne to produce video to show rake & place if the wind is blowing the sand out. D.O. G. to action.
2024/4.7.1. Mr. Taylor commented that the Bar staff needed uniforms for special events taking place at the Club. Also improved casual uniforms to be sourced. Leon Warne to provide prices. Ms. Pascoe & Mr. Warne to action
2024/4.7.2. A discussion took place regarding room hire rates for members. Costs for overheads to be considered. Ms. Pascoe & Mr. Warne to action.