What does it take to build a career in France?

25/03/2025

After starting out his career playing and working at golf clubs in and around his childhood home in Dundee, Ken Strachan stepped out his comfort zone to ply his trade as a PGA Professional in France, where, over the last 35 years, he has undertaken a wide range of roles in some of the country’s top venues. This year sees the 59-year-old begin a new position as General Manager at Golf International de Clément Ader, a private members’ club located 30 miles southeast of Paris, which is currently closed while undergoing a major renovation project ahead of a scheduled re-opening in 2025.

Here, Ken discusses his continental career path and how his PGA qualification has helped open doors along the way…

How did you first get into golf?

I have a distinct memory of finding some old hickory clubs in the garden shed at our home in Dundee when I was about six years old. From there I played a few rounds on the public course, Caird Park, in Dundee, before becoming a junior member of St Michaels in Leuchars and afterwards at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee.

What was your first job in golf?

I started out as the Assistant Professional at Dunblane New Golf Club in 1984 under the guidance of PGA Professional Bobby Jamieson.

What attracted you to working in France?

While competing on the French Golf Tour in 1988, I was offered a coaching job at a new golf complex in Brittany called Golf de l’Odet. It was an exciting opportunity for a 21-year-old to be invited to help towards the development of golf in a foreign country, while also competing in top international tournaments, so I jumped at the chance.

After spending five years coaching at Golf de l’Odet, I was approached by the City of Nantes for the role of Director of Golf at Golf de Nantes Erdre. Having noticed many changes within the golf industry at that time I felt it was the right time to get involved in the management side of the golf business.

During the same period back in the UK, it was clear to see that the role of the PGA Professional was changing and that I needed to move on and adapt to the changing environment.

In 1996 I was headhunted by a recruitment company for the role of general manager at Golf d’Hardelot near Le Touquet.

The owner of Hardelot, Francis Lesur, became one of my mentors, sharing his outstanding business knowledge. Hardelot was struggling financially, so I quickly put into place a marketing plan to bring over UK green fee business while creating a new short-break destination.

I drew up my press contacts in the UK to drum up interest from UK golfers and also started working with tour operators

Within four years we increased annual turnover at Hardelot from €1.2m to €3.2m, on the back of increased visitor numbers. The club was sold in 2000 to a golf chain based in Paris called Open Golf Club. I spent in total 23 years at Hardelot pushing the courses upwards in the golf rankings.

In March 2021, I took on the position of general manager at Golf de Preisch, which is situated in Moselle, with a mission of bringing a club back from the brink of receivership. Arriving 15 days before the start of the pandemic made this by far the toughest challenge to date. Over a two-and-a-half-year span of dedicated work, the club was saved from bankruptcy.

Are there any specific challenges that are unique to working in golf in France?

Working in France has many challenges. The 35-hour working week makes the rotation and number of staffing very difficult while trying to keep on top of budgets. Speed of play on the golf course is also another daily challenge!

How did you hear about the general manager’s role at Golf International de Clement Ader and what qualities do you think got you the job?

I heard about it through a professional contact who works in golf course design who introduced me to the new owners. Clement Ader has the potential to become one of the best golf facilities in France with the possibility of having an international membership base with a strong green fee business through tour operators.

The other attraction and challenge of this project is that we are starting from scratch. Everything from setting up membership and green fee rates, interior decoration, hiring staff, contracts, administration, software and computer systems, negotiating with the different suppliers from greenkeeping through to food and beverage, and deciding on how to brand and market the club. I’m also working closely with the golf course design and construction team who are currently on-site.

The first nine holes will re-open in September 2025, with the full 18 holes opening in March 2026, while the clubhouse is timetabled to be ready by July 2026.

With my management experience of working in France within the golf and hospitality industry, including food & beverage, banqueting, administration, staffing, budgeting, merchandising, club membership and tourism, and with my qualifications and membership of the British & French PGA have contributed towards my employment at Clément Ader.

How important has being a PGA Member been in the advancement of your career?

This has always been the foundation in the advancement of my career. The PGA is well-known throughout the world and being a member of such a respected organisation always makes people sit up and take notice – especially when working abroad.

What do you look for when recruiting a new PGA Professional?

I find it very important that they have a very good level of golf. This gives credibility when coaching or offering advice in the pro shop. I also look for strong communication skills, good presentation and time keeping.

For Professionals, CPD training courses are of great value and something I would strongly recommend to all PGA Members.

What advice would you pass on to other PGA Members who may be considering working abroad and in France specifically?

Have a strong knowledge of the country’s language. Also get a qualified person to check through your proposed work contract, terms and conditions. And be prepared to spend most of your career on distant shores. It’s always very difficult moving back home after experiencing life abroad.

To find out more about working internationally, click here.

Considering a job abroad? You may need a full degree in order to get your visa. Find out more about the PGA Top-up Degree here.