Introduction by Terry Hayward, Chairman
It’s hard to believe how quickly another year has passed; time and tide wait for no man and here we are just weeks from the start of another season.
I remain honoured and privileged to lead the Board at our Club. The last few years have not been easy and despite the multiple challenges thrown at us, the Club continues to develop with membership now at 450 across all categories. That makes a significant difference and a massive achievement when one considers that just under 3 years ago we were at only just over 300. This hasn’t happened by accident, and having a good person and process to deal with new membership enquiries has been key to our success.
The reversal in our fortunes can be put down to many things. A strong Board with a clear vision is only part of the story. We have also built an exceptional greens team, and we have invested in the people, in machinery, in facilities and in the course to ensure that MacKenzie’s classic layout remains true to his design. It is our greatest asset and we will continue to cherish it. It is that love for the course and the Club that sees a willing band of volunteers week in and week out supporting the greens team.
But, a great Golf Club is not just a course and across the other operational areas we have invested in ensuring we have a well-stocked Proshop with staff who are knowledgeable and welcoming to ensure that both members and visitors start their visit on the right foot. The clubhouse team have also stepped up and reviews would suggest that Cavendish Golf Club offers some of the best hospitality in the area, ensuring that there is no better place to meet, eat and drink whether a golfer or not.
Over the past 3 years we have marketed ourselves judiciously and as a result our visitor numbers have grown significantly. Open Week in August (and in fact all our Open Competitions) are very popular and we attract golfers from all parts of the UK and further afield, many of whom return year-after-year. We also attract more than our fair share of visiting parties and feedback from organisers would suggest we offer one of the best value-for-money experiences around.
So, as we head towards Spring 2023 The Board, our Captains and all our staff look forward to welcoming you to Cavendish Golf Club and we hope that your visit exceeds your expectations.
Terry Hayward, Chairman
The Cavendish Board
Terry Hayward, Chairman – Sales & Marketing
Andrew McKinlay – Finance
Christine Campbell – Membership
Lee Marshall – General Manager & Head Professional
James Lowther – Strategy
John Coope – Facilities
Bob Clarke – Captain 2023
Pam Brindley – Lady Captain 2023
Club Employees
Lee Marshall – General Manager & Head Professional
Warwick Manning – Course Manager & Head Greenkeeper
Hyeran Proudlove – Finance Assistant & Administrator
Liam Hancock – Assistant Professional
Nick O’Meara – Deputy Head Greenkeeper
Anthony Lownds – Senior Greenkeeper
Paul Rushworth – Greenkeeper
Jevon Flynn – Proshop Assistant
Cavendish captains 2023
Volunteers
Like so many golf clubs, we rely on volunteers to help with all aspects of the day-to-day operations but we are especially blessed with a committed group who support our Greens Team on a regular basis. Stuart Robinson, Michael Connolly and Roger Wood are ever-present, keeping the place looking tidy and adding the creative horticultural touches. When it comes to projects, Mike Higgins, a lifelong member, is guaranteed to be alongside the fulltime team.
Golf Matters
Club Golf and competitions are organised by the Match & Handicap Committee team headed by Dr Jeff Haddon for the men and Anna Major for the ladies.
Ladies
The Ladies Committee, led by the Lady Captain, manages ladies golf within the club and competitions with other clubs. The committee raises funds and provides an important support to the whole club.
Club House & Hospitality
Paul Crisp & Ricardo Olivieri lead the hospitality team.
Membership Matters
The club must generate sufficient profits from its activities to be able to invest in the course, particularly as we work towards the ambitious plans leading to our centenary in 2025.
Looking after the interests of existing members and finding new members is a crucial task for the club. Various initiatives are provided throughout the season to encourage membership satisfaction and grow the membership.
Members and juniors are offered many opportunities to improve through relevant coaching input. Professional, Lee Marshall, and Assistant Professional, Liam Hancock provide a range of individual and small group coaching opportunities, which can be booked through the Pro shop.
Each event is supported by amazing member volunteers who provide the practical management and organisation essential for success. Similarly junior coaching helps to encourage the next generation of Cavendish members.
Members provide voluntary support in so many other ways such as building projects, maintenance and repairs, social events, away day competitions, children’s Christmas party, fund raising events, starters and so many more. It’s always dangerous to mention names and projects as there’s a great danger some will be inadvertently missed out.
A big thank you goes up to all our brilliant volunteers and to our committed, creative and hardworking staff who together help create the wonderful team spirit witnessed by so many of our visitors.