Just one year ago, Newark Golf Club was acquired by Stellar Asset Management, preventing the private members’ club from entering into administration. Fast forward 12 months, and the popular Nottinghamshire club looks and feels like a venue on the rise with better amenities, more staff and a much-improved golf course. 

Using the experiences of the acquisition of Paulton’s Golf Centre, Murrayshall and Bramshaw Golf Club, Ben Blackburn and his team implemented wide-ranging investment in people, product and processes that have quickly elevated Newark.  

“The last 12 months have proven that our approach can quickly have a positive impact on any golf business,“ comments Group General Manger Molly Pavey, who has taken the lead on processes and people at Newark. “This is the first private members’ club we have worked with, and it has been a privilege to watch the faith of the members restored. We have managed to do more in 12 months than they could ever have imagined – and this is just the start of it.”

The greenkeeping staff have worked hard through the winter to manicure each hole and to restore the greens. Further investment is planned to elevate the bunkers in the down season. The full grass driving range has never looked better and is now equipped with state-of-the-art Trackman technology that can be accessed through an app which can be downloaded on site.  

The new-look pro shop and clubhouse lounge at Newark

As well as renovations to the beautiful parkland course, there has been a significant refurbishment of the clubhouse to improve the customer experience. These changes include bringing the pro shop into the main building, repositioning the bar, creating cosy relaxing bar spaces that can be opened up and combined to make larger event spaces, allowing the club to benefit from hire revenue without impacting the membership.  

Most importantly, the members’ and visitors’ experience has become more consistently delivered, with staff and facilities to make Newark proud.

Club vice-captain Gary Bruce said: “It’s been a year since Ben Blackburn and his team took over the reins at Newark Golf Club. Of course everyone had reservations, however I have been extremely impressed. Not only has the team delivered on their promises to this great club, I feel they have surpassed those promises.

“We have a fabulous surface to play on – despite the challenges of the weather – but most of all the identity of the club has remained. The team Ben has brought in, and retained, to deliver this has been a breath of fresh air. I am proud to be associated with Newark Golf Club and look forward to the future.”

Future plans include additional investment in course maintenance and a new fleet of buggies. The redesign of the clubhouse will include remodelling the layout by moving and redesigning the women’s changing room.

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