The Importance of Organizational Culture in The Success of The Camden Braes Golf and Country Club

An organization simply cannot be successful if the corporate culture is unhealthy. Defined by Harvard Business Review as “consistent, observable patterns of behavior in organizations”, the culture of a business dictates its success and determines its future. The relaxed and passionate culture of Camden Braes Golf and Country Club is the main factor that has kept this family run business’ doors open for 40 years and counting. The staff are extremely welcoming with regular and new customers, and very thorough in their jobs. Management works exceptionally well together, which is often very difficult for siblings to do. The course is immaculate, bright, and well cared-for, and the clubhouse is extremely welcoming and comfortable.

The staff at Camden Braes are a tight-knit group of hardworking individuals of all ages, referring to themselves as the “Camden Family”. Their hard work reflects the culture of Camden Braes flawlessly, as they put their all into everything they do, including making the time to ensure that every person that walks through the door feels welcomed and cared for. This family of staff are all extremely involved in the company, and are often given opportunities to immerse themselves further in this business. For example, one of the bartenders is given the job of endorsing the business through her social media accounts, which have accumulated hundreds of followers. Opportunities like this help to increase employee productivity and improve their quality of work, which has always been exceptional to begin with. It is safe to say that the culture and success of the business would not be the same if it wasn’t for the dedicated employees that somewhere along the way turned into a family.

Similar to the staff, the management at the golf course is also a family, however, they are a family by blood. Working with family can sometimes be difficult, but for over forty years, the Wolfram family has made it work. Brian, Linda, and Kevin work together to keep the course modern and relevant. There is a high climate for innovation, as there are multiple other courses in the area to “compete” with. Camden Braes was the first course in the area to have online tee-time booking, and have a fleet of 60 golf carts. Management also has great communication skills, and are able to work out any disagreements by simply talking. An example of this was when one sibling proposed they do a series of paint lessons, known as Paint Nite at the course, a popular fad in early 2016. The other owner was apprehensive of the idea, but after a civil meeting with both arguments presented, both owner’s were on board for the event. Paint Nite at Camden Braes is currently set to be a very successful event. Management is also extremely friendly, which contributes highly to the positive image of the course. Owners Brian and Linda often sit down and eat lunch with the staff. This shows the customers the open and friendly atmosphere of the course. On the topic of customers, management often walk around the restaurant and mingle with the regular members and the new faces. This helps to keep the regulars coming back, and also helps to recruit new members by getting to know the new customers. Management taking time out of their day to mingle with staff and customers exemplifies the open and friendly culture of the business.

When a visitor walks through the front doors of the Camden Braes Golf and Country Club, it does not take long for them to understand the culture of the business. Designed to be an “open” concept, you can easily see the restaurant, pro shop, and management office through the giant glass window. It is a very inviting and relaxed environment, and makes everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. The golf course itself is absolutely stunning. Extremely well cared for, its shamrock green course is sleek, modern, and the Egyptian blue waters create an elegant challenge for the golfers. The friendly beverage cart drivers completes multiple rounds of the course per day, ensuring the customers have everything they need to have an incredible round of golf… even if their golfing isn’t incredible! Logging on to their website, the modern and sleek design is easy to navigate and has all the information a customer would need before coming to the course. The history of the course and each individual hole is outlined on the site, which helps the customer to get a feel for the warm culture the business has. Through the on-line experience, and spending minimum time in the clubhouse, the customers get to know the passionate and relaxed feel of the golf course.

All businesses are defined by not only their results, but the culture of their organization. Most often, the results and successes of a business is a direct result of their culture. For the Camden Braes Golf and Country Club, it’s the welcoming and passionate environment that has allowed them to keep their doors open for so many years. Family run businesses are often very hard to continue, but each generation that takes over the golf course has proven to have the same passion and dedication that is clear dominates the culture of this organization, and it seems the doors of Camden Braes will remain open for a very long time because of it.