Tim Cowley has formally taken up his post as head PGA professional at St Enodoc Golf Club, where he will oversee golf operations, retail and coaching.
Cowley arrived at the north Cornwall club in June to allow a smooth handover from Nick Williams, who retired at the end of September after 45 years in charge of the pro shop.
He joins from Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club, where he spent 13 years as head professional after taking on the role at just 24. At the Sussex club he ran his own shop, built a strong teaching reputation and developed excellent relationships with members and visitors.
George Tunbridge, general manager at St Enodoc, said: “It was immediately clear when we first met Tim that he had a calm, member-first approach and excellent communication skills, as well as a real appreciation for clubs with strong tradition and character. He also impressed with his energy and proven track record of successfully running a retail operation of a similar size to St Enodoc.”
Tunbridge added: “We were committed to ensuring that Nick Williams’ successor could further strengthen what the members already value about St Enodoc. Tim’s arrival will add an expert opinion to decision-making at the club, which will help enhance our traditions and culture.
“We are excited about this next chapter for St Enodoc and confident that Tim will be a strong addition to the club’s professional team. At the same time, we hope Nick enjoys a rewarding and well-deserved retirement.”
Cowley has a busy brief. The club is taking the pro shop in-house for the first time since it was established in 1890, and he will overhaul the shop, including its accounting processes, to maximise retail opportunities and profitability. Long-serving employee Adrian Halling will continue to work in the shop.
He will also restructure the coaching team. PGA professional Mark Arrowsmith remains as teaching professional, and Cowley will work with him and new PGA trainee Louis Archer to develop the coaching offer and widen opportunities for members and visitors to take lessons.
Working with Chris Smyth, member services manager, Cowley will also oversee the golf operations and reservations teams, with the aim of increasing tee-time bookings and visitor numbers. He plans to do this by raising service levels, boosting revenue across both courses, including the Holywell, and adding new experiences for members and visitors.
St Enodoc is home to the Church Course, one of England’s finest championship links. Designed by James Braid, it is known for its undulating fairways and firm greens, with views over the North Atlantic and the Camel Estuary from every hole. The shorter Holywell Course, where a full 18 holes takes under three hours, suits holiday golfers, juniors, beginners and higher-handicap players.
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