Welcome to my last Newsletter as General Manager of Redbourn Golf Club. I am officially passing the mantle to Richard on February 17th, but I will remain until the end of the month to be of any assistance/ relax in the bar.
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GM UPDATE
Richard Stilwell New General Manager Hi Everyone,
I’m Richard and I am thrilled to be joining Redbourn Golf Club as your General Manager later this month.
I was born, raised, and still live in Welwyn Garden City which is where my love for golf grew. My ‘junior days’ would be spent at Mill Green Golf Club practicing my short game, playing the par 3, and venturing out on the main course when I felt brave enough (and if my golfing ability allowed).
As my passion for golf grew, I turned professional at the age of 20 which took me to many amazing places (both playing and coaching trips), such as Old Head in Ireland, Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus, and Antalya in Turkey.
I have said this to many already, but these last three years have been fantastic. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at the club, as well as the captains and members, to move Redbourn forward in the right direction. I think we made a great start, and I am leaving you in the very capable hands of Richard. Please remember to take advantage of your reciprocal rounds and head up to Abbey Hill to see me when your time allows!
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After six years at Mill Green, the time came to move on and so I held a very short interim post at Old Fold Manor, before joining Mid Herts (three years) and then Verulam (three years) as Assistant Manager. I join Redbourn after a very busy three years in my current role as General Manager of Dunstable Downs Golf Club.
My partner Abbie and two boys, Chester and Dexter, are not golfers yet, but I am hoping they catch the bug in the near future… I am approachable, will always listen, and have a passion for customer service. Please pop in and say hello when you get the chance!
I am looking forward to meeting you all very soon and continuing the fantastic work that Robin has achieved over the past few years.
All the best,
Richard
GM & CAPTAIN UPDATE
Operating Costs
We are all subject to rising costs as individuals in our own homes, and as a business, we are no different. We are set to see a 6.7% increase in the NMW in April 2025, as well as employee national insurance contributions increasing by up to 15% based on rate changes and lower thresholds.
Business rates are due to increase as of April, potentially doubling monthly costs, and food and beverage remain an area where supplier prices keep on rising.
Margins are very fine in this industry and while we will do as much as possible to offer value to all our members and guests. We do have to base our prices on what will allow us to move Redbourn forward and provide you with a good quality golf course and continual investment. From every £1 through the till, you would be very surprised how much is left after costs, depreciation and tax.
Neil Marcus Men’s Section Captain 2024-2025
Men’s Captain’s update
Thank you all so much for your support during my year as Men’s Section Captain. Please do come along to our 52nd AGM on Tuesday 11th February, at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, where I will deliver my report on my term in office as Men’s Captain.
I will be re-capping the highlights of my year, including our diary of competitions, events and matches, formally thank those who have supported me, as well as summarise the many initiatives which enabled us to raise a very respectable amount of money for the RNLI. I will also present trophies for the Order of Merit as well as Member of the Year. My report will conclude with a presentation of a substantial “jumbo cheque” to the RNLI before I hand over the launch codes to my Vice Captain, Glen Barker, who I’m sure will buy you a drink after the meeting! After the AGM, I will produce my last Newsletter as Men’s Captain, which will include my full report.
My very best wishes to you all and signing off as your Men’s Captain.
Neil
COURSE UPDATE
Haydn Drinkwater Course Manager
Course Manager Update
Tree Works
With a very wet January, the mature tree planting has been pushed back to the start of March to make sure that the vehicles bringing in the trees do not rut or damage the course. The work should only last roughly three days to make the 2nd hole into a Par 3, and depending on levels of traffic, so may the 18th.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused and we will keep you updated closer to the time.
The Course
The greens have been dyno-cored and top-dressed with a light sand dressing. They will also be verti-drained, which will improve drainage and promote root development.
Some of the worst greens affected by disease scarring have been overseeded, and they will be overseeded again in March once temperatures improve.
All greens have received a liquid fertiliser application along with a fungicide treatment to help prevent further disease outbreaks.
Tees and approaches will also be solid-tined to improve drainage and aid recovery. Additionally, all tees and approaches have been treated with a granular fertiliser, which will further support recovery.
The fairways have been slit-tined to enhance root development and drainage, and this will be followed by vertidraining.
The course has held up well despite the recent cold, wet, and stormy weather. No trees have fallen, and the main playing areas remain in good condition. Hopefully, the weather will improve, allowing worn and damaged areas to recover.
Haydn
OPERATIONS UPDATE
Charlie Turner Golf Operations Manager
Golf Operations Update
Happy New Year!
Were now in February and the 2025 apparel has started landing on our shelves. This means 2024 clothing is on clearance sale, displayed all in size order so nice and easy to have a quick look on your travels. This goes for all the golf clubs too, with drivers up to £200 off!
We have invested in some brand new Motocaddy hire trollies for our rental fleet, and we are selling our current ones for just £545.99 with a one-year battery warranty!
They have already had a lot of interest, so waste no time reserving one.
We’ve received all the brand new 2025 club ranges, TaylorMade Qi35, Ping G440, and Cobra DS-Adapt. Why not try them out for FREE with one of our custom fitters, you might even gain a few yards.
Don’t forget we supply a trade-in service for all your old clubs for shop credit, which might make a new driver look a lot more affordable.
Sam Merson, our first-year Assistant Professional has now started his coaching path. He will be charging £50 per hour for lessons, so if you are interested in working on your game in the lead-up to the season, then please speak with the pro shop team to get booked in.
Thanks for a great 2024 and I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings to Redbourn.
As always, if I can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to approach me.
