With its long heritage of supporting women and juniors in golf, Amanda Godwin is excited to be Reigate Heath GC’s first female manager for over 20 years.
Reigate Heath GC is one of the best examples in the UK of a nine hole heathland course, and as one member put it: “We now have a woman running the country again, and we think Amanda’s appointment is just what Reigate Heath needs as well!”
In fact Amanda isn’t the club’s first female manager, as Doreen Howard was the club secretary from 1970 to 1993, nor is Reigate Heath Amanda’s first nine hole club, as she rebuilt the fortunes of Strawberry Hill GC in Twickenham over the past two years.
Amanda explains: “Doreen laid the foundations for the club’s success for over two decades. Now, as a members’ golf club in the 21st century we face all sorts of new and very different challenges. My job is to make sure the experiences the club gives its members and visitors is one they love.”
“That’s all about the terrific teams of people here. Our Pro Shop led by Cliff Gough, our newly promoted Director of Golf, includes our own and now fully qualified female PGA Professional Leah Roelich. She and Cliff are clearly passionate about getting a lot more beginners, women and children into golf, besides looking after the members and visitors.”
Amanda continues: “The course is both a golfing and as an SSSI an environmental challenge, but Derek Walder and our greenkeeping team work very hard to ensure our historic heathland nine hole course is always in terrific condition throughout the year, and our greens win constant praise from all who come and play on them.”
“The special Reigate Heath warmth and welcome is down to our bar staff led by Zach and our fantastic caterers Premier Dining led by Kevin and Lydie, and in the past few weeks I’ve noticed a lot of terrific feedback from our members and guests.”
Amanda summarises: “I’m not a golfer, so my focus is on the things that make this club a wonderful experience, and increasing the attention to detail to all aspects of the experience we deliver. My job is to encourage and guide as well as manage, so together we will ensure that Reigate Heath GC, which has in its own way done so much for Surrey golf, continues to be a very special and happy place in the 21st century.”
Reigate Heath Golf Club www.reigateheathgc.co.uk