Royal Norwich Golf Club announces the departure of General Manger Phil Grice to establish himself consulting in golf and leisure, specialising in strategy and transition management.
The statement issued by Royal Norwich reads as follows, “It is with regret that we have to announce that Phil Grice has tendered his resignation as General Manager of Royal Norwich.
“We have jointly come through an incredibly difficult but ultimately hugely rewarding project that has delivered the most fantastic golf course and facilities for Norfolk as evidenced by some wonderful plaudits from the golf industry including Golf World, Today’s Golfer and also our Runner-Up award in Golf Inc’s golf club development for 2019. Phil played a huge part in the decisions and the thinking that led to that success and Royal Norwich will be forever in his debt for that contribution.
“When Phil joined us in 2011 he made it clear that his long term career aspirations were more directed towards transition management and that, in this context, he was joining us to help with the relocation project. The Club eventually achieved that objective and moved from Hellesdon to the Weston Estate in September 2019 after 14 years of planning and constructing. Although the relocation had taken much longer than originally anticipated, Phil promised us then that he would stay in post for another 12 months to make sure the future of the Club was established and that the right staff and teams were in place for the future.
“That 12 months has gone incredibly quickly and Phil believes this is the right time for someone else to take over the operational daily management of Royal Norwich in the next phase of its development and to give him the opportunity to move on to a career in strategic consulting; we are delighted to announce that Royal Norwich will be his first consulting client.
“We wish him and his family well and thank him for the all work he has done for and the guidance he has given the Club.”
Phil Grice said, “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team. The new course and facilities are a benchmark of what can be achieved, our progressive outlook at Royal Norwich sees the club membership in its healthiest ever position and our operating model delivering on its aim of attracting the whole family. It is now a very special facility.
“My sincere thanks must go to the all the members of staff who have given so much for the club over my time as GM. I’d also like to thank both David and Brew for unwavering support over such a long period.
“Finally I wish the club and its members the very best of fortune for the future and I look forward to playing some golf at Royal Norwich without having to worry about anything other than where my ball has gone.”
In recent years Phil Grice has played a very active part in the Golf Club Managers Association. He has served two terms as a member of the GCMA board and was Chairman for the last two years of his second term. His last task as Chairman was to oversee the recent appointment of the new CEO, Tom Brooke. He can be contacted at phil@grice.live