PT: So why then is it called the Finest
Golf Clubs of the World?
TL: Well the Clubhouse is just one
of the dimensions. Another dimension is the fact that we are the
worldwide association of some of the finest private clubs, which
obviously has its own “home” in St Andrews.
PT: So if you’re a club and an association
what are you exactly offering to members?
TL: Effectively there are three main
aspects, which drive individuals to want to join. The first is overseas
membership to the most luxurious private club in St Andrews. Frankly
speaking, I think that in terms of prestige, St Andrews is on a
par with any top overseas membership! Secondly, it’s the events
and the membership. During the course of the year, we stage a number
of events, which are broken into three categories. The invitational
events are more social and appeal to individuals who appreciate
the opportunity to compete at some of the world’s finest golf
destinations, relax in some of the finest hotels, socialise with
like minded successful people and play some top courses under competition
format.
PT: But what’s on offer for the more
serious golfer?
TL: That’s the third point, for
the more competitive members, we have created some Representative
Challenge Matches. Here they can represent the Club and compete
on Links courses (if it’s a home match), against teams from
New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Johannesburg, Hong Kong...
all over the world.
PT: What about playing at other clubs around
the world?
TL: The kinds of people we are talking
about are so busy that the volume of requests we receive from any
individual is minimal. But, yes, not only at our member clubs, but
the Secretariat in London can organise for members to take up to
three guests to the more exclusive clubs from all over the world.
PT: How do you do that?
TL: Well it’s a mixture of things!
But predominaetly, club and personal relationships play a big part.
For instance, if I turned up at Pine Valley unannounced and asked
“Can I can come in? “ the answer would be a resounding
“no”. Similarly, if someone comes and knocks on the door
of FGCW, they can’t just expect to walk in, because we too
are a private members’ club. However, over time, we have worked
with selected clubs to create a trusting relationship whereby travelling
members both respect and uphold the privilege of access. With our
ability to host guests at St Andrews, a sense of fair play prevails.
PT: How can one become a member of FGCW?
TL: You are invited to apply by a
Board Member, there’s no other way. However, it’s not
completely a one-way process. People may approach us, but everyone
ultimately has to go through the same process.
PT: Why do you allow prospective members
to participate in events as guests?
TL: To
date this has been one of the most successful ways of screening
potential members. You learn a lot about people when you’re
with them for 72 hours at one of the events. Additionally, members
are allowed to bring up to three guests to each event, so we reach
hundreds of prospective members this way. But a guest is only allowed
to play in an FGCW event once!
Our membership is possibly our greatest asset and safeguards are
built into our structure to protect them and the member clubs. We
are building relationships around the world with people who want
to participate in our club, who want to help the club and who want
to provide the best possible service for our members.
PT: How fast is FGCW expanding?
TL: The club and association were
founded in 1997. We now have offices in Hong Kong and New York and
have hundreds of members from all over the world. However, our membership
recruitment strategy is set to remain for a further two years. We
plan to add only a limited number of new members each year in each
territory because of our ongoing quality-control process.
PT: Are there any restrictions on the ultimate
size of FGCW’s membership?
TL: Our constitution dictates that
we will never exceed 200 clubs or 2,500 individual members. That
membership will be limited in each territory around the world to
enhance its value - 500 in Asia, 1000 in America, 500 in Europe
and then 500 more split around the world. It is an international
club and we don’t want it to be dominated by any one region.
When we are at full capacity, like most clubs we will operate a
policy of “dead men’s shoes” when considering new
applications for membership.
PT: You are obviously proud of FGCW’s
association with St Andrews.
TL: St Andrews is a magical place.
The quality of experience it can provide is exceptional. There are
few places in the world that can stir the emotions like that and
it just stays in your mind that bit longer whenever you think back
and dream a little.
PT: I notice the helicopter landing pad
outside the Club House. Is that popular?
TL: At St Andrews, golf is spread
out over so many of St Andrews Links’ Courses, it’s not
just the Old Course. There are so many other wonderful local courses
including Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. Helicopter transport is a very
sensible mode to get to clubs and to play further afield at the
likes of Gleneagles.
Private jets and helicopters are very much part of the lifestyle
of our membership and it means they get here from London in just
over an hour and really maximise their free time.