Legacy Golf Advisors (LGA) has been appointed as management advisors to assist Sandwell Park Golf Club, a private members club in the West Midlands.
With the assistance of LGA, the club has recently appointed a new general manager, Chris Russell, who joined in mid-April from Coombe Hill Golf Club in Surrey.
Russell is a PGA Member who has progressed quickly along the CMAE education pathway, and has recently gained his Club Management Diploma. Following a strong amateur and professional playing career spanning many years. Russell, who will be the first general manager at Sandwell Park for 13 years, said: “I am excited about the future of Sandwell Park and what lies ahead for our members. Along with the Board and LGA, we will strive daily to put the club back where it belongs, as one of the Midland’s finest golf clubs. Being from the area, I am fully aware of Sandwell’s past reputation and the potential we have to launch a successful new era for the club.”
Sandwell Park boasts a magnificent undulating heathland championship course set in the heart of the West Midlands on the border of Sandwell Valley. Founded in 1895 and redesigned by Harry Colt in 1911, the course is widely regarded as one of the finest in the area.
Peter Cole, chairman of Sandwell Park, reached out to LGA after the Board of Directors agreed professional advice was required to help restore the club to its former glory as one the finest in the Midlands area.
Cole said: “It was a big decision made by the Board to admit that we needed help. The moment we spoke to the team at LGA, we were comforted that they would provide us with a huge depth of knowledge of the golf industry while also respecting our position as a private members club. They have already made numerous positive contributions, none less than the appointment of Chris Russell, who we all very much look forward to welcoming to the club.
Stuart Gillett, founding partner of Legacy Golf Advisors LLP, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for LGA to help Sandwell Park and deliver on what is undoubtedly a club with huge potential but, like many golf clubs, has found it challenging to attract new members and generate additional income over recent years.
“We will be working with Chris to develop a long term strategy and provide governance advice, among many other things, while also developing and improving the membership profile. We very much look forward to helping Chris, the committees, and all the staff at Sandwell Park grow the business and improve the club in a long term, sustainable manner.”
LGA offers a wide range of services, from management contracts to a bespoke subscription service focused on supporting clubs to become more relevant for modern-day golf requirements.