SUMMIT, N.J. (October 14, 2015) – The MGA’s annual Presidents Council Fall Conference was held on October 13, as more than 150 leaders from member clubs convened at Canoe Brook Country Club to learn about trends and issues affecting area clubs. The Presidents Council Fall Conference is part of the MGA Foundation’s series of educational programs, and features presentations from industry leaders.

Brad Steele, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel for the National Club Association, opened the informative seminar by discussing key legal and legislative issues facing the private club industry. Topics ranged from healthcare reform and taxes, to errant golf ball legal cases.

McMahon Group President Frank J. Vain took the floor next. Vain focused on how changes in lifestyles, economics and demographics—all topics extensively researched by his company—are affecting private clubs, and how strategy and offerings can help increase the activeness of members. A main trend that he discussed was the recent focus on healthy lifestyles throughout the country. “Health, fitness, and wellness are what clubs should be focusing on to increase member engagement,” he asserted. He also spoke about how family-focused activities offered by clubs are going to increase member engagement because clubs offer a sense of safety that is quickly diminishing with the changing times.

After a brief break, MGA President Steve Boyd provided an update on the MGA and the MGA Foundation, which raised record donations thanks to the incredible response received for the Caddie Scholarship Pro-Am, held before the 100^th playing of the Met Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club. Over 400 people came out to support and all proceeds went to the Caddie Scholarship Fund, which will go on to aid young men and women working in golf to receive a higher education. 

In closing, PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua addressed the crowd by discussing the PGA’s initiatives to help grow the game. A leading spokesman for golf, Bevacqua insisted that increasing participation should focus on juniors and women, while the game may need changes to stay current. “If this game wants to stay relevant and increase relevancy, it needs to look different,” Bevacqua said. He also talked about golf’s place in the upcoming 2016 Olympics, the important role of the PGA professional, as well as the upcoming PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in 2016.

For more information about the annual Presidents Council Fall Conference, please call the MGA Member Services Department at 914-347-4653. To find out more about the MGA’s extensive member services, click here.