08. Community Research

Up until 20 July 2014 when we opened the emphasis of Putting Plus was on restoring a putting green. Now the emphasis has moved toward providing benefit to the community. To identify how this could come about we funded a consultant to carry out market research by making contact with key sectors and then presenting findings, conclusion and recommendations. The following is an extract from the report     

SUMMARY OF CONTACTS BY SECTOR

1. Retirement: 12

2. Tourist: 29

3. Community: 42

4. Education: 2

5. Golf: 1

6. Volunteer: 6

7. Sponsors: 3

FINDINGS

Personal contact has proved invaluable, in that, it has dispelled negativity and provided local people with a clear picture of this community venture, it’s origins, and plan for the future. In general, the response from all contacts has been very positive and encouraging.  The community can see the benefit and advantage of having a recreational facility such as Prestwick Putting Plus.  The location is viewed as being appropriate in reaching all sectors mentioned in this report.  It is interesting to hear the many stories and happy recollections of times past at the seafront and in particular, the place that the putting green has had in community memories. The interest has come from a cross section of the community regardless of race, age, and disability. 

CONCLUSION

The Prestwick Community are happy to see the facility.  With it being the middle to end of season when the above work was carried out, it is essential that there is continuity in raising the profile of the facility.  One challenge that cannot be ignored is that of a small group which is forging a campaign against the re-introduction of the facility. This appears to have originated from within a small disgruntled group of residents and is mainly concerned with the fact they were outwith the consultation limits of 20m. The campaign has been widened from opposition to the putting facility, to now incorporating attack on the local South Ayrshire Council in general.  Using the hysteria whipped up against the Council, the opposition group is then using this as ammunition for their own end this being, the original complaint against the reinstatement of the putting facility.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Funding

• Once the facility has become more established,look for Sponsorship to assist in the continuation and growth of this community facility. Areas where sponsorship may be possible were identified. 

Events

• The creation of a charity tri-athlon, approaching cycling and walking clubs to bring together this event. 

• Approach each of the golf clubs with a view to arranging an inter club putting competition with each club putting forward a champion.

• Prestwick Rotary - approach them with a view to offering the use of the putting green as the base for one of their charity fund raising events. 

• Approach primary schools to offer an alternative school outing. Groups could be brought to PP for junior tuition with a fun challenge. Children could bring a packed lunch and have a picnic as part of their outing. A spin off could be an inter-school challenge to be held in June before school break up.

• Support charity events e.g. Blythswood Care and CLIC Sargent. 

• Actively get involved with the “Prestwick Prom”.

Publicity

• Continue to place news on “Ayrshire Buzz” facebook page. 

• Continue to place interest stories and news on “A town like no other” facebook page.

• Continue to use the services of West of Scotland Media to place free advertising and special interest stories in their free Ayrshire newspaper. 

• Create a website “Hall of Fame” for hole in one achievers. Both the role of honour and the hall of fame could be re-created from the board at the kiosk for all customers to see. Ask members of the public to offer their stories and pictures of past and present activity at the old and new putting green. 

Coaching

• Put a piece together stating the importance of the “Art of Putting” and its relevance to the overall game of golf. Possible quotes from Sam Torrance and Colin Montgomerie to underline the importance of putting. 

• Organise a competition to find the best putter in the local area.

• For Secondary school there could be a putting “Skills Academy”. This would be aimed at pupils who may not have considered taking up golf as either a hobby or a professional career. Putting lessons could be offered at reduced rate. Secondary school pupils can also be a source of volunteers for 2015 season. 

Volunteers

• “Firthsiders” polo shirts, giving a sense of belonging for the volunteers.

• It would be beneficial to identify a “champion” within the 65 club – to have constant promotion of the putting green and on-going referral for volunteers and customers.