James Lowther, Chairman
It doesn’t seem that long ago that I first visited Cavendish to take a look and see if, following retirement and my relocation from Kent to the Hope Valley, it was a contender to become my new golfing home. I had this grand plan to spend a few months visiting courses across Derbyshire so that I could narrow down my options and then make a choice. It was a warm summers evening back in 2021, something I have learned should be savoured given its lack of frequency in these parts!
I wondered into the pro shop and was greeted by a very friendly and helpful individual, who I later learnt was Liam the assistant pro. There was a chorus of chatter and laughter coming from the clubhouse terrace, so I got Jane, my wife, from the car and we headed to the terrace for a drink. As I sat supping a pint of Wainwright glancing up the sun kissed 18th, all notions of a prolonged search for a new golf club disappeared.
Fast forward to 2024 and I find myself incredibly proud, and somewhat surprised, to be the Chairman of this wonderful and historic golf club. I feel very fortunate to have taken on this role at a time when we have a great team of people running the Club, a group of very capable Directors and Captains sitting on the Board, some amazing volunteers and a thriving membership. There is plenty to do, but I am excited and hugely motivated about what we can achieve together as we head into our centenary year.
James Lowther, Chairman
The Cavendish Board
James Lowther – Chairman & Strategy
Andrew McKinlay – Finance
Christine Campbell – Membership & Welfare Officer
Lee Marshall – General Manager & Head Professional
Phil Major – Captain 2025
Anna Major – Lady Captain 2025
Wendy Goldstraw – Communications
David Brindley – Business Development
James Lowther – Chairman & Strategy
Andrew McKinlay – Finance
Christine Campbell – Membership & Welfare Officer
Lee Marshall – General Manager & Head Professional
Phil Major – Captain 2025
Anna Major – Captain 2025
David Brindley – Business Development
Wendy Goldstraw – Communications
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
Joe Lomas – Senior Greenkeeper
Paul Rushworth – Greenkeeper
Richard Preston – Greenkeeper
David Lawrie – Greenkeeper
Andrew Street – Greenkeeper
Jevon Flynn – Proshop Assistant
Cavendish captains 2025
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 and Michael Connolly 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 full-time team.
Bob Clarke and a team of gardeners are also working hard to look after the planters and various rockeries around the clubhouse.
Golf Matters
Club Golf and competitions are organised by the Match & Handicap Committee team headed by Dr Jeff Haddon for the men and Rachel Child for the ladies.
Women
The Women’s Committee, led by the Lady Captain, manages women’s golf within the club and competitions with other clubs. The committee raises funds and provides an important support to the whole club.
Juniors
The development of the junior section is a priority. We have set up pathways for the juniors and would love to see more families involved. Our Junior Captain, Billy Ferguson and other established juniors would like to encourage and support our younger and less experienced golfers.
We have a Junior Committee overseeing the development with volunteers Alan Webster as Junior Organiser and Christine Campbell, Welfare & Safeguarding Officer working alongside both Professionals Lee Marshall and Liam Hancock.
With continued development and support from members we aim to have a solid junior section which is imperative to the future of the 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.