Meg Jordan

Q&A With Meg

Best Practices To Build Relationship With Clubs In Your Area As A Golf Certified Agent

What approach do you take to get your foot in the door to kick start your relationship with a club?

I call the Membership Directors to introduce myself and request updated membership information. I let them know that “the golf club environment is a major component in their relocation and having the membership info helps me to qualify them a bit more, pique their interest….I can turn them over to you so you can work your magic.” They are the best ones to represent their club, I’ll handle the Real Estate.

I then ask if they would be open to meeting for a few minutes to give me a tour (in the off season). Show me anything new, review any features or offerings etc.

When you meet with a Club/Membership Director. Do you have specific questions you ask when meeting with them?

I do. I confirm the size of the membership and review the membership types so I’m sure I understand them. Are they waitlisted?

I ask how they would describe their club – that usually leads to a discussion on the demographics, the general vibe.

I ask who they market to as their ideal member, where their new members coming from, I ask about their dining, functions, events, I ask about their Fitness facilities and programs, and of course, everything about golf (sometimes being referred to the Golf Staff).

I usually finish with asking them “What’s the most important thing I should know?”

Have you been able to build relationships with the clubs to make it easier/smoother to get Tee -Times and tours for your clients?

I haven’t had to get Tee-Times as yet, tours I have not had a problem. I usually try to remember to ask in that first meeting -how would they like to handle it when I’m in need of either.

What qualities do you think you bring to the table as a Golf Certified Agent versus a non certified agent that might try to build a relationship with clubs?

A lot, honestly! We know that golf has its own language. I have heard plenty of agents speaking with clients, and have read plenty of golf home listings that were clearly written by non-certified agents that make me cringe just a bit. I would imagine a Membership Director would feel the same when an agent doesn’t speak their language. I’m fortunate to have been raised in the golf lifestyle and worked in and sold to the club industry so, I understand their world. I think they can appreciate that and it’s easier to gain trust. It also keeps the conversation focused on what matters to them.

What steps do you take to maintain your relationships with clubs after it is established?

A few small things, at the moment, such as connecting on LinkedIn, liking their Facebook page if they have one. I may send a quick email from time to time if I have a specific question that’s been asked about the club. I do have some other things in the works that are video related that I think will be positive touch-points, but you’ll need to stay tuned for that.

Are there waitlisted clubs in your area? If so, how are you managing that hurdle with your buyers?

There are several but we have enough courses in the area that they are open to exploring their options. I tend to switch their focus to finding a community and a home because our inventory has been such a challenge. We are seeing an uptick in listings so that’s good. What I don’t know, at the moment, is the status of the previous waitlists and the changes. A perfect reason to check in with the membership directors – thanks for that prompt!