Neil Sjoberg (pictured right), who has been a GCMA member for almost three decades, explains what the association means to him — and why he would encourage others to join.
The world of golf club management has changed a tremendous amount during Neil Sjoberg’s long service in the industry, but his membership of the GCMA has been a reassuring constant for more than 25 years.
Persuaded to join by member Graham Winckless, Neil had already been serving on committees since the 1960s and ran a golf club in Hampshire for a spell in 1973.
It was when Neil and his brother Peter built their own club, The Epping Golf Course, in the 90s that he joined the GCMA and he has remained a member ever since.
Describing the value the association had provided to him over the years, he said: “For me the friendship, support and security I have always received (not to mention the free golf!) from GCMA colleagues is beyond price.
“The feeling you are not alone and there are so many likeminded lovely people who know what it’s like. A golf club manager’s job can be very lonely sometimes with no way out but to stick to your guns!”
A family-run venue, built and designed by golfers, for golfers — about Epping
The Epping Golf Course was built as a revival of the original Epping Golf Club which was patriotically ploughed up at the onset of WWII and who’s President and Vice President were none other than Brig. Gen. Sir Richard Beale Colvin, Lord Lieutenant of Essex and the Rt. Hon. Sir Winston Churchill.
It is a labour of love and an expression of the dreams, dedication and hard work of brothers Neil and Peter Sjoberg and their families who built, own and still run the course today.
The venture emerged gradually with the first 9 holes opening in 1995. Work was still taking place on the remainder of the course and an honesty box at the back of Neil’s old spitfire acted as a makeshift clubhouse.
Over the years and with the help of many volunteers, over 17,000 trees have been planted and 10 new water features installed.
Today, the course is renowned for the quality of its greens, the warm reception received by all, and its fusion of tradition with a more modern and continental approach to golf.
He also cited the benefit of being part of a community where each person is willing to bring their knowledge and experience to bear in order to help others.
“Peer-to-peer networking is the core of the GCMA for me,” he said. “Whatever you are going through there is always at least one person who can say, ‘I’ve been there — try this’.”
Asked what he would say to anyone considering joining, Neil said: “To be a member of GCMA shows you are serious about your work and take your duties responsibly. There will be many tough situations every year and you will need the support of GCMA colleagues.
“My thanks to the GCMA, particularly the successive excellent regional secretaries over the years.”
The changes I’ve seen…
Neil reflects on just some of the many changes he’s seen in the industry, and to the role of the golf club manager, during his time.
“For complex reasons, COVID and WHS have increased the popularity of golf and golf club membership back to 1960s levels.
“Club design and the availability of electric trollies have meant golfers are able to continue playing to older age with all the issues that brings to managers. For example, huge seniors sections with seniors captains expecting the same powers as their younger committees.
“CCTV and electric gates and the decline of ‘one-armed bandits’ in clubhouse as a norm have eased the manager’s burden on being dragged out of bed at 2am for frequent break-ins!
“The use of computers for booking and running comps has had a significant influence on a manager’s role. For the first time we know accurately how many players we have each year and can plan accordingly. However, sometimes competitions are altered, cancelled or discontinued because some committees and managers have lost the power or knowledge to control comps manually.
“A definite positive is the wonderful ability to accurately manage course watering remotely.
“Things have changed for managers so much in — a golf club manager’s job is completely different now!”
