West Sussex Golf Club has announced the appointment of highly respected golf club manager Steve Slinger as its new secretary/general manager.
Slinger will join the Pulborough-based club at the end of February following a successful two-year tenure as general manager at Hayling Golf Club in Hampshire, where he oversaw a period of strategic planning, operational investment and sustained membership growth. His appointment marks a significant addition to West Sussex GC as the 95-year-old club enters the next chapter of its long-term custodianship.
An experienced and well-regarded figure within the industry, Slinger brings with him a strong track record across some of the South of England’s leading private members’ clubs. Prior to joining Hayling in January 2024, he held managerial roles at Effingham Golf Club in Surrey, Mannings Heath Golf Club in West Sussex, and The Manor House in Wiltshire, building a reputation for strategic leadership, member engagement and course-focused investment.
During his time at Hayling, Slinger led the formulation and delivery of the club’s long-term strategic plan under the banner of ‘One Hayling’, an initiative designed to unite governance, management and membership behind a clear shared vision. Under his leadership, membership became fully subscribed with significant waiting lists across all categories, while a series of on-course and infrastructure projects were delivered.
These included the oversight of course and practice facility projects linked to the Mackenzie & Ebert Course Masterplan, the introduction of a five-year agreement with Toro for front-line mowers and utility vehicles, and a range of clubhouse and estate improvements such as a refurbished car park and a significant clubhouse refurbishment.
Slinger also played a key role in rekindling Hayling’s historical connections with the Sandeman family, the club’s founding members, a relationship now reflected through the club’s hospitality offering on the 1st tee for visiting golfers.
Commenting on his move, Slinger said: “After two incredibly rewarding years, my time as general manager at Hayling Golf Club will shortly be coming to a premature end – but very much for all the right reasons. I leave Hayling feeling immensely proud of what we achieved together and grateful for the trust, support and belief shown by the committee, membership and management team.”
Looking ahead to his new role, he added: “I’m extremely proud to be joining West Sussex Golf Club as it enters its next chapter. It is a majestic, world-renowned course with truly unique course architecture, a fascinating history and very high exciting aspirations for the future. As someone who first played the course as a junior some 40 years ago – and as a Pulborough resident – it truly feels like home from home.”
Slinger will be passed the reigns as secretary/manager at West Sussex by Al Adams who has served a successful eight years in the role, having managed through the difficult Covid period, and further illustrated by overseeing the club’s Orangery and fairway irrigation installation.
West Sussex Golf Club is a traditional members’ two-ball course widely regarded as one of England’s finest heathland layouts, with its 6,355-yard, par-68 course ranked 62nd in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 UK & Ireland Courses list.