Free Golf @ Druid's Glen Goes Down Like Inexpensive Lady of the Night

Fair play to the guys at Druid's Glen. The genuine offer spread like wildfire via text, email, Facebook & forums on Tuesday night. Obviously, an offer such as this, though following in the footsteps of good, but lower profile clubs such as Glasson, was met with some suspicion by many. But in truth, the business case stacks up quite nicely...

Beginning with the sign-up form, there's a considerable amout of info required from the applicant. Name, address, email, phone number, membership status, membership interest, how often you play, among other queries, are all there. This of course serves a highly useful purpose for DG's own marketing plans, but in the small print you'll notice that there's no other option but to agree to receive communication from "our partners" as well. This in effect means that DG have built up a database of specific and lucrative information on the golfing public overnight, and are permitted to pass this on to third parties in exchange for $$$.

Furthermore, given that the club is situated amid a relatively low population density, and given that many enthusiasts will want to take in the whole DG experience, rather than just play the course, it's fair to assume that a considerable percentage of those availing of the freebie will eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the fine Woodstock House, as well as maybe dropping a few quid on the logo'd merchandise in the pro shop. Given the quality and history of this course, it's also a fair assumption that many will travel from further a field to avail of the deal, and stay at the plush on-site hotel.

In short, the surge in revenue derrived from the above, coupled with the excellent publicity received will more than justify the move in an otherwise quiet golfing month. Sure, it's not out of the goodness of their heart, but I must say, the marketers have skillfully taken full advantage of the rare resource at their disposal. DG is an experience, not just a course. Fair play to them.