This is Britain’s youngest golf club manager

Britain’s youngest golf club manager is a 23-year-old woman called Ellie Green, research by this publication can reveal.

Contrary to the perception that most managers or secretaries of golf clubs are men in their 50s, 60s and 70s, Golf Club Management found several managers in their 20s.

Ellie is secretary of Epping Golf Club in Essex, which is owned by former Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) Manager of the Year finalist, Neil Sjoberg. Neil’s son, Will, who is Ellie’s partner, is the course manager at the club.

“When Neil decided to retire as club secretary they suggested I take on the role,” she said. “It works very well with Will as the course manager while I look after the clubhouse and hospitality side of the business.”

Ellie had studied anthropology at the University of Central London, gaining a first, and was considering a career in advertising, marketing or events, but, she said, the job as a golf club secretary encompasses all three.

“I’m still on a learning curve and there are so many aspects to get to know. I’m now trying to put systems in place so that there is much more recording of information to make the staff’s lives easier. I’ve updated the database, and in recognition of the fact that we have a young membership who are confident with email and smartphones, I use the latest technology to keep them up to date. We also have a newsletter so that everyone is kept informed.

“We have a new cook and together we have introduced new menus, adding lunches to the existing all-day breakfasts. We’re also offering more ‘fun’ food such as burgers and hot dogs.”

She suggests that one benefit of being a young manager is that she is more open-minded and willing to try new ideas.

“I have had a lot of support from the members, although I appreciate that it helps to be part of the family business,” Ellie suggested. “However, I’m not alone – I meet a lot of younger managers at GCMA events.”

She added that industry reaction to younger people is generally positive.

“I have attended a number of events with Neil, and most people appreciate that I am still learning. I’m keen to try out new initiatives and that seems to be welcomed.”

Ellie pointed out that in order to deal with the queries and complaints that may arise on a day-to-day basis it is essential to have a good knowledge of how the golf club works as a whole.

“I have turned my hand to everything – from rough cutting, changing the holes and cutting the greens on the morning of the club championships, to working in the kitchens, behind the bar and in reception and … scrubbing toilets. Flexibility, a willingness to think on your feet and roll up your sleeves and get involved seem to be a vital element of the golf club manager’s role,” she said.

Golf Club Management found a whole host of young golf club managers, including Ashley Pheasant, 28, who is director of golf at The KP in Pocklington, Yorkshire, Andy Mee, 25, the manager of Lingdale Golf Club in Leicestershire, David Jackson, 28, the general manager at Hadley Wood Golf Club in Hertfordshire and Beverley and Richard Reynolds, who has been manager of East Riding Golf Club in Yorkshire since the age of 28.

For a full review of these young golf club managers, please see the October issue of Golf Club Management.

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