North Foreland Golf Club has appointed Chris Dowrick as its new general manager to enhance the club’s reputation nationally, and as one of the best clubs in Kent.
The 36-hole venue, situated on the coast near Broadstairs, is looking to build on its recent success, which has seen a waiting list introduced and a growth in membership to more than 900, while maintaining the heritage and tradition which has made it so popular over the last 100 years since it was founded.
The club, which boats two 18-hole courses, the 6,412-yard Main Course and the par-3 Northcliffe course, is steeped in history, but has adapted well to the needs of the 21st-century golfer, and has brought 36-year-old Dowrick in to drive the club forward and use his extensive knowledge of the industry, particularly in membership sales, to continue to attract the next generation.
Dowrick has had an impressive career path to date, learning his craft under the tutelage of Stuart Gillet and Gary Beves at Golf at Goodwood, before spending the last three years with Chris Fitt at Foxhills as its membership sales manager. Dowrick’s time at Foxhills, where he grew the annual sales headcount from 500 to 766 in three years, was capped off by winning the ‘Best Membership Sales Team’ at the 59Club awards in 2020.
Speaking about Dowrick’s appointment, North Foreland’s chairman Stuart Barr said: “We are extremely pleased that Chris is joining us at this exciting time for the club. Chris’s experience of driving revenue and managing teams to deliver exceptional customer service made him the ideal candidate to drive us forward in this new, post-COVID world.”
Dowrick said: “I feel extremely fortunate to be joining North Foreland. Its forward-thinking board – which is determined to safeguard the club’s future, but also grow its reputation and commercial opportunities – was a big attraction for me, as we both share the same vision. The course is in fantastic shape, and I am excited to deliver an exceptional experience for the members. Plus, with The Open Championship taking place at nearby Royal St George’s next year, I am really looking forward to showcasing this exceptional facility to lots of new golfers from the UK and abroad.”
