PT: What would you say are the principles
to the service you provide?
TL: We pride ourselves on our attention
to detail, after all, members are expectant of the highest standards.
They rightly want the best because they don’t know how much
free time they are going to have. Time is the most important commodity
they own. When they do get it they want the best possible service
every time.
We are at the pinnacle of the luxury market and provide this exceptional
standard of service for our members wherever they want to go in
the world. We create opportunities to play golf in places and in
a manner they wouldn’t normally have experienced. They don’t
have to worry about anything. They just have
a good time.
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PT: What would you say have been FGCW’s
greatest achievements to date?
TL: We’ve come a long way in
a short period of time. The four years have just flown by. The opening
of the Clubhouse at the Open and the fusing together of the global
offices along with the creation and management of the golf events
have been extremely rewarding. From a personal perspective, sitting
down to dinner with heads of industry, royalty and such fabulous
company has made me very proud. The fact that such individuals are
prepared to give their time, believe in us, and invest in us was
quite something. Watching so many friendships evolve and relationships
flourish is very satisfying. To think that the club is responsible
for so much fun, happiness and fulfilment is for us a great achievement.
PT: What is the balance between competitive
golf and social activities at your events?
TL: One of the main components of
the club from the membership’s perspective is our schedule
of events with weekend competitions staged around an outstanding
range of social entertainment. But once off the course, we like
people to enjoy a relaxed and social atmosphere. For the non-golfing
partner, or one who is new to the game, we organise golf clinics
and other activities.
All of our events are golf oriented, however,
golf performs only a proportionate role in the overall experience.
We like to build upon the local culture, cuisine and entertainment.
For instance, at Chateau des Vigiers we have organised wine tasting
at special vineyards, whereas in Dubai we break out into the desert
for a falconry display, belly dancing and camel rides built around
a traditional Bedouin campsite and Arabian feast.
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PT: How do you see the long-term future
of FGCW?
TL: Our long-term intention is to
build upon what we have created, an international network through
golf, a worldwide membership of like-minded people brought together
by a love of the game.
From where it stands at the moment, by controlling the release of
memberships in batches of fifty, we will be able to bring together
some very special people.
PT: Finally, how would you describe the
type of people that are members of the Club?
TL: We define the types of members
into three main groups - statesmen, fathers and sons. In no way
is this meant to sound either derogatory or sexist in any way but
it helps us to understand our membership.
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The sons are around thirty years of age,
not married, are dynamic guys who are drawn from solid backgrounds,
have an interest in travel, meeting people and really enjoy the
competition. The fathers are most typically in their late 30s to
mid 50s, family orientated, are entrepreneurs or in senior positions
and as such don’t get as much time to attend all the events.
They see membership as a form of pampering themselves or possessing
the ability to achieve something very special when and if, the time
arises. Many a relationship has been built on the golf course and
membership is befitting of their status. The statesmen are 55 plus,
owners of business, and have reached apoint in their lives where
they want to enjoy their life and appreciate the very best. Typically
they bring more guests and get a lot out of the social side of their
membership.