Headquartered in Livingston, the TGI Golf Partnership was established in 1984 by a group of PGA professionals keen to work together to maximise their profitability. The idea was that by combining their buying power and working with golf brands in partnership, they could better leverage pricing on products.
Over the intervening 41 years it has evolved from its origins as a buying group of about 20 Scottish professionals into a network 478 professionals throughout the UK and Ireland, and is now one of golf’s leading retail services groups.
Adele McLean took over as managing director in April 2024, having worked there for the previous 16 years. She says the industry needs to embrace the many new ways in which golf is now being consumed.
Who owns TGI Golf?
We are owned by our partners. When a PGA professional signs up they pay a joining fee of £500 and then purchase 200 shares – the current share price is £4.60 – so in total they will pay £1,420 plus VAT.
The key difference between us and other groups who have similar services is that once our partners pay that fee, they don’t pay anything else to be a part of TGI Golf. There are no monthly or annual subscriptions and they are all equal shareholders – there are no majority shareholders smoking cigars on a yacht in the Bahamas.
In return, our retail consultants and marketing team help our partners run successful and profitable outlets by assisting them in every aspect of their business. We also have an extensive diary of events ranging from further education conferences to pro-am outings where partners can bring along a guest of their choice to experience some of the best golf venues in the world.
This includes our TGI Team Challenge, which is held every March in Turkey and is one of the biggest event of its kind. This year we have 100 Pro-Am teams heading to Cullinan Golf Links to compete.
Anything else?
As shareholders our partners receive money back each year through our cash distribution and bonus share scheme. There are certain criteria involved to secure the full payout, but all our partners will receive something back each year. In 2024 we paid back just shy of £1 million.
So effectively, a partner could earn back the money they paid to join within a couple of years, then make money as a part of TGI Golf for the rest of their career.
What are the emerging trends in golf retailing this season?
We are in an age where interest in golf is at an all-time high, but not necessarily just in the traditional formats. While there will always be a place for the standard 18-hole format – thankfully as Scotland has a whole tourism economy built around that – we need to embrace the many new ways that golf is being consumed.
Driving ranges with radar technology, indoor swing rooms, and adventure golf venues are just a snapshot of the emerging markets for golf. Well-managed clubs will need to look at these new opportunities and reflect this in their membership options, allowing some flexibility and access to this new breed of golfer.
Research has shown that many of these new golfers coming into the game are looking at the community and social interactions as key factors, and the golf club is ideally positioned to offer both of those. Changing lifestyles, such as more people working from home, has leant itself to people having easier access to the golf course, particularly in the summer months - it’s not necessarily just a weekend pursuit anymore.
As an industry we need to ensure that we are capturing and catering for this new breed of golfer, as well as retaining and servicing the existing customer base.
What are the numbers on your business?
We have a team of 24 people at TGI Golf, which includes six members of staff at TGI Golf Travel. The travel business launched in 2017 and is targeted at customers who aren't necessarily interested in the cheapest possible holiday, and want first-class customer service along with a fully bespoke break.
The group as a whole currently turns over around £2m a year.
Why did you join TGI Golf?
I have been involved in golf retail for much of my life as my father, John Mulgrew, is a PGA master professional and ran The Normandy Driving Range for many years. Following the closure of the range I found myself looking for a new challenge.
When the opportunity at TGI Golf arrived, it felt like the perfect fit. I loved the ethos of the group and the enthusiasm of the team; everyone has a real "can do" attitude.
The PGA professional is an essential and constant at any good golf club. They should not be seen as a cost, but as an asset of the club. Over the years they have shown how versatile and adaptable they can be, and our goal is to continue supporting them through the ever-changing landscape of the golf business.
Access the entire series of Around the Greens here.
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