The Golf Business

Club profile: Saunton Golf Club https://lnkd.in/ejhGqdVk

Global golf club operator Troon has named Shannon Landers as its new director of business development

Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset have been named the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year respectively https://lnkd.in/e-QBGmBt

Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius has appointed two new golf directors, Darrin Hedley and Didier Gayat, both experienced in the golf industries in South Africa and France respectively

Stockport Council is facing an appeal after it rejected plans to build homes on Gatley Golf Club https://lnkd.in/erRemX_d

Despite being recommended for approval, councillors at West Northamptonshire Council voted to deny a proposal by Overstone Park Resort to develop 76 units of accommodation across the complex https://lnkd.in/eYycfTHR

Foremost Golf explains how the rising popularity of fitting events provides an incentive to maximise attendance, using its innovative ‘Fitting Event Management System’ to optimise potentially lucrative fitting days https://lnkd.in/eNPWRn-i

The prize fund for the Rose Ladies Open, which is being played this week at Brocket Hall will be €85,000, an increase of €15,000 on the previous year.   This year the champion will take home €13,600, the highest amount in LET Access Series (LETAS) history.   Kate & Justin Rose said: “The key point is this is the highest purse on the LETAS schedule.   “It’s always been important for Kate and I to promote women’s golf and increase the narrative on what is happening in the women’s game.   “We are so appreciative of our partners for helping us make this happen.   “Seeing the growth of the tournament in staging and stature is incredible. It’s important for us that the LETAS players get the first-class experience they deserve and enjoy being treated as they should be.   “Good luck to all the women playing in the event and we are looking forward to watching all the players out on the course later this week.”     The growth in the Rose Ladies Open prize fund over the years.   2024 – €85,000 2023 – €70,000 2022 – €65,000     Ana Larraneta, Tour Director of LETAS said: “With the outstanding backing we have received from the Roses and their sponsors we have been able to achieve a step change and take this event to a new level.   “The increased prize fund and the enhancements to the staging and the spectator experience this year reflect our shared commitment to helping grow the women’s game.”   The Rose Ladies Open takes place between September 6-8.

The Blairgowrie Golf Club's ladies' section has celebrated 100 years since female golfers gained equal status to male golfers at the club https://lnkd.in/eVDDcvAE

Rick Shiels, the world’s most watched online golf personality with almost three million YouTube subscribers, has seen his fundraising efforts surge past £250k, as charitable causes play an increasingly key part in his channel’s work.   Shiels originally started reviewing equipment and products on his principal Rick Shiels Golf channel and now has a huge following across his Rick Shiels Golf Show podcast and H.I.T. channels, and is eager to see more charities benefit from his expanding audience reach.   His first YT Golf Day back in 2019 raised over £50,000 and he has since been closely involved in campaigns for the likes of MIND and the ‘It’s Never You’ childhood cancer charity, for whom he completed the London Marathon in 2023 and 2024 raising over £16,000.   His biggest fundraiser to date was for the Walk 150 campaign with Prostate Cancer UK, which saw Shiels and other fundraisers trek the distance from Prestwick Golf Club, home of the first Open Championship in 1860, to St Andrews ahead of the famed Old Course hosting the 2022 tournament.   His latest work saw him host 13-year-old fan Jack from Chorley at his H.I.T. studio for the day in partnership with Make-A-Wish® UK. Jack was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2020 and after three years of treatment he was able to ‘ring the bell’ in July 2023. He has completed treatment for his condition which affects his blood and bone marrow.   Jack and his family, enjoyed a memorable day, helping him to experience what it feels like to be a YouTube star. The brave youngster has cited Rick as his hero, with his videos helping to improve his own skills, and often find a welcome escape from his illness.   Make-A-Wish UK is a global movement that brings joy to children with critical illnesses, so when Rick learned of Jack's story, the challenge was on to create a unique and unforgettable experience.   Jack took part in a fun ‘closest to the pin’ challenge before visiting the podcast studio, where The Rick Shiels Golf Show is filmed, joining Rick at the microphone for an exclusive episode, which was filmed, edited, and shared with Jack and his family as a treasured keepsake.   Rick Shiels said: “Meeting Jack and spending the day with him was an incredible experience - his passion for golf and positive spirit were truly inspiring.   “It’s days like this that make the hard work so worthwhile. Working with charities like the Make-A-Wish UK make you realise what incredible work is going on to make children’s lives particularly more manageable and enjoyable during some of the darkest times."   Wishgranter Kate McDonald at Make-A-Wish UK said: “There are over 63,000 children like Jack across the UK living with a critical condition.   “Wishes have the power to restore the magic of childhood, providing an escape from the gruelling reality of treatments and hospital stays. We’re incredibly grateful to Rick Shiels for creating such an incredible wish experience for Jack."