Thornbury Golf Centre has welcomed its first ever-female general manager with Mel Drake taking over the reins at the public pay-and-play venue.
Mel joined Thornbury Golf Centre, part of Burhill Golf & Leisure, the leading golf course owner and operator, early in December and has her sights set on some upgrades to the venue, which includes two golf courses, a driving range and 11-bedroom Lodge.
“Thornbury Golf Centre is a magnificent venue, not just for golf but for business meetings, conferences and it’s a wonderful wedding venue,” said Mel. “I have been made very welcome by the staff, who are all excellent, and I’m now looking at plans for the future and investments that can be made.”
Mel, who was previously general manager at The Vale Golf Club, in Worcestershire, is looking to secure investment to upgrade the changing rooms within the golf centre, as well as the bathrooms in The Lodge, Thornbury’s Grade II listed converted farmhouse.
Winter the perfect time to brush up the golfing skills
It has been quite a difficult period for golf courses across the country with the freezing weather and snow causing closures and limiting course time but according to Mike Smedley, Head PGA Professional at Thornbury, winter is the perfect time to brush up on your golfing skills.
Mike said: “This is the season that all successful golfers consider to be the perfect time to start any significant improvements to their game. Course time is limited due to the shorter days and the freezing weather, however, if done correctly, 30 minutes on the range twice a week can make a world of difference when the weather warms up and you can get back out onto the course.”
Post-Christmas, after all the turkey, stuffing, mince pies and a glasses of wine, is the time when people promise to become fitter and shed some pounds. Golf is the perfect way to get more active, without spending hours in the gym.
“There is no better exercise than walking,” added Mike. “During a round of golf players walk between four and eight miles and burn approximately 1,000 calories. That’s an excellent return when you consider that you’d have to run for one hour on a treadmill to burn the equivalent amount of energy.
“While golf may not appear to be strenuous exercise, it is a deceptively good workout and one where the heart beats at around 90-120 beats per minute during an 18-hole round, helping to strengthen the heart and lungs and reduce your weight.”
As well as the 18-hole High Course Thornbury also has a beginner and family friendly par-3 course, The Low Course, which is perfect for those taking their first steps in golf or for the more established players to brush up on their short game.
Thornbury Golf Centre www.thornburygc.co.uk