So, firstly the bad news….
After nearly two years back at Oulton Hall, where his career started, Alan Foley the Director of Golf leaves for his new role at Head Office this week. As with all good things, they all have to come to an end and this case is no exception. A big thanks to Alan from all the staff here, not just in golf but across all departments within the hotel. A true team player with an infectious enthusiasm and an undeniable ability to 'get the job done' - we wish you well!
Secondly the good news - the man tasked with filling Alan's shoes also started this week. Paul Dennis comes from working with Troon Golf for a number of years and for any of you that have been down to the golf shop you will have already seen a few changes… you can find out a little bit more out about Paul below:
Paul Dennis Profile
Having joined the PGA at the age of 18, Paul had his first taste of working within high end golf clubs at The Wisley in Surrey. A renowned track home to the likes of Dennis Pugh, coach to many of Europe's finest golfers. He followed this with a short tenure at Open qualifying venue Old Fold Manor.
From there, Paul joined the Troon Golf team at The Grove in London. As Senior Assistant and Retail Manager he continued to operate the club at the highest level and it was during this time that the club hosted WGC Amex Championships, back in 2006 - a tournament where a certain Tiger Woods won by 8 shots!
Following this and with his operational prowess and willingness to operate at the highest level Paul moved overseas having being posted to European Tour venue Abu Dhabi Golf Club as Head Professional - his involvement here was at a key time for the group and his role was predominantly to handle management transition from Sheraton to Troon.
This started a near decade of working overseas which saw him also work at the likes of The Montgomerie, Dubai and The Track, Meydan before a brief stint as Operations Assistant for Troon HQ in the Middle East. He finished off his adventure abroad as Director of Club Operations at The Els Club Teluk Datai, in Langkawi, Malaysia.
After such a long period away from the UK, Paul was keen to return to Europe, and continue to utilise his experience in high end resorts from around the world. Luck, or as timing would have it the Director of Golf position opened up here at Oulton Hall and we are very lucky to have someone with such pedigree come in to head up the golf operation.
Paul said, "I feel great excitement to have been chosen to join the team at Oulton Hall. The facility has fantastic potential; with a beautiful hotel and stunning golf course, and with many new members of the management team in place there is definitely a great drive to push the property to a new level of guest experience and service excellence. I am very much looking forward to working with the golf operations team, and take advantage of the many opportunities we have already discussed to improve our member and guest experience moving forwards, to put Oulton Hall at the very pinnacle of resorts in the UK."
We couldn't agree more!
We hope to see you down on the course over the coming months (yes, even in the cold weather) or at least down for a brew in the Claret Jug where you are more than welcome to make an introduction to the main man himself!
Yours in golf,
The Golf Team
Saturday 7th November
1st Place - Lee Reed (35 Points)
2nd Place - Ian Treanor (35 Points)
Sunday 8th November
1st Place - Lee Reed (37 Points)
2nd Place - Tom Barnes (36 Points)
Congratulations to Lee Reed on two great rounds over the weekend when the weather was against him!
*Due to inclement weather, this years winter eclectic competition was postponed over this past weekend and will begin this coming weekend! (Weather dependant)*
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