McDonnell adds to Golf at Goodwood’s class

Chris McDonnell’s arrival at Golf at Goodwood heralds a new chapter in the development of what many regard as one of the region’s finest golfing experiences.

After two years at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and in his new role as the academy manager, McDonnell has already sized up what is needed, and outlines his plans to raise the bar even higher at Golf at Goodwood.

“There’s two excellent courses to cater for beginners to experts, but my focus is off the courses and on the academy and teaching facilities,” he said.

“For example, on the 30 place Huxley surfaced range there are some covered teaching bays, and these will be turned into VIP teaching golf studios. We have invested in the latest radar technology in Trackman and this will add to the fantastic customer experience we offer here at the academy.

“Golf at Goodwood is the ideal place for beginners to learn the game of golf with a six-hole academy par-three course that enables development onto the full 18-hole golf course. Our Get into Golf program is a very affordable way of taking up the game without a huge commitment and allows a person to progress at their own pace.”

Besides some big plans, McDonnell has responsibility for the career development of the three PGA Professionals at the Sussex facility, including Christian Fogden and Craig Gardner.

“Christian’s doing a very good job with the membership, and offers a variation of master classes throughout the year which really does allow the golfer to take their game to the next level,” he said.

“Craig’s doing great things with the Junior Level Up programme and I want to help him take this to a new level. As part of the Goodwood estate that also has horse and motor racing, Golf at Goodwood is a relaxed club with over 2,500 members including ladies, seniors, juniors and corporate members, so we can develop packages that link with our other fantastic facilities in order to attract yet more golfers to play golf more often.”

Besides the three PGA Teaching Professionals, McDonnell supervises two PGA Assistant Professionals, who acts as golf supervisor for the Park course and assistant golf academy manager.

McDonnell explained: “It’s all too easy for people starting in golf to end up stuck in a pro shop. Here we have the width of roles in golf operations, retail and teaching, therefore it’s a real opportunity to develop their career in golf and will give them a significant advantage to other trainees out there. We’re keen to offer roles to the right people, and right now we’re looking to fill one more assistant position.”

When it comes to his own golf, McDonnell is very keen to start mixing it with the top players in the South.

He said: “Having experienced the life of a tour professional, I’m very keen to continue developing my own game and compete in the PGA Order of Merit events and major pro-ams in the south region.

"The south region is as strong as the north, so I know it will be tough to break through down here, but I’m aiming to make the PGA Cup team in 2017, and to get into the PGA Play Offs again as well.”