Crowborough Beacon Golf Club has appointed Chris Dowrick as its new secretary to oversee an exciting new period in the East Sussex club’s history as it sets about becoming one of the UK’s go-to destinations for premier heathland golf.
Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record for success with him to Crowborough Beacon, Dowrick will have full operational control for the day-to-day running of the club, ensuring a first-class experience is provided to both members and visitors.
Founded in 1895, Crowborough Beacon has an unrivalled position on one of the highest points in Sussex, enjoying expansive views of the county’s coastline and the sea. Although mystery surrounds who first designed the golf course, the course has been developed over the past 120 years by some of the game’s top architects – including Augusta’s Alistair Mackenzie and Sunningdale’s Harry Colt.
Dowrick, 39, has joined the East Sussex club following a three-and-a-half-year spell as general manager at North Foreland Golf Club in nearby Kent, where he helped the club achieve record profits.
Responsible for all major areas of the business including the golf course, food and beverage and general admissions, Dowrick led a team of more than 50 staff across the entire North Foreland operation, successfully set up multiple stay-and-play packages and increased green fee revenues by 66 per cent compared to the previous record year.
Dowrick also successfully established the ‘Swing Into Golf’ initiative at North Foreland, a scheme designed specifically to provide a more relaxed pathway for ladies new to the game which included tailored tuition and free open days. Dowrick is also championing a similar initiative at Crowborough Beacon that offers discounted memberships to female golfers.
Previously, Dowrick enjoyed a successful three-year period working at Foxhills Club & Resort as membership sales manager, worked at Golf at Goodwood and started his career at West Chiltington Golf Club.
Dowrick said: “I am delighted to have joined the team at Crowborough Beacon and am extremely excited for what we can do here. Crowborough Beacon is a sleeping giant, and it is time to reestablish it as a go to destination for golfers looking to play beautiful heathland golf in the region.”
One of Dowrick’s first moves as secretary at Crowborough Beacon has seen him partner with leading PR and marking specialists Azalea.
Andy Barwell, director of Azalea, said: “Crowborough Beacon is a true sleeping giant, and we are extremely excited to help Chris and the team establish it as one of the premium golf experiences in the South East. Already a must-play for those looking for a quality heathland golf experience, we are looking forward to playing our part in elevating the profile of the golf course through generating increased awareness of the product.”
