Kerry Alligan-Smith, the general manager at Redditch Golf Club, has won Newcomer Manager of the Year at the 2019 Golf Club Management Awards which recognises excellence in golf club management.
The award was presented at the association’s biennial conference in front of over 300 attendees at the De Vere Hotel in the Cotswolds, in a ceremony which celebrates and recognises the exceptional work of golf club management.
Alligan-Smith, who has been at Redditch for just two years, was nominated for Newcomer of the Year award by club’s the management committee, whose president, Phil Guise said: “Ever since Kerry started with us she has shown a commitment beyond that expected of her. She had to cope with the fact she did not play golf and therefore did not immediately understand the often peculiar nuances of the game, both on and off the course. She took this in her stride and has built on her hard work and commitment to provide an efficient working environment with the emphasis on positive thinking.”
He added: “She is always available to discuss all matters relating to the club and has brought her not inconsiderable skills from her previous business positions into play and combined them to great effect at our club. We can now boast a club which is strong in not only for its golf facilities, but also financially. Kerry’s efforts have contributed significantly to this result, and she continues to give her all for the benefit of our members. This prestigious award is testament to her abilities.”
Stuart Mee, chairman of the club’s business and finance committee, said: “We are extremely proud of Kerry’s achievements, which reflect well on her commitment and hard work, and also on the progress the club has made over the last few years.”
Alligan-Smith’s previous career path included banking, media sales, shopping centre management and managing events at Olympic Park in London, working with high-profile organisations such as UEFA, Global Champions Tour, Swiss Re and Tour de France. Her only real previous experience of golf had been attending the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth with clients for two years.
She said: “This is truly a shock to the system, but something for our members and visitors to be proud of. I am extremely humbled and overwhelmed by the support within the club, the GCMA, all the finalists, industry experts and everyone who was there at this superb event. I had heard horror stories about golf clubs, and how they are stuck in their ways, so I was a little apprehensive when I took up the role. However, I must say Redditch has not been like that at all.”
Bob Williams, CEO of the Golf Club Manager’s Association, said: “This was the hardest award we have ever had to judge and it was almost impossible to split the finalists.”
The award was presented (as pictured above) by Henry Irwin from Fortress Wealth Partnership, part of St James Wealth Management.
Golf Club Managers’ Association http://www.gcma.org.uk/