SURVEY RESULTS

In order to assist the Board of Directors and Tournament Committee with improving the quality and number of participants of our events, we conducted a survey of the membership.

This information will be for strictly internal use, and is intended to help the Board of Directors and Tournament Committee in growing our organization as the “Best in Rhode Island”. Your participation in our events is greatly appreciated, and we value your input as we consider different ways to communicate effectively with the membership and make our events more enjoyable to all of the golfers who attend.

The OSWGA Membership in 2005 was 383. Each member received a survey in the mail. The Board of Directors received 117 Responses, which represents 30.55% of the membership. A careful examination was conducted on the average number of active participants in each tournament for FY 2004 and 2005 respectively. Based on Tournament Schedules prepared by the former Treasurer, in 2004, there were an average of 88 active players per tournament vs. 95 average active players in 2005. Currently, it is approximated that 25% of the 383 members actively participate in tournaments. Therefore, our survey responses represent the majority of players actively participating in tournaments.

Here are the key findings of the survey and what you told us was important to you as an OSWGA member according to category:

MEMBERSHIP
Here’s what you told us.

Of the 117 members who responded, twenty-nine (29%) have been members since inception. Fifty-six (56%) have been members for 1-5 years, and the remaining fifteen (15%) just joined in 2005.

TOURNAMENTS
Here’s what you told us is important to you.

Thirty-eight (38%) of the respondents play in 1-5 events per year. Another thirty-seven (37%) play in 6-10 events per year. Eighteen (18%) play in 11 or more events per year. Three (3%) play in all events and the remainder did not play in any events.

Over sixty-eight (68%) of those respondents play mostly in Individual or Team Events. Mixed events represented thirty-five (35%).

When the membership was asked whether they would like to see more or less tournaments per year, sixty-eight (68%) indicated they were happy with the current quota, while twenty-four (24%) would like to see more. Only three (3%) of respondents wanted less tournaments.

Sixty (60%) percent of the respondents felt the divisions were adequate and required no change. However, thirty-nine (39%) felt more divisions were needed. No respondents felt less divisions were needed. Additional comments indicated the divisions and prizes should be based on the number of participants in each division.

The results were similar when asked if they need more or less prizes. Sixty-eight (68%) said there was no need for change. Yet, twenty-five (25%) felt more prizes were needed. The remaining respondents did not respond. The majority of members (83%) would like prizes distributed at the end of each event. Eleven (11%) were fine with mail. However, only two percent were interested in receiving prizes at the year end banquet.

Once again, (80%) of the respondents like to receive their awards in the form of a gift certificate. Trophies were the least favored. Fifteen (15%) did not respond.

When the respondents were asked how they rated the cost of entry fees, an overwhelming ninety-four (94%) feel it’s satisfactory. Only three (3%) felt the entry fees were too high. It should be noted that although when respondents were asked about the reasons for not participating in events, that (12%) indicated the price was too high. They clarified there response by saying it was too expensive to participate in all the events.

Eighteen (18%) of the respondents rated the quality and selection of the food served at tournaments excellent. Another (68%) rated the food good. Respondents commented that it sometimes it depends on the golf course and this influenced which tournament to participate in. North Kingstown was mentioned several times as an issue this year. Overall, fourteen (14%) found the food fair. No respondents indicated the food as poor.

Once again, (95%) of the respondents rated the quality of the courses we play each year as excellent or good. While the majority feel this way, when respondents were asked what the main reason for not participating in events were, (25%) felt the courses required to much travel and another (25%) did not like specific courses.

Most all respondents (93%) were more than satisfied with the performance of our Tournament Committee and recognized the countless hours and tireless effort they give to make golf a good experience for all of our members. Their service to the OSWGA serves as an example for everyone.

VOLUNTEERS

This year forty-seven (47%) of the respondents volunteered for 1-5 events, while another (46%) had not volunteered at all. Those that didn’t volunteer reported the reason as not having enough time. A few others said they have offered and were not selected or didn’t know how to go about getting started. For those of you who are interested and would like to know the opportunities available with the OSWGA, please speak to a member of the Tournament Committee and we’ll be happy to get you involved.

WEBSITE
Here’s what you told us about the current website, as an OSWGA member.

Ninety percent (90%) of the respondents use the OSWGA website. The remaining (9%) did not use the website and (1%) did not respond. Additionally, members commented on how quickly results are posted and it’s one of the best websites they have seen. Additional comments indicated a job well done and the website is great. One respondent recommended more careful review of spelling.

When asked if you would like to see the Minutes of the OSWGA posted on the website, the response was mixed. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of the respondents would like to see the minutes posted on the website. Seventeen (17%) indicated they would not like to see the minutes posted and Fourteen (14%) did not respond.

In the end, when asked about communicating tee times, pairings, and results on a timely basis, Ninety-three percent (93%) of the respondents rated the OSWGA with an overwhelming yes. Only 5% did not respond and 2% did not feel postings were made on a timely basis.

In Summary:

The top two reasons most of you would like to play more golf but cannot is scheduling conflicts or you cannot get the time off from your work. Those two reasons represented (77%) of the responses for not participating in events. The next most popular reason (31%) many don’t play more often is they cannot find a partner for tournaments. Other reasons included slow play, too far to travel, don’t like the golf course, and the same people play together or win tournaments.

The vast majority of respondents (93%) would recommend the OSWGA to a friend or has done so already. The remaining respondents either did not respond and only (3%) would not recommend the OSWGA to a friend and commented on how the organization has become too political.

In some cases, respondents chose more than one response or the requested number of responses.