James Ibbetson has turned his passion for golf into a career. At the age of 26, he has just become the new director of golf at Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, in Bearsted – the youngest person to hold this title within the chain’s UK-based hotels.
The PGA professional was bitten by the golf bug on a summer sports camp at the age of 12, and went on to take a university degree in golf management.
He has just moved from Birmingham to Kent to take up his new role at Tudor Park’s golf club, which has an 18-hole championship course.
“It is a really exciting time to join Tudor Park,” he says. “The golf course has wintered very well and is in good condition, so I am looking forward to getting to know the members and also hosting some of the major events taking place here this summer, such as the Trilby Tour in July.”
The qualifying rounds for the Trilby Tour take place from May 22 to July 29, with the regional final on Thursday, July 30. In the same week, Tudor Park will be hosting ex-professional footballers as they take part in the Mancini trophy. Last summer saw Glenn Hoddle and Ray Clements among the 17 ex-pro footballers who competed.
*Entries for the Trilby Tour must be in by Thursday, April 30.It is open to any male golfer aged over 18 who holds a current handicap issued by a CONGU affiliated golf club. You must hold a handicap of 18 or better and must provide proof (handicap certificate that is no more than 14 days old) of your handicap on the day of your chosen tournament. And you must wear a trilby hat during play (only for final)
Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club www.marriotttudorpark.co.uk
Trilby Tour www.williamhunttrilbytour.com
View more stories about People in the business and latest list of Most-read stories