Posted on 21st Jul
Just one year ago Newark Golf Club was acquired by Stellar Asset Management, preventing the private members’ club from entering into administration.
Fast forward 12 months, and it feels like a golf club on the rise with better amenities, more staff, and a highly-elevated golf course.
Using the experiences of the acquisition of Paulton’s Golf Centre and Bramshaw Golf Club in Hampshire, and Murrayshall Golf Club in Scotland, Ben Blackburn and his team implemented wide ranging investment in people, products and processes.
“The last 12 months have proven that our approach can quickly have a positive impact on any golf business,” said group general manger Molly Pavey, who has taken the lead on processes and people at Newark.
“This is the first private members’ club we have worked with, and it has been a privilege to watch the faith of the members restored.
“We have managed to do more in 12 months than they could ever have imagined — and this is just the start of it.”
Greenkeeping staff worked hard through last winter to manicure each hole and to restore the greens.
Further investment is planned to elevate the bunkers in the down season. The full grass driving range is now equipped with state-of-the-art Trackman ball tracking technology that can be accessed through an app, which can be downloaded on site.
As well as renovations to the beautiful parkland golf course, there has been a significant refurbishment of the clubhouse to improve the customer experience.
These changes include bringing the Pro Shop into the main building, repositioning the bar, and creating cosy relaxing bar spaces that can be opened up and combined to make larger event spaces, allowing the club to benefit from hire revenue without impacting the membership.
The club said most importantly, the members’ and visitors’ experience has become more consistently delivered, with staff and facilities to make Newark proud.
“It’s been a year since Ben Blackburn and his team took over the reins at Newark Golf Club,” added vice-captain Gary Bruce.
“Of course, everyone had reservations. However, I have been extremely impressed. Not only has the team delivered on their promises to this great club, I feel they have surpassed those promises.
“We have a fabulous surface to play this ancient and wonderful game on, despite the challenges of the weather, and most of all the identity of the club has remained. The team he has brought in, and retained, to deliver this has been a breath of fresh air. I am proud to be associated with Newark Golf Club and look forward to the future.”
Future plans include additional investment in course maintenance and a new golf car fleet. The redesign of the clubhouse will include remodelling the layout by moving and redesigning the women’s changing room.
