Read GCMA Board Director Richard Weeks’s (Managing Secretary at Royal Birkdale Golf Club) reflections on what it took to host The Open. Everyone at the GCMA congratulates Richard on the outstanding success of hosting The 154th Open Championship.
“When Royal Birkdale was confirmed as host for the 154th Open Championship, we knew the scale of what lay ahead, but knowing and living it are two different things. Now, with the flags coming down and the course preparing to reopen to members, a few reflections for colleagues elsewhere in the Association approaching their own Open years.
Preparation has no natural end point. From staff parking logistics in the build programme through to the final week’s terrace notices, there was always another layer of detail. What helped most was treating communication, to members, staff and volunteers alike, as a continuous thread rather than a series of announcements.
The thing I’m proudest of is how we approached our staff. We invested heavily in briefings covering Club history, the Championship, and what the week meant for Southport, because a team that understands why something matters serves it far better than one simply told what to do. The principle behind it was simple: happy, engaged staff make for happy members, and that held true right through Open week, the goodwill and pride on the ground was obvious to everyone who walked through the clubhouse.
Balancing the needs of a members’ club against the demands of a global Championship was the most delicate part of the role, and clear, early, honest communication was the only way through it.
More than any logistical lesson, though, I’ll take away how much I’ve enjoyed this. It has been a genuine privilege to play a part in hosting The Open to Royal Birkdale, to see the whole Club, from the office to the greenkeeping team to the volunteers, pull together for something this special.”
The GCMA would also like to give a special mention also goes to Chris Williams and the team at Hillside Golf Club for their collaboration with Royal Birkdale in providing Hillside’s practice facilities and short game area for the world’s best players throughout the championship. It was a fantastic example of clubs working together to help deliver an exceptional Major Tournament.
By Mark Shanley
