TEAM ABHAY

What DRIVES Us:

We aspire to be recognized as a world class golf course with contemporary supporting club facilities. We will make a difference to the game and society through our conduct, responsible members and innovative approach to club operations.

Value Pillars

• Integrity
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Respect

The Value pillars of RCGC guide the way it acts and takes decisions. RCGC respects its members, their opinions and traditions. It is accountable, ensures transparency and integrity in its operations to build a sustainable future. It values its members and strives to ensure their safety as also of its employees and guests. As a responsible Golf & Bowls club it respects environment norms and values harmony with neighbours surrounding its establishment.

PUTTing things in Perspective….

We have already circulated our agenda earlier and are now sending this communication to clarify some queries that have come our way. We are also expressing our views on some claims which have been mentioned in various communication to members. Finally, we wish to share some observations with members.

It is important that all of us spend some time reflecting on issues concerning our beloved club. Beyond the window-dressing and perception of things being all right, there is a grim reality which can be seen only once we pay attention to the fine print and analyse facts, figures and data.

The members of this club have a collective responsibility to elect the best team and give them a clear mandate to ensure that this institution regains and retains its pre-eminent place as a premier Golf & Bowls Club.

The BOGEYs being floated around…

1. Bogey - The Club has made a huge Profit.

Reality: The figures in the balance sheet tell a different (and dismal) story!!

THERE IS AN OPERATING LOSS IN THE CLUB.

(Figures in Rs Cr)

*Sponsorship income includes a major part of the fees taken in from new members. The above figures show clearly that, contrary to the claims you are hearing, there is a loss in the operations of the club. This loss is being covered by taking in more and more members rather than employing other measures to increase profitability or reduce unnecessary costs.

2. Double Bogey - F&B Revenue has gone up by 14%, showing increased footfall

Reality - Actual figures, after bifurcation of food and beverages, show that the revenue from Food alone has increased by only 2.4% (Rs. 3.43 cr from Rs. 3.35 cr – only Rs 8 lakhs), which does not even cover inflation.

As is evident from the above, these bogeys are a result of Duff Shots!! The need of the hour is to evolve a model by which there is a sustainable revenue stream, through prudent finance management including debtor & creditor control, making the club economically viable for years to come – we need more than Hackers to make that happen!!

Are we on the FAIRWAY ?

1. The GC is being bypassed and important decisions are being taken by unelected members.
2. No GC meeting was held from February to May 2019 (3 months), due to which critical work such as budget approval for the year 2019-20 could not be completed on time. The budget was eventually finalised in end July, after 4 months of the year had gone by and substantial expenses incurred, without sanction.
3. GC approval was not taken for Swimming Pool Men’s changing room renovation – so who cleared / implemented the same?
4. KMC water supply still not received despite incurring huge expenditure of more than approximately Rs. 1.5 Crore on building infrastructure for the same.
5. The 9-hole Pitch & Putt project was shelved, after incurring huge expenditure of approximately Rs. 1 Crore, a fact conveniently hidden from the members.
6. There is a long list of activities which has been listed in the communication sent by the Captain – how many of these are complete? Most of these activities have been initiated in the last month, just before the election? It is obvious this is a case of getting into election mode.
7. Out of 103 members taken in the last financial year, around 30 were taken in March’19 itself. What was the need to take in such a large number of members in March alone? Was it a desperate attempt to cover losses??
8. There is blatant disregard for membership process laid down by the club. Candidates have been given membership within ONE DAY of their application being received! Never before has our club seen such disdain for our rules!
9. Selected members are given credit allowance which is much beyond the set norms of the club. Why this favouritism?

Our PITCH:

To serve the interest of members, the golf course and our club! Whatever we set out to do will be done as per the laid down rules of the club with the clear objective of maintaining the rich legacy and ethos of the club. We have already affirmed our commitment to the democratic process and to transparency in our earlier circulated agenda. However, to dispel any doubts we reiterate the following agenda items that are attracting some need for clarification:

1. Children of A Class Members – Children (between the age of 21 and 27 years) of A Class members can become A class members by paying Rs. 3 Lacs. For children who are already Associate members, only the difference amount between Rs. 3 lacs and the amount already paid for Associate Membership will need to be paid. We will strictly abide by the club Article number 10(a) that is applicable to all categories of memberships, including Life Associate, Associate, etc.
2. Senior Members – We propose to increase the current cap of 5% of Resident A Class Members to 20% of A Class Members. We are committed in our intent to give them their due for being long-standing respected members of the club. This proposal is expected to benefit an additional 150 senior members approximately. We will convene an EGM for the same.

We reiterate our major focus area will be GOLF

• Advanced Golf coaching facilities for all golfers, with special focus on Juniors.
• Enhancement of the golfing experience, including upgradation of the practice range.

Royal’s enviable culture has to be preserved. An organisation needs to evolve with renewed vigour and fresh ideas to remain relevant, in the changing environment.

Ladies and Gentlemen – we now lob the ball to you with the confidence that you will make a conscious decision to pick the team which you believe will set things right and ensure the long-term survival and growth of our club.

With our warmest Regards,

Team Abhay