Salam Alaikum Dear Readers,
It is never my intention to discuss management issues of the game in this spot but circumstances regarding what was once the best course in Brunei made it difficult for me to ignore.
If you read last Saturday's Bulletin, it would be difficult to miss the court case involving two parties associated with the club. I shall not dwell on the story but offer some food for thought to the people behind the club. I think we all know too well problems the club has faced in recent years and not worthwhile to repeat it here.
Three options
1. Foreign Takeover
Golf is now a very popular game in Brunei and I can assure you courses like RBA and Empire and making a reasonable amount of money every year. Thus, the club can be bought or long leased by 3rd parties from the government. New injection of capital to improve the club house, course and others would then give PMGC a chance to compete with the best in Brunei if not Southeast Asia. A professionally run club would increase revenue from golf, F&B, pro-shop etc. Lets face it, PMGC is somewhat disadvantaged by its distance compared to others. If Bruneians are willing to travel to Miri to play at Eastwood, think about what it can do to PMGC if conditions improve.
2. Brought under BIA, BEDB or other GLC control
Basically, BIA officers and staff could be used in the short term to get the club back in shape and proper footing. They then would get the likes of RBA, Tourism Dept involved to properly market Brunei as a golfing destination with PMGC as the crown jewel. I dont think bringing this club under the MCYS is the answer. You need commercial acumen to improve this club. Empire designed by Jack Nicklaus you might say? To me Ronald Fream designed PMGC is better.
3. Closure
Well folks, its the least favourite option but when all else fails what do you do? It would be a sad day for golfers in Brunei should this happen. The last time I attended an AGM, the financials were not really solid. If the club cannot balance the books for prolonged periods, can government subsidies last forever?
So that's my two cents for today.
(Pictures by Kimigolf.com)
It's a good layout, spoilt by poor management control. Hard to believe that it was only 2-3 years ago when they had a GRAND PLAN for so many things with the club - Asian Tournament etc etc...
ReplyDeleteCan't even hold a proper 3-day competition there without "scandals" about cheating scores etc etc...
Or even more to the point - if they can't even maintain the course (GREENS) to be in an acceptable/playable condition - how can they expect to get anything else done?