The Services

The services provided by Palmerston to Owners/ Developers as part of the Management Contract, may be summarized into six key areas:

  • Concept Development and Planning
  • Technical Advice and Project Support
  • Golf Course Development and Operations
  • Pre-opening Management
  • Operational Management
  • Sales & Marketing of Real Estate and Membership

Concept Development and Planning

Palmerston has an experienced team of specialists with over 25 years experience in the design and development of golf, hotel, residential and recreation-based projects. The company provides management solutions in all areas of development, resulting in the right concept for the right project, designed for maximum efficiency and profit and giving the project the real competitive edge needed in today's market place.

Palmerston's project team will review the Owner's existing plans and provide comprehensive recommendations that include:

  • Overall master planning
  • Concept development and design
  • Financial forecast
  • Budget costing
  • Coordination of architects and designers

Proper planning of all aspects of the entire project at the outset is of utmost importance. This is usually a lengthy process, which entails planning permissions, contact with authorities and environmental issues that may need addressing. Palmerston will assist the Owner/ Developer with critical planning input and liaise with the appointed consultants and architects in order to derive maximum long-term benefits for the project.

Technical Advice and Project Support 

Following the critical stages covered in the areas outlined above, the Palmerston technical team will work with the appointed architects, designers and planners to ensure that the design concept is adhered to and that the finished product is efficient and meets the highest standards. Palmerston becomes an essential interface between the Owner and the contractors. This is especially relevant in the design and construction of large multiple facility projects where development costs have a habit of escalating in the absence of proper control and a real understanding of the development process.

Golf Course Development and Operations

Initially Palmerston's development team will work with the appointed design team to oversee the construction of the course and provide the "grow in" and pre-opening technical programme including the recruitment and training of all staff, the specification and procurement of the maintenance equipment and sundry supplies.

To achieve this, Palmerston will recruit a qualified golf course Construction Superintendent who would be based on site and ultimately become the resident Golf Superintendent when the project becomes operational. Palmerston would provide both technical and operational support under a pre-opening development programme and attend development meetings.

Summary of services during the golf course construction phase -

  • The recruitment of a qualified Golf Superintendent who has been through the construction process and is fully familiar with all aspects of the course, irrigation system and maintenance procedures.
  • A maintenance systems manual that will include:
    • Maintenance equipment/ machinery schedules
    • Manpower schedules
    • Irrigation programme
    • Fertilizer and pesticide application programmes
  • An operation procedures manual for all areas of the course, promoting environmental sustainability in golf maintenance.
  • Training of supervisory personnel at Palmerston golf clubs in Europe.
  • Full set of health and safety specifications.

Pre-opening Management

The pre-opening period is critical as it covers the set up of the business in preparation for full time operations. This phase normally commences 12 to 18 months prior to the official opening. Palmerston will provide the following services:

  • Formulate and execute real estate sales and marketing objectives and activities.
  • Develop and refine operational and capital budgets.
  • Develop all operating concepts and systems.
  • Establish pro-forma profit & loss projections (P&L).
  • Set up administration and accounting procedures.
  • Coordinate procurement of all furniture, operating equipment and supplies.
  • Recruit and train the operating teams.

Operational Management

Upon the completion of the pre-opening programme, normally after the official opening of the property, Palmerston assumes the role of Manager, handling all aspects of the operations on behalf of the Owner.

The facility will become an important member of the Palmerston Hotels & Resorts network, bringing the benefits of international recognition and high operational quality standards.

A Palmerston Management Contract also qualifies the property for membership with IAC (International Associate Clubs). This network of over 250 private clubs throughout the world provides club members and residential owners with a real added benefit as they travel on business or pleasure. IAC clubs are located in many capital cities and in some of the most attractive resort destinations and metropolitan cities around the world.

Sales & Marketing of Real Estate and Membership

For any owner, the sales of memberships and the various facilities are a critical part of the development programme. Palmerston's experience of selling private club memberships worldwide is unquestionable, with total sales of US$ 800 million in the past fifteen years.

Palmerston will work with the Owner, as the exclusive agent for the facility, to develop the property sales and marketing plan, which will set out the target market, profile of guests, residential purchasers, style of membership as well as the sales plan and budget.

Palmerston will take responsibility for the following:

  • Establish categories of prospective buyers and target markets.
  • Recommend pricing policies and annual charges.
  • Establish criteria for member's rights, bylaws, house rules, application and transfer forms and all other necessary documentation.
  • Appoint and train all marketing and sales teams.
  • Coordinate the establishment of marketing and sales offices.
  • Establish and implement sales strategies and marketing reporting systems.
  • Manage the activities of the resort and/ or club sales teams.