Golf Club Management Challenges towards Sustainability: Opportunities and Innovations during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Perspective

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Title: Sport Management Challenges and Strategies for Golf Clubs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

The content of this paper is well-organized, and it discusses the sustainability challenges faced by Spanish golf clubs in the post-COVID pandemic era using a case study approach. The readability of the paper is high. The authors present four specific strategic directions: Financial management, Maintenance of installations, Communication with interested parties, and Design of safety protocols. Below are my individual comments on the main sections of the paper.

Theme:

This papaer discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on golf clubs in Spain, highlighting how golf, being one of the top sports practiced in the country, played a significant role in sport tourism and contributed to their income. The study aims to assess the challenges faced by general managers of golf clubs throughout the pandemic and how they managed these issues. The main focus is on the economic uncertainty faced by golf clubs due to the closure of all clubs during the pandemic and the subsequent challenges related to tourism, increased costs, and the need to implement safety and maintenance protocols.

Method:

The research employed a suitable qualitative case study approach to explore the management challenges and strategies of five golf club managers with at least 5 years of experience. The chosen method was semi-structured interviews, allowing in-depth exploration of the participants' perspectives. Through this approach, the study delved into the experiences of the managers as they transitioned from a pre-pandemic period of economic growth to dealing with the various challenges presented by the pandemic.

 

Results:

The findings of the study highlight the importance of constant communication and transparency among stakeholders, including golf clubs, government bodies, and federations, during and after the lockdown period. Effective communication was seen as crucial in navigating the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic. The digitization of golf clubs emerged as a significant positive outcome of the pandemic management, facilitating better adaptability and resilience during challenging times. The study suggests that the strategies explored could serve as valuable insights for managers of golf clubs and other sports facilities in designing protocols to cope with potential future health or economic crises.

Conclusion:

The study's positive and valuable conclusion for sports clubs' post-pandemic management is the emphasis on constant communication and transparency with stakeholders, along with the digitization of clubs, which enhances adaptability and resilience during challenging times, offering valuable insights for managing potential future health or economic crises.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The authors could have used the findings to a logical conclusion, which is missing. I would request the authors to bring the implication of this case and draw some learning that would be followed/implemented by these Golf Clubs/Organisers.

The methodology of the manuscript is not up to the mark. So as its referencing.

NA

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

The paper is more of a case study on the topic. The results are therefore quite interesting, but do not allow any further conclusions beyond the objects studied.

In order to provide the results with scientific relevance, the following recommendations for action are given:

- clear anchoring of the study on a theoretical construct for example on action in management. 

- mirroring of own results with results from other areas (sports, countries, industries) in order to derive possible general recommendations for action

- Fundamental expansion of the scientific sources on the two areas mentioned above

This could significantly increase the quality and significance of the article and justify publication.

Author Response

We highly appreciate your feedback. Please find attached the response to your observations. 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

General Evaluation:

*Insufficient comparison with existing literature or theoretical models.

*Potential limitations in the research design, sampling, or data analysis methods that may affect the validity and generalizability of the findings.

Overall, this study has shed light into the challenges faced by golf club managers during the pandemic and how they have managed to adapt their operations. It can be published with minor revisions.

Title and Abstract:

"The title is Appropriate.

The abstract is sufficient.

Introduction:

The introduction effectively highlights the relevance of the research topic, which is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on golf club management. It introduces the context and significance of the study, setting the stage for the subsequent sections. The introduction seems to provide a clear rationale for exploring the challenges faced by golf club managers during the pandemic.

Methods:

Clear and understandable.

Results:

The results section appears to be structured into several subsections, addressing different aspects of golf club management before, during, and after the pandemic. This section facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and changes that occurred in each phase. The use of direct quotes from the interviewed managers adds authenticity to the findings and help to convey their perspectives effectively. The results provide an overview of the challenges faced by golf club managers during the pandemic.

Discussion:

Based on the excerpts provided, the discussion and conclusion section may focus on synthesizing the findings, comparing them with existing literature, and drawing broader implications. It could explore the practical implications of the managers' strategies during the pandemic and the lessons learned for the future.

Author Response

We highly appreciate your feedback. Please find attached the response to your observations. 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

The authors have significantly modified the manuscript and all the major clarifications are addressed. I congratulate the authors for their effort to revise the work.

Reviewer 3 Report

Recommendations have been imcluded well