Golfers in Australia have a unique opportunity play at the exclusive Kingston Heath Golf Club. The famed members-only golf club has developed a one-off event in partnership with a new niche golf group-buying website, GolfNut.com.au. Golfers can purchase a pass to play in a golf day at Kingston Heath only through GolfNut when the offer is launched on Monday 10 October 2011.
Owners of GolfNut, Andrew Davies and Katie Russo, have worked in the industry for over a decade (they own Eagle Ridge Golf Course on the Mornington Peninsula) and have been concerned about the epidemic of excessive discounting that has gone on in recent years.
“The industry is at a crossroads,” says Davies. “We want to use GolfNut to promote smarter golf deals, private club memberships and corporate golf events without destroying the margins of struggling clubs. The current wave of generic daily deals sites don’t understand our industry and clubs are vulnerable to the allure of quick cash in the door in priority to what is sustainable in the medium to long term.”
“We wanted to talk to Kingston Heath as they are undoubtedly a significant leader in Australian golf,” says Davies. “General Manager Gregg Chapple expressed his concerns about what was happening in the industry and so was sympathetic to what we are trying to achieve.”
Kingston Heath has worked with GolfNut to make available a golf day and promote entry to the day to GolfNut subscribers.
“We are extremely excited about this launch offer for Golfnut,” says Davies.“We wanted something truly special and one-off, something that communicates what we are about: smart golf deals as well as access to some top quality Australian golf courses.”
“Going forward, we want to work with Clubs to develop deals that are attractive to golfers but still work for the Clubs in what is a very low margin industry. The GolfNut day at Kingston Heath is a very special event and we want to showcase all Clubs who work with us, from community tracks to the top rated courses in the country. Australian golf needs a shot in the arm and we hope to do our small part in conjunction with the other great industry initiatives like junior golf promotion.” Davies concludes.
Greg Chapple agrees. “At Kingston Heath, we recognise we have a role to play as an industry leader, and I believe the industry needs to look after its own in what is a time of great pressure for a number of Clubs.”
GolfNut plans to launch the Kingston Heath event offer via www.golfnut.com.au at 9.00am Monday 10 October and is forecasting a sell-out of the 100 places very soon after that.
“Our Subscribers will receive an email notifying them that the deal is up and then it is ‘first in best dressed’,” says Russo. “We’re hoping that encourages more and more Australian golfers to subscribe!”.
Following this Victorian offer, Davies and Russo plan to roll out GolfNut to the other eastern states in coming months.
Australia's Golf News Leader, Inside Golf gives you in-depth coverage of Australian golf news, golf events, golf travel and holiday destinations, Australian and international golf course reviews, the hottest new golf gear and tips and drills to improve your golf game. Written by award-winning journalists, Inside Golf also features interviews with Australia's top professional golfers, the game's rising stars, industry leaders and golf equipment manufacturers. You can even win great golf prizes and equipment. It’s all in Inside Golf. FREE at Australian golf courses, driving ranges and golf retailers across Australia. 
