Job-sharing with PC CADDIE

This is a story straight out of real life: at the Lipperswil Golf Club, founded in 1999, the decision was taken in autumn 2022 to change ownership. From then on, the members were to take over the club. The entire board of directors, part of the club’s executive committee and the club management were also replaced. It quickly became clear that long-standing members and entrepreneurs Alexandra Sola-Schmidt and Christopher Schmidt should take charge of the management. “Working in a job-sharing arrangement,” says Christopher Schmidt, “we look after the well-being of the approximately 850 members and around 3,000 guests on our beautiful 27-hole course, as well as in the excellent dining facilities at Restaurant Twenty7.”

To ensure this works as effectively as possible, the sports-loving couple switched their software provider to PC CADDIE. “On the one hand, the previous version seemed outdated to us, and on the other, there were recurring technical issues,” recalls Christopher Schmidt, who, with his professional background, possesses business expertise in strategy consulting and project management. 

It is therefore fair to say that Lipperswil Golf Club is a family-run business. “The tasks are divided up,” explains Christopher Schmidt, “so that my wife, as a former TV presenter and journalist, primarily looks after member relations, major external events and internal and external communications, whilst I am mainly responsible for general management, projects, greenkeeping and IT.” For almost a year now, processes have been running ever more smoothly. It was therefore logical to upgrade the software to the latest and most user-friendly version. “The switch to PC CADDIE was exactly the right move,” says Christopher Schmidt. Members and green fee players are familiar with PC CADDIE from many other clubs in Switzerland; in particular from the network of 12 courses in the Private Partner Golf (PPG) group. They use the PC CADDIE app as a matter of course. At the same time, our team of 45 staff members is gaining in professionalism with PC CADDIE, particularly in management and the secretariat. It’s a stable system capable of a great deal. Individual requirements can be integrated. What’s more, the customer service is very friendly and competent. I’m sure it will stay that way.” 

And what is Christopher Schmidt’s favourite hole? “The 15th on the Burkert course, a long par 5, uphill. It’s a tough hole to play. This is where most tournaments are decided. To the left lies the forest, while to the right there’s some tall rough. On the green, you almost reach the highest point of the course, where you can enjoy the view of the Alps and perhaps a birdie before the next challenge: a long, difficult par 3.”