Here’s the top three things I learnt while editing Golf Club Management in June

Loyalty can lead to record-breaking rewards

When 94-year-old Geoffrey Crosskill revealed he had been a continual member at Eaton Golf Club in Norfolk since 1934, it led to him entering the Guinness World Records and the club received huge publicity, including from most of the golf press, and it was showcased on ITV.

Within a few days Aquarius Golf Club in London asked if its PGA professional, Fred Private, who started working there in 1964, was another world record holder. So far it seems he might be.

Voters are not necessarily hostile to a second vote

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers faced widespread ridicule for voting to not admit women as members in May and that, we thought, was that for the foreseeable future. But it turned out that Muirfield was so embarrassed by the referendum’s result that within a month its captain said a new vote is required, and one that must admit women, in order to restore the club’s reputation. It is thought that the second vote will not go the same way.

The performance of the industry is starting to improve

Because of Muirfield and Brexit one of the biggest stories for the industry in years fell under the radar: after more than a decade of falling participation in golf in England, things have changed in the last year.

The number of monthly golfers and club members have both started to rise – in fact club membership is now at its best level since 2012.

It doesn’t mark a termination of problems for the industry, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.