Club Benchmarking

I had the pleasure of revisiting Royal Oaks Country Club | Houston, TX after several years of collaboration with on Capital Planning. Witnessing the transformation that data, planning, and time have brought about is truly remarkable. During my recent visit with Michael Vogt, CGCS, GCIA, we observed the club's successful passage of a Golf Course Renovation project scheduled to commence this year. Over the past five years, Royal Oaks Country Club has been anything but stagnant. The establishment of a state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center featuring three teaching bays and two simulator spaces, seamlessly connected to a charming casual "sports bar," stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence. Additionally, enhancements to spaces like the Ladies Locker Room/Lounge and the Bistro Bar have further elevated the club's appeal and functionality. The side-by-side photo comparisons vividly showcase the remarkable progress made. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Bruce V. Zahn Jr, CCM, CCE, John Connor, and the entire Royal Oaks team for facilitating another exceptional visit. Club Benchmarking and #COMPASS at work!!

At the Calgary Winter Club, members have a plethora of choices for activities, including swimming, badminton, bowling, curling, squash, tennis, and the indoor climbing centre to name a few. Today, selecting photos was a challenge due to the diverse options available. The last week of January, Ben Anderson, MBA, CGCS, and I visited Calgary, braving the winter weather. Despite the cold, the Winter Club's 300,000 square feet of activities all under one roof provided a cozy retreat. The recent appointment of the Club's new CEO, Gavin Hamblin, signifies a commitment to ongoing success. I extend a heartfelt thank you to Erin Ewasiuk and the dedicated team for their assistance in navigating the extensive sports and entertainment facility. The Club's continuous introduction of new activities is now streamlined and managed through Club Benchmarking's #COMPASS' Capital "Heads Up Display." Following a fulfilling 5 days in Calgary, the CMAA's World Conference in Tampa awaited, promising a warm and engaging experience.

Spending time in January in South Florida is usually a warm experience, but my recent trip to Willoughby Golf Club Community in Stuart, Florida was anything but typical. Despite the cold and rainy weather, my colleagues Matthew Bragg, MBA, and Colin Jacobs, CHA, and I braved the 20 to 30 mile an hour winds to enjoy a round of golf. I want to give a special shoutout to Michele Reilly, CCM, PCAM, and Sheila Schneider for their exceptional attention to detail and top-notch Capital planning process. Their dedication has truly set a high standard. Now, with the arrival of Club Benchmarking and #COMPASS, we are excited to see their commitment to excellence continue to grow. Willoughby Golf Club stands out with its Art Hills Golf Course and expanding amenities, providing the Stuart community with a fantastic place for sports and recreation. Now, I am heading to Tampa for the Club Managers Assn of America (CMAA) World Conference. See you there at our Expo Booth!!

My first Club visit of 2025 kicked off the year perfectly at Desert Mountain Club. The experience at this iconic property was shared with my Club Benchmarking colleagues, Matthew Bragg, MBA, Ben Anderson, MBA, CGCS, and Zachary Adams. Together, we assessed the Club's impressive assets, including 7 Clubhouses, 7 Golf Courses, and a variety of amenities and themed dining experiences. The richness of the facilities was beyond capture in photos, but here are a few snapshots from the visit. A special thanks to Damon DiOrio, Amy Iacovelli, CPA, David Easley, Todd Bohn and the entire Desert Mountain team for their warm hospitality and expertise as they embark on the forward-looking Capital Planning Journey through #COMPASS.

Are you looking for a unique career opportunity in the private club industry? The Club Benchmarking COMPASS capital asset management team is expanding and we have two positions available - Capital Asset Manager (mid-management level) and Capital Asset Analyst (entry level). https://lnkd.in/gr_h2WPf