The Ohio golf industry is entering a pivotal season, and for owners and operators, the 2026 fiscal year brings both opportunities and complex procurement challenges. As we prepare for the 2026 Ohio Golf Course Owners Association (OGCOA) Annual Conference on Tuesday, March 3rd, at Westbrook Country Club, one partnership stands out as a game-changer for the bottom line: Avendra Clubs.
The Power of $20 Billion in Your Pro Shop
In a recent conversation with Mike Hendrix, Sean Whalen of Avendra Clubs discussed how independent golf courses can access the same buying power as the industry’s largest management companies like Arcis or Invited. Avendra manages a staggering $20 billion in committed spend, serving over 21,000 locations globally. By leveraging this massive scale, Avendra Clubs allows local Ohio courses—both private and public—to secure “deviated pricing” that is typically out of reach for individual operators.
Why Engagement is Mandatory for 2026
The 2026 hospitality procurement outlook suggests that golf leaders will face rising costs early this year. Projections indicate a 4% to 5% increase in turf chemicals and a 3% to 5% hike in golf mowers during the first quarter. Engaging with Sean Whalen and his team at the conference is no longer just about “looking for deals”; it is a strategic necessity to protect your margins against these inflationary pressures.
What Makes Avendra Clubs Different?
During the interview, several unique benefits were highlighted that clarify why Avendra has become a vital Supporting Sponsor for the OGCOA:
- Zero Membership Fees: Unlike other procurement groups, there are no sign-up dues or annual membership costs for courses to join Avendra Clubs.
- The Audit Team: Avendra employs an internal audit team that monitors your invoices in the background. Sean mentioned instances where clients have received checks for thousands of dollars directly from suppliers after the audit team identified billing gaps where the correct Avendra price wasn’t applied.
- No “Change Management”: Avendra already has contracts with the industry leaders you likely use today, including Toro, John Deere, EZ-GO, Gordon Food Service, Rain Bird, and Jacobsen. You don’t have to change your products; you only change what you pay for them.
- The “Ohio Beta Test”: In a move that sets Ohio apart, Avendra is extending its high-level procurement services specifically to public and daily-fee facilities across the state to help small business owners thrive.
- Expert Support: Each club gets a dedicated account manager who acts as an extension of your purchasing department, helping with everything from capital equipment quotes to conflict resolution with vendors.
Watch the Deep Dive: Mike Hendrix Interviews Sean Whalen
To truly understand how this model works and how it supports the “Ohio Golf Family,” watch the full interview below:
Join Us at Westbrook Country Club
The 2026 OGCOA Annual Conference is designed for “Problem Solving.” Thanks to the support of sponsors like Avendra Clubs, the first two attendees from member golf courses can attend for free. This is your chance to meet Sean Whalen face-to-face, discuss your specific challenges, and even request a “market basket analysis” to see exactly how much you could have saved on your previous invoices.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Location: Westbrook Country Club, Mansfield, Ohio
- Master of Ceremonies: Jimmy Hanlin
- Program: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Don’t leave your 2026 budget to chance. Engage with the Avendra Clubs team in Mansfield and learn how to put the power of a $20 billion supply chain to work for your facility.
Ready to optimize your procurement? Visit the OGCOA Conference page to register today.