As I start to prepare my monthly report it seems a long time ago that I managed to get a week’s holiday on the Greek island of Kos, which is about as far removed from the world of golf as it can be – but how we all need those well-earned breaks to recharge the batteries.
Upon my return it was straight into the fray, which immediately kicked off with the 88th Introduction to Golf Club Management training course, which was held at Henley Golf & Country Club. As I am sure you are aware, over the last three years we have tried to move the venues of the training course around the country, and Niki Hunter (Education Co-ordinator) sourced this particular venue for the first time which, we both agreed upon, was one of the best facilities that we have used. Thank you very much Henley Golf & Country Club.
As I mentioned in my last article we were joined by Nicholas C Amoah who manages the Tema Country Golf Club in Ghana. It is always interesting to understand how clubs in different parts of the world function – and this was no exception. Nicholas informed us that he will be the only manager in his country to have undertaken some formal training.
This was very quickly followed by the Fairway Credit finals at the excellent venue of the Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Club. Whilst I am aware that the results and reports have already been published via the weekly enewsletters, once again I have to offer a sincere thanks to Steve Taylor and all of the Fairway Credit staff for putting on such a great day. We look forward to working with Fairway Credit in the future.
From the Forest of Arden it was a quick trip down to the South West and a meeting at China Fleet in Plymouth, which was then followed by a dash to the airport to catch a flight to Newcastle for the Fairstone Financials Conference and Golf Day. With the main keynote presenter Sir Ranulph Fiennes, it was always going to be an interesting couple of days – if any of you ever get the opportunity to listen to one of his presentations then my advice is go for it, it was absolutely fascinating.
My final week of September commenced with an invitation by Jamie Abbott to the Intelligent Golf Day at West Hill Golf Club for their 10th Anniversary Celebration event. Having never played at West Hill Golf Club, I now understand why so many speak so highly of this course. An excellent day, of which I was glad to be involved. Jamie was an excellent mine-host.
My month was then completed with a trip to the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, Minnesota. Invited to attend by the PGA it provided an excellent opportunity to network with a number of colleagues who are instrumental within the golf industry. To sample the atmosphere first hand was something to remember – however the level of spectators meant that it was almost impossible to view the golf from very close in.
Looking ahead, now is the time when I will be careering around the country to attend the regional meeting so hopefully I will be meeting many of you over the next few weeks.
Bob Williams
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By Bob Williams
