We know now why the NGCOA is struggling.
In November, we suggested a client join the NGCOA and offered positive suggestions on how to improve the educational curriculum of the NGCOA.
Our sincere attempt to help drew this response from Jay Karen:
“I don’t have the time or patience today to give a full response to your blog post, but be assured you have things wrong, your observations and assumptions are flawed and you know not of what you write in some cases. But, what upsets me the most is that you felt the liberty to take a private dialogue into the public space. That’s a transgression that would – in many cases – blacklist someone. Do I actually have to qualify my emails with you as on or off the record? Unbelievable.
Nevertheless, regarding the CVE template you sent me, I don’t personally feel qualified enough to give you a scientific or academic response to the algorithm and variables in the spreadsheet.
Below is December 5, 2017 response:
Dear Jay:
I am a journalist.
Since January 11, 2016, I have written 101 blog entries (https://jjkeegan.com/category/blog/) and published the fifth edition of the Business of Golf – What Are You Thinking (https://jjkeegan.com/product-category/book-store/) that has sold 935 copies providing insights and perspectives on the business of golf with the sole purpose of creating value for golfers on a foundation that optimizes the financial performance of a golf course owner. To date, the Business of Golf – What Are You Thinking book series has sold 6,583 copies in 16 countries generating over $500,000 in revenue. In addition, I donated 300 copies to the 2017 NGCOA Conference at a retail value of $59,985.
You are a public figure representing 5,300 members who manage 7,200 golf courses.
In sending you an email on November 9 with a suggested new member, you tartly replied then and again. With my being an industry writer, our communication is governed by the rules for on/off the record conversations (https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-rules-for-off-the-record-conversations). “Off the record” status cannot be granted retroactively. The rules of “off the record” apply to email, also. For you to presume otherwise for a person in your position, in my opinion, is naïve.
Of greater concern is that you stated, “I don’t personally feel qualified enough to give you a scientific or academic response to the algorithm and variables in the spreadsheet.” The Customer Value Experience template we provided you helps a golf course determine an appropriate green fee based on the experience provided and is a simple exercise of checking boxes that any golfer course owner could easily complete. It has been beta tested by over 100 golf courses including many members of the NGCOA. It represents one of 18 guides we have developed to heuristically guide course management to enhanced profits.
I believe that the Chief Executive Officer of the NGCOA should understand the fundamental requirements of managing a golf course from creating a strategic vision to knowing the tactical resources required and the appropriate policies and procedures to be implemented so that the owner can maximize their investment return. Without this basic knowledge, how does one effectively serve their constituency with sage leadership in crafting meaningful educational programs?
Perhaps we now know why the NGCOA under your direction is struggling. Perhaps, you are not the right person for the job.
Aristotle had some wise advice, “The show of power is in restraint.” I suggest you exercise it for your email below is certainly not of the professional level one would expect from a person serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the NGCOA.
