In this episode of C+RB’s video series, Matt Grayson, Director of Athletics at Ansley Golf Club, discusses the club’s success in creating a new intraclub tennis program after Atlanta’s extremely popular citywide league was shut down due to coronavirus concerns. Ansley’s new program has not only seen equal member participation as for league play, it’s brought new social benefits and has proved popular enough that it may become a permanent part of the club’s recreation menu.
“The Road Back” video series from Club + Resort Business provides fresh insights into how club and resort properties are meeting the challenges posed by the pandemic and finding new and innovative ways to boost business levels and start their return to full operation.
In this episode, we learn how Ansley Golf Club has filled the void caused by the cancellation of the spring season of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, in which the club is one of the strongest participants, with over 250 members participating in league play. With Ansley’s management deciding to also opt out for the fall because of potential exposures from outside the club, Director of Athletics Matt Grayson created a new intraclub program made up of equally balanced teams with players from all skill levels.
Grayson describes how members have quickly embraced the idea, with 200 women signing up and nearly 300 members overall. And there have also been unexpected benefits in helping members make new acquaintances and by encouraging new participation in open clinics and lessons.
“The social aspect has really been great,” Grayson says. “Members have liked [the intraclub program] so much, there’s been talk about continuing it next year, even if the risk [of league play] is gone.”
(Viewing time: 11 minutes)
Previous episodes of “The Road Back” can be viewed at https://clubandresortbusiness.com/category/the-road-back/
Upcoming episodes will feature how one club has maintained momentum and found new paths to success, even without a golf course and the ability to benefit from the golf boom; how an historic club has launched a major improvement/expansion project during the COVID era, and how expanded and effective new communications strategies have been created out of necessity because of the pandemic’s restrictions.
If you have a great idea or success story you’d like to see featured on a future episode of “The Road Back,” contact editor@clubandresortbusiness.com.
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