Issue link: https://digital.insidegolfmedia.com/i/1061306
M embers of American Golf's ever-evolving the Players Club are receiving benefits extending far beyond the 18th green. Known informally as "The Players Club 2.0" as the program expands, the club's better than 50,000 members at 48 courses across the country have enthusiastically responded to the on-course member discounts. "Golfers love our subscription-based membership program that is available at a majority of our American Golf public courses," said Dennis Stankovic, Regional Manager for American Golf, whose purview includes courses across San Diego and Orange County. "The program is designed around encouraging people to play more, practice more and providing them the ability to improve their overall golf games." As the Players Club grows, members are now enjoying the addition of social enhancements to complement the host of on-course advantages. "We want to take it beyond just a monthly dues and benefits-driven program, and we want it to be really member-centric, with more member- focused events and merchandise discounts," Stankovic says. "We're thinking of it like a private membership coming to public golf – or as close as we can get to that." Seeking further ways to engage with members of the Players Club via both golf and post-round events, Stankovic is seeing the enhanced program continually come to life. Over the summer, Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course in Irvine held a popular member tournament series with green fee discounts; more recently, Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona had a music night on-property that was attended by numerous members. At the onset of November, Lakewood Country Club in Long Beach held a "Friday Night Live" gathering, with the free community event providing live music. Along with ample food and beverages, the event offered a V.I.P. experience for the Players Club members, which included access to a private lounge with wine and whiskey tastings. "And, right after Thanksgiving at Mission trails Golf Course in San Diego, they had a viewing event of Tiger and Phil's 'The Match,' " Stankovic said. "And the Players Club members had their own lounge with a hosted bar during the event, along with prize giveaways." .................................................................. > CLICK HERE to view all of The Players Club courses located across the country. tHE PLAYERS CLUB ADDED vALUE The Players Club is expanding with special member events The renovated patio at Lakewood Country Club was the site of the recent "Friday Night Live" gathering.