Recently I wrote how the Essendon Country Club is developing its driving range service adding the Toptracer Range Mobile (Topgolf Entertainment Group’s latest technological innovation). I hope I don’t need the explain why golf clubs should rethink and redesign their driving range experiences!
The good news this time
Marc Winnan, who has previously worked in senior greenkeeping positions at The Grove, Brocket Hall, and Moor Park, will join the club as Director of Courses to lead the dynamic plans to drastically improve golf facilities across the board.
Syngenta‘s Growing Golf in the UK study in 2013 found the TOP 3 expectations from golf courses are
- Green roll smoothly;
- Golf course design;
- Golf course is visually appealing.
We can all agree that these expectations have not changed since the study was published. My idea is supported by ASGCA’s Golf Facility Market Trend Watch study (in cooperation with Sports & Leisure Research Group).
Golf course renovation was ranked as the #1 potential enhancement that golf club members and guests would welcome. This finding is true for both public and private golf clubs.
This is why it is worth hiring senior professionals to take care of Essendon Country Club‘s two golf courses:
- Old Course (Fred Hawtree design, 1976): 6800 yards;
- New Course: par 73, 6700 yards.
Marc, who is also a Master Professional, a qualified golf course architect, and a member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architecture (EIGCA), became Course Manager at Aldenham Golf and Country Club at the age of just 25.
He has experience at some of the UK’s most renowned golf courses and has gained valuable and extensive knowledge from some of the most highly regarded golf course agronomists in the country.
Changes in Essendon Country Club‘s agronomy team
Joining Marc, in the newly created role of Consultant Agronomist, is Master Greenkeeper, John Wells. A hugely experienced course conditioning specialist, John assisted in the development of both courses at Brocket Hall and helped elevate them to the very best of standards during the club’s prime.
John has since moved to his most recent position at the well-regarded South Herts Golf Club. As Course Manager, he has built a reputation for presenting an immaculate golf course year-round. John monitor progress at Essendon Country Club, paying regular visits to the club to aid the advancements of both courses.
The final new addition to the new all-star agronomy and operations team at Essendon is Alan Walker, a past Captain of the PGA, as Club Ambassador. Alan will assist with the running of several aspects of club life, focussing on enhancing the overall experience for Essendon Country Club’s valued members.