Manager at Stowmarket Golf Club, Geoff Scott, prides himself that in 13 years in the golfing sector he’s never really had a serious staffing issue to deal with.
“I believe that as long as you keep on top of what’s happening with the staff and talk to them on a regular basis then nine times out of 10 you can sort out any issues before they arise,” he said. “There should always be a little bit of give and take on both sides.
The reason Geoff contacted Golf HR was for assistance in bringing his employee contracts and the staff handbook up to more contemporary 
standards. Another benefit was to provide him with the reassurance that if a staff issue were to escalate then the HR team would be providing him the best and most up to date advice available. The independence and professionalism of Golf HR also gave him additional leverage when it came to discussing matters with the committee.
With an impressive history stretching back 115 years, Stowmarket Golf Club in Suffolk currently sits in Finborough Park (where it moved in 1962).
The club has a total of 540 playing members and 200 social. In the past the Stowmarket has hosted the County Men’s and the County Ladies Amateur Championships, as well as the Seniors County Championships. It also organises its very own Stowmarket Mixed Open event, which is always over-subscribed.
The biggest change to date for Geoff at Stowmarket was when the club decided to move their catering operation in-house. Steve held a meeting with staff and informed them of what he wanted to do.
“It went as well as I’d hoped,” he said. “Apart from one individual, everyone seemed to be fine with it. I’m a great one for sitting people down and asking them how they think I should handle the situation.
“This actually occurred before Carolyne came on board but it’s certainly the type of thing I would discuss with her.”
Steve says he likes the fact he can have a 10 to 15 minute chat with Golf HR every now and again, rather than have to put everything in an email. He also enjoys the feeling of a personal touch.
“I received a calendar from them this year and a note wishing me a happy new year and thanking me for my custom. I really appreciated that. Personally, I don’t think there’s enough of that type of friendly, personal touch around these days.”
Geoff Scott, Club Manager