Cottingham Parks Golf & Leisure
The End of an Era
As we start a new season I have taken time to reflect on the journey so far.
It was April 1st 1994 when I started at Cottingham Parks, initially helping on the course before taking up my head Professional role that accumulated in becoming General Manager some 15 years ago. This year on April 1st it will be 31 years to the day since I started, and think this is a good time to step down as General Manager and take on a new role at the club in an advisory / consultancy position, completing a smooth handover and dealing with any outstanding issues should they arise.
Looking back, at the time we had doubts that we would be ready to open on time with the 4th green only laid four weeks before the scheduled opening date, but open we did on Thursday August 1st of that year.
The course has completely transformed over the last 30 years. Nearly all the trees (apart from the Oaks) were planted by hand and were no more than sticks in the ground. The transformation was in no small way down to the vision, dedication and hard work put in by both the directors and staff at that time. This vision has grown as the business has grown, and its success is down to a combination of factors. The vision and drive of the directors, the guidance of the management team, the staff who deliver daily, the continuing hard work of the afore mentioned, and most importantly, the support of the many loyal members we have.
Whilst many golf courses across the UK have struggled, indeed, some long-established clubs have closed, we have been able to go from strength to strength. Starting with just a course and portacabin, the clubhouse, gym, Skidby Lakes and lodges have all been added and enhanced the facilities on offer.
The ride has not been without a few hiccups along the way, often with conflicting views. The one thing that has been consistent is how we eventually arrived at our decisions. It may not always look or feel like it, but the sustainability of the business and the membership have always been the central focal point on deciding the next step. This, at times, has impacted different elements or sections of the club, but as stated, the sustainability and "best for all" approach has prevailed, held us in good stead and I am sure will continue to do so moving forward. I have every confidence that the team we have built will drive all areas of the business forward for the benefit of all.
As part of my new role, I hope to play a little more golf with the members and welcome your constructive feedback to assist me in my new role, and in return, yourselves.
Our success and reputation over the years has grown, and we are now known throughout the UK as a very progressive club. This can be evidenced with England Golf wanting to copy our successful Junior model and roll it out at other clubs, but our biggest asset has been the membership of both golf and health, coupled with the success enjoyed on the course, both home and abroad. I look forward to seeing our reputation continue to grow with both Cottingham Parks, & Skidby Lakes regularly taking their place at the prize table.
Have a good season and see you around the clubs.
Chris.
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