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1.5 Golf Coaching ReviewJC/NB referred to a recent report from EL’s Golf Development Officer on theperformance of the coaching services from April to September. Furtherdiscussion is required on this with decisions to be taken as to the viability of thisprovision when set against other potential joint working opportunities withcommercial sector providers. The development of golf to specific target groupssuch as junior beginners and women beginners will continue and any review ofthe coaching sessions will enable a development focus on these target groups.1.6 Winter Season TicketsJC referred to a slight reduction in the number of winter season tickets sold atthis time in comparison with last year, however an overall increase in income hasbeen achieved. These are considered to be successful with a pro rata reductionin pricing being adopted as the months progress. Efforts will be undertaken toconvert the winter season tickets to annual season ticket sales.1.7 Website DevelopmentJC referred to EL’s intention to provide an online booking service for golfers withthe installation planned for April. All agreed this was an important function andsupported its introduction as quickly as possible.JC advised that the Golf Starters had reviewed competitors’ and other golfproviders’ websites to ascertain current best practice and this information isbeing considered with our Marketing section to improve EL’s golf website.JC advised of the current Edinburgh Golf website but referred to our owndiscussions with Marketing in relation to the provision of a specific micro site forthe Braid Hills Golf Course given its particular attraction to the visitor / tourismmarket.JCJCJCJCJC2. PERFORMANCE OF GOLF2.1 JC referred to the information provided to the end of November in relation tousage in comparison with the previous year and income in comparison with theprevious year and against target with the following key points noted:-• increased usage of 10,905 rounds (+9%) achieved.• increased income of £81,239 (+7%) achieved from the previous year• income of £53,256 (- 4%) less than target• total gross expenditure is 2.5% above target however this was due to anunexpected water bill at Craigentinny of £26,000 and an electricity bill atSilverknowes of £25,000.• savings were achieved in staffing costs of £66,000.• net expenditure is approx. £80,000 over budget due to the above factors.• verbal update on December performance was provided and given the poorweather conditions income was approx. £12,000 less than targeted. It wasexpected that the weather would also impact on the January performance.Other general discussion around performance noted the following:-• although usage at the Braid Hills had performed 5% better than the previousyear it was noted that many customers reported that they felt the course ‘too2