Golfing guru Gillett goes to Goodwood

One of the most respected and innovative executives in the world of golf management has taken on a new role as Golf At Goodwood general manager. Stuart Gillett, whose extensive skills have helped to establish numerous golf resorts throughout the UK, will take full responsibility for golf administration at the venue.

He has built an impressive reputation for the imaginative manner in which he supervises the development of modern golf resorts with a unique range of ideas and strategies aimed at producing wide public appeal and steady financial growth.

Gillett (above) said: “I’m a great believer in high customer service and feel that developing relationships with members, guests and employees is an important element of my role. I was really impressed with the credit membership at Goodwood, ensuring Golf At Goodwood is affordable and accessible to all.

“I’m keen to build on Goodwood’s reputation in golf and its ambience and services, and work closely with the course management team.”

Gillett has just completed a successful term at Heythrop Park Resort in Oxfordshire, where he established the complex as the home base for the Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire teams for 2011 with special training facilities and held planning meetings with the European Tour for a seniors’ tournament.

He was instrumental in opening the £5m Oxfordshire venue and for securing the only UK qualifying event for the world’s richest pro-am event, The Invitational in Dubai.

His previous projects included a spell as general manager of the exclusive Mill Ride Golf Club in Berkshire and two years as deputy general manager of Bearwood Lakes Golf Club.

The UWIC graduate previously served as a senior executive with the Braningans entertainment group and also worked as a resort manager in Meribel before making the change-over to the sport he loves and at which he is formidable exponent when work allows, playing off a one handicap.