In this issue we caught up with Paul Haddon, General Manager, at Hessle Golf Club near Hull.
Q: Tell us a little about the history of Hessle Golf Club?
Hessle Golf Club was founded in 1898 with the club moving to its present location at Raywell following the old course being compulsory purchased for the building of the Humber Bridge and was officially opened in October 1975
The course at Raywell was designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas creating the challenging Par 72 white course measuring 6,614 yard course that is played today.
In more recent times the club has invested in a covered driving range which complements the clubs already excellent practice facilities.
Q: What about the club itself?
The club has a thriving membership of over 600 members with active Men’s, Ladies, Seniors and Junior sections.
The course has a growing reputation with events held on a Regional, County and National level for Men’s and Ladies events.
The club has invested in the internal clubhouse design, decoration and new furniture over recent years and the introduction of the Raywell Grill has been a great success with members, societies and visitor alike.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your role?
My role is the General Manager for Hessle Golf Club with additional duties as the Clubs Company Secretary for the three companies controlling Hessle Golf Club.
I have worked for Hessle Golf Club for circa 9 years following a successful career with a customer focused blue chip company for 22 years.
Over the nine years at Hessle Golf Club the club has made significant changes on the course with extensive changes to the facilities and major changes in the management structure in becoming a Limited Company.
The Board is proactive and always looking at continual improvement year on year.
My role is business focused to ensure the club is run efficiently and customer driven to ensure the experience for Members and Visitors alike from all areas of the golf club is to a high standard.
I have always had an interest in golf and play off a single figure handicap.
Q: What can golfers expect when playing your course?
Golfers who play at Hessle can expect a real test of golf in all areas of their game.
The course has two great feature holes with lakes. The greens are USGA spec so very undulating which is a tough test for all abilities. The course drains well, meaning winter golf is good making Hessle a popular venue with society groups throughout the year.
Q: Hessle Golf Club is passionate about Junior Golf, why is this?
As a club we realise that juniors are the future of our game. We now offer free membership to member’s children and grandchildren under the age of 13. We actively encourage the juniors to come and get involved at the club and the professionals hold regular group junior coaching sessions at weekends which are the perfect way to get started.
We have also been lucky enough to be involved with the England Golf, Girls Golf Rock initiative for the last 2 years which has seen our Junior Girls Membership increase.
Q: What motivates the club to partner with Whole in One Golf?
We have partnered with Whole in One over a number of years and have a great relationship with the W1G team.
The course flyover that is produced is excellent and provides an accurate representation of the course.
We use this as a great way to showcase the course on our website and the TV in the clubhouse.
Q: Finally, what’s the next challenge for Hessle Golf Club?
The next challenge off the course at the club is to clubhouse development that will be starting at the end of September 2019. The club is making a significant investment in the building development with a new pitch roof, external cladding with new windows and doors. This is planned to be completed by April 2020.
On the course we are very proud to be holding the England Golf Men’s Brabazon Trophy Northern Qualifier in May 2020 which will be a great event to showcase the course with the leading amateur golfers.
Visit the website – www.hesslegolfclub.co.uk
For all enquiries please email: manager@hesslegolfclub.co.uk
Tel: 01482 306840, option 3