As part of the series of Q&As with the latest cohort of newly Accredited Managers, we put Long Ashton Golf Club’s General Manager Reece Miller in the spotlight.
Can you provide an outline of your career to date?
My extensive background in golf club management includes prior roles as a General Manager and Executive Manager at various Members Golf Clubs. These experiences have honed my skills in overseeing the daily operations, enhancing member experiences, and driving the success of golf clubs.
I have over 10 years of experience in golf club management, having started in various sales and management roles. Serving as an Executive Manager at Clevedon Golf Club, a Golf Executive at the Celtic Manor, and now as the General Manager at Long Ashton Golf Club. My journey began at the Celtic Manor as an Events Executive Golf Specialist, where I gained extensive experience in corporate sales and corporate training. This was followed by my role as an Executive Manager at Clevedon Golf Club, where my team and I elevated the club’s status to an award-winning championship venue.
While at Clevedon Golf Club in 2021, the team and I hosted the EuroPro Tour – Wright-Morgan Championship and following the success of the event were then approached to host the penultimate event in 2022, as well as being host venue of the Ladies Inter County Championship, Somerset Men’s Scratch Pairs Championship and The Ladies County Championship in the same year. In March 2022, we were presented with the BIGGA Championship Performance of the year award at BTME.
Currently, as the General Manager at Long Ashton Golf Club, in 2023, my team and I achieved remarkable recognition, earning nominations across multiple categories at the prestigious 59Club Awards. This included nominations for Golf Manager, Golf Operations, Greenkeeper, Golf Retail Manager, and Food and Beverage Manager of the Year.
Nominations in all available categories is the first in the history of our club. These nominations are a testament to our dedication to delivering outstanding service to our valued members and guests.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond day-to-day operations, as evidenced by the successful completion of several ambitious projects in the last 12 months. These include the refurbishment of our putting green, which saw a significant increase in drainage, quality, and size, as well as upgrades to bunkers on hole 11, enhancing both challenge and aesthetics.
These achievements not only highlight our dedication to excellence but also underscore the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our team at Long Ashton Golf Club. I am proud to lead such a talented and motivated group, and I am confident in our ability to continue driving success in the golfing industry for years to come.
In addition to my role as General Manager, I have also taken on leadership positions in the golf community. I am proud to serve as a Director of the GCMA, where I contribute to the growth and development of the golf club management profession. Furthermore, I have been honoured with the role of Captain Elect for Wales in 2024, demonstrating my commitment to advancing the sport of golf at both the club and regional levels.
I have played golf at a high standard for Kent in all age groups, was 2010 Kent County Champion and have made and retained long-lasting friendships and clients through the sport.
Why did you decide to go through the Accreditation process?
I am not usually one for self-recognition or bragging about my own achievements, as I consider myself to be quite team-focused. However, when the opportunity to apply for GCMA accreditation arose, I decided to take it. The process allowed me to submit information about myself, detailing my achievements to date, my dedication to continuous education, and my involvement in the ever-evolving world of golf and business. I felt that pursuing this accreditation would be a valuable way to assess my standing in the industry. As a result, I decided to go through the rigorous accreditation process to formally recognise and validate my skills. This experience not only provided me with a sense of personal accomplishment but also reinforced my commitment to professional growth and excellence in my field.
How would you describe the process?
The accreditation process was comprehensive and rigorous, designed to assess and validate a wide range of my skills and previous achievements. It provided a clear framework for professional development, and I was pleased to see that it recognised the efforts and dedication required to excel in golf club management.
The process encouraged significant reflection on my career to date, offering the opportunity to look back and appreciate my achievements. Through the detailed application of CPD points, I was able to identify areas of strength and, more importantly, opportunities for further growth. The CPD requirements are highly achievable, with numerous opportunities for development and learning not only through the GCMA and GCMA Skillgate but also through other industry bodies recognised by the GCMA.
I won’t claim that the process was extremely easy or quick because it wasn’t. Like anything worthwhile, it required a significant investment of time, information, and self-reflection. Achieving something valuable always demands time, dedication, and focus; otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth pursuing.
What do you hope Accredited status will mean for your career?
Achieving Accredited status will enhance my professional credibility and recognition within the industry. I wasn’t just after a certificate for further opportunities for career advancement but solely to demonstrate my commitment to education, understand my position within the industry, and what is required to be at the highest level of golf club management. I hope this recognition will also reinforce to the members and my team, my ability to drive success and innovation at Long Ashton Golf Club.
What would your advice be to anyone considering applying?
My advice to anyone considering applying for Accreditation is to embrace the process wholeheartedly. GCMA Accreditation provides you with an excellent opportunity to reflect on your career achievements to date, something I’m sure many of us don’t take the time to do.
Be prepared to invest quite a bit of time and effort into the process. The accreditation window is open all year I believe so take the time to plan and the submission should be easy enough.
The Advanced Management Programme is launching in September — does that provide a next aspirational goal for you?
Yes, the Advanced Management Programme launching in September provides an excellent opportunity for me and any manager to take the next step in my professional development. With a limited amount of training opportunities within the industry, I feel that this programme allows me the target a tailored programme that aligns with areas I have identified as “needs improving” rather than the usual “all in one” training programmes available.
I personally am looking forward to several of the educational packages on offer, not only for me but, for my team.
