Lythgoe’s life in golf takes new turn
19/07/2023
Neil Lythgoe spent 30 happy years linked to Royal Norwich – but at the start of this summer the PGA professional opted for a major change.
The majority of Lythgoe’s career has revolved around his own golf game, life as a club pro and – in recent years – as a director of golf.
But now he has taken another progressive step after accepting the position of general manager at Eaton Golf Club. At the age of 47 it is his first experience of such a role.
Lythgoe said: “As you get older, you start thinking, ‘If I don’t move to another club at this point, maybe I never will do’. You get to the point where you feel you’re at a crossroads.
“I want to be able to evolve and improve myself. Sometimes you can only do that if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone. I’ve always been happy to do that – wanted to do that. This is another one of those steps.”
In truth, Lythgoe’s working life has always been evolving in one way or another. His early days were spent as an assistant PGA professional at Royal Norwich before he had a stint centred on his own playing ambitions.
When that began to slow down, once again he immersed himself in club life at Royal Norwich and was eventually given the job of head PGA professional there. More responsibility came his way when he stepped up to become director of golf.
I’m a proud Member of the PGA and I always will be. I certainly wouldn’t be having this conversation if I hadn’t been in The PGA.
- Neil Lythgoe (Eaton Golf Club) - PGA Professional
He was serving in that position when the club relocated from its longstanding site on the outskirts of Norwich to Weston Park, a few miles to the north-west of the city (Lythgoe describes the transition as “an unbelievably steep learning curve to be involved with”.
He said: “At Royal Norwich I just about fulfilled every role you could imagine within the golfing side of club life and my role changed immeasurably during my time there. So it never felt like I was just doing the same thing. I was constantly learning.
“When I was head pro, there was essentially me, my assistant and some people who helped me part-time. When I became director of golf, and after we relocated, I had 12 members of staff. That’s a massive change for anyone and as much as it is a change for the club, it’s a big change for you as well – managing more people. It had become a big operation – it was an incredible experience.”
Lythgoe has now brought his acquired knowledge and skills to Eaton to tackle the next phase of what’s been a varied career. And it’s a case of so far, so good in the new position.
He said: “I’m really happy. All the members have been really welcoming. I’m already involved in aspects of club life and the business which have been a different experience to anything I’ve done previously. Although a lot of things are the same, which enables you to hit the ground running. But it’s also nice to branch out and have new challenges.”
Of course, one constant throughout Lythgoe’s working years in golf has been his PGA membership. And it’s a link he places great value on.
He said: “I’m a proud Member of the PGA and I always will be. I certainly wouldn’t be having this conversation if I hadn’t been in The PGA. I’ve always loved my time with the PGA and I hope that will always continue.”
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