2008 SURVEY RESULTS
A survey was handed out to the members present at the 2008 banquet. There were 134 present and of that number, 100 filled out the survey. By the way, the response to the mailed survey in 2005 was 117. Under additional comments, 17 respondents made note of what an exceptional organization this is, how much they enjoy it and noting what a great job everyone responsible does in making Tournaments successful. We thank you for your continued support. Here are the findings of the survey and what you told us was important to you as an OSWGA member according to category.
MEMBERSHIP
Of the 100 members who responded, twenty have been members since
inception. Thirty-eight have been
members for 1-5 years, and the remaining forty-two have been members over five
years.
TOURNAMENTS
Thirty-seven of the respondents play in 1-5 events per year. Another fifty play in 6-10 events per year. Eleven play in 11 or more events per year. Four played in all events and one did not play in any events mentioning it was due to health reasons.
Of those responding, 78 play mostly in team events.
When the membership was asked whether they would like to see more or less tournaments per year, seventy-seven indicated they were happy with the current quota, while nineteen would like to see more. Only four of respondents wanted fewer tournaments.
Fifty-six of the respondents felt the divisions were adequate and required no change. However, forty-two felt more divisions were needed. Two of the respondents felt fewer divisions were needed. Many Additional comments: Several indicated they thought in Mixed and Team Events it was unfair to have a policy including them in Championship Division based on one member’s handicap (under 10) and went onto say they may not participate in this type event because of this policy. Several thought there should always be 3 divisions even if we had to reduce prizes in each. Several comments not to ever have “Points Only” whenever guests were allowed. A “closest to the pin” was suggested.
Several would like to see us go back to having the divisions by handicap posted in the book not wavering from those numbers and if the number of players in each division wasn’t even, so be it as they felt they couldn’t compete in the division they ended up in. Also mentioning the divisions were so inconsistent from tournament to tournament.
The results asking if more or less prizes are needed. Seventy-four said there was no need for change. Yet, twenty-five felt more prizes were needed. The remaining 1 said no change was needed.
When the respondents were asked how they rated the cost of entry fees, an overwhelming ninety-five feel it’s satisfactory. Only two felt the entry fees were too high. Three made note the cost was too low. It should be noted that although when respondents were asked about the reasons for not participating in events, that six indicated the price was too high. They clarified there response by saying it was too expensive to participate in all the events.
Fifteen of the respondents rated the quality and selection of the food
served at tournaments excellent. Another
eighty-two rated the food good (up 14% from the last survey). Respondents commented that it sometimes it
depends on the golf course and this influenced which tournament to participate
in.
Once again, ninety-seven 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, fourteen felt the courses required to much travel and another eight did not like specific courses
Eight of our members who responded feel their knowledge of the Rules was excellent, while seventy-five feel theirs is good and only seventeen feel their knowledge is fair. None responded to poor. Seventy-nine carry a rules book in their bag and twenty-one don’t. (Available in your pro Shop or at www.usga.org)
VOLUNTEERS
This year thirty-seven of the respondents volunteered for 1-5 events, (down 10% from last survey) while another fifty-two 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. Several said they plan to this coming year. (Sign up for volunteers is out at every tournament of email our Tournament Chair, JoAnn @ joannbourque@msn.com and let her know you’d like to help.)
WEBSITE
Ninety percent of the respondents use the OSWGA website. The remaining four did not use the website. 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. Several responded they would like to see the points for Player of the Year updated more often. (In our effort to “go green” we will be posting even more notices on the web-so keep checking!!)
When asked about communicating tee times, pairings, and results on a timely basis, ninety-six percent of the respondents rated the OSWGA with an overwhelming yes. Only four 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 over fifty (50%) of the responses for not participating in events. The next most popular reason (16%) 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. Additional reasons were family obligations; tournaments are too early or too late in the season making the weather iffy. It was suggested a later start time for tournaments in April and October might produce more interest in these tournaments. The vast majority of respondents (97%) would recommend the OSWGA to a friend or has done so already. (Thank you!!) The remaining (3%) would not recommend the OSWGA to a friend and commented on how the organization has become too political.
Electronic Measuring Devices
Of the 100 respondents, 39 said yes to allowing their use, 29 said no and the remaining 31 said they didn’t care either way. Several made the same additional comment that if they are allowed, they would like the owner of such device be obligated to share the information with their group.
Additional comments were as follow:
Lower Championship Division Cap to no higher than 12.
Stick to TPP pairings-several thought the same people are always in the same group regardless of handicap
Prefer to eat after the event.
Change the venue of the Ryder Cup.
Reduce the number of Mixed Events.
Limit Board to 10 free tournaments.
Change Amateurs format so you sign up in the Division you want, with a handicap caps, always being allowed to sign up in a “Better Division” but never down rather than Divisions based on qualifying.
Penalties for slow play.
Perhaps a Friday PM Banquet or an earlier (4pm) Sunday start time.
Kindly double and triple check scoring-too many errors.” (exact quote)
Please don’t ask non Board or non rules members to “watch” players.
More help in finding partners.
Utilize internet more-go green.
Thank you-what you think and say does matter and we will continue to work to improve all aspects of OSWGA. Thanks again for your continued support as we look forward to a great 2009 season.
OSWGA Board