Landmark for R&A website

A unique website designed to support anyone who is looking to maintain existing courses, or who might be interested in constructing a new facility, recorded its 2000th registered club last week.

Burnham & Berrow Golf Club became the 2000th club to register for The R&A?s Course Management Best Practice Website, adding themselves to a huge list of golf clubs of all sizes from across the world, all looking to improve their golfing facilities.

?We had known of the website for some time and following discussions with our Course Manger, Richard Whyman, have realised the benefits that come through registration,? said Paul Ware, Managing Secretary of Burnham & Berrow.

The website, which was launched in 2004, gives free access to an extensive database of information with links to expert organisations around the world.

Steve Isaac, The R&A?s Assistant Director, is delighted with the uptake to the site but clearly would like to see more clubs registering.

?We have nothing but positive feedback from clubs that have registered and it is a message that we must broadcast all over the world where golf is played.?

After registering on the site, clubs are encouraged to proceed through an audited checklist. The first club to complete the process was Littlestone Golf Club of Kent, in June 2005. Endorsement of the site has come from many of the 2000 clubs in 102 countries that have already registered.

Steve Schmitz, Golf Course Manager at Essener Golf Club, Germany, stated, ?The best practice website from the R&A is a fantastic source of credible information that I have used on countless occasions to help me make the right decision, whether agronomical or financial. It has assisted us at our club in making the right decisions towards making the club a success.?

Sweden also has had several clubs who have taken up registration. Stig Persson, general manager of Ljunghusens Golf Club, stated: ?The checklists on the best practice website makes you analyse the situation you have on your course and by having useful discussions on the website, you are able to see that a lot of problems are global.?

Website: www.bestcourseforgolf.org