New group aims to drive business growth on golf course
The old adage goes that more business is done on the nation’s golf courses than in its boardrooms.
Now a group of businessmen and women are teeing up a venture that will see as many deals as balls struck on a Swindon golf course.
Business advisor and company director Barry Wicks, of Maroubra Personal Development, has teamed up with Dominic Threlfall, managing director of Wiltshire Business of the Year Pebley Beach, and Juliette Nutland, co-owner of Basset Down Golf Course, to form Swindon and District Golf and Business Networking Group.
Meeting twice a month, the group offers members networking and a relevant business-related presentation over breakfast or lunch, with a round of golf at Basset Down’s nine-hole course, or golf tuition for members who want to brush-up their golfing prowess.
And lack of experience is no barrier to membership. Business people who don’t play golf are welcome and they will be able to learn to play with golf tuition on a state-of-the-art driving range with the club’s professionals, Mike Walters and Ian Bolt.
“Networking is a really important part of modern business growth strategy,” said Barry. “and business people want to meet likeminded people they can do business with.
“The group will give members the opportunity to forge meaningful business relationships with each other over a round of golf on one of Wiltshire’s most attractive courses.”
“Of course, golf is also excellent for one’s health, and a great way to de-stress.”
Dom, a golfing novice, said: “The attraction for me is the ability to learn the game while I do business.
“I’ve always known a lot of deals are struck on the golf course, but not being able to play has always been a barrier for me. Now that barrier is gone.”
Membership is by invitation only. The annual membership fee is £150 +VAT and a member will pay £20 per meeting to include a meal and a round of golf or golf tuition.
Basset Down Golf Course was established by fourth generation dairy farmer Will Nutland and his wife Juliette in 2005. The nine-hole, 3,170-yard course is played over 100 acres of mature parkland, and a project to extend the course to 18 holes is underway.
The 20-bay floodlit driving range features state-of-the-art technology from Swindon-based Power Tee, which automatically loads up to 100 golf balls from a hopper to the tee.
The club is the official research and development partner of Power Tee. It is located half a mile south of Junction 16 (Wroughton) of the M4.
For more information about Swindon and District Golf and Business Networking Group, email Barry Wicks at barry@maroubra.co.uk For information about Basset Down Golf Club can be found at www.bassetdowngolfcourse.com