The Newport GM has been shortlisted for Manager of the Year at the 2025 GCMA Awards, while his team is also in the running for Team of the Year.
Rhys Morgan has enjoyed a rapid rise in the golf industry, and his work at Newport Golf Club has now been recognised at national level.
Having already claimed the Welsh Manager of the Year accolade earlier in 2025, he is among the final three shortlisted for Manager of the Year at the upcoming GCMA Awards.
The recognition extends beyond his own leadership. Newport’s staff have also been named among the contenders for Team of the Year, highlighting the shared progress achieved under his tenure.
Since joining the club, Rhys has focused on strengthening people, processes and culture, laying firm foundations for modernisation and long-term sustainability. Projects, operational improvements and a renewed emphasis on collaboration have all contributed to Newport’s momentum.
In this Q&A, he explains his reaction to being nominated, the achievements that earned Newport its place on the shortlist, and why he sees the recognition as a collective success as much as a personal honour.
What was your reaction when you found out you had been nominated for Manager of the Year?
It was an extremely proud moment, both personally and for my family. Having already been fortunate enough to win Welsh Manager of the Year, I knew that I would be put forward for the national award. But to progress through to the final three following my evidential submission of work was a fantastic achievement in itself.
What struck me most was not just the recognition, but the company I found myself in. To be shortlisted alongside Chloe and Ian — both of whom are highly respected and excellent managers in their own right— was very humbling.
For me, it validated the progress we have made at Newport Golf Club over the past two years, and it reinforced that the steps we are taking to grow and modernise the club are being noticed well beyond our own membership.
What have you achieved at Newport that earned you a spot on the shortlist?
I believe that what has driven my nomination is our relentless commitment to progress. When I joined Newport, my focus was very clear: to establish a strong foundation by improving people, processes, and culture. I felt that only by addressing these fundamentals could we truly move the club forward.
In just over a year, I am proud to have overseen improvements across several key areas:
- Budget and Financial Reporting – By involving our Heads of Department more actively in financial planning, we have improved accountability, transparency, and overall performance. Everyone now understands not just their own budgets, but also how their decisions contribute to the club’s bigger picture.
- Project Delivery – We have successfully delivered a number of projects including a major bunker redevelopment, a full restructure of our food and beverage operation, and comprehensive Health & Safety and HR audits. Each of these required detailed planning, collaboration, and execution, and each has left the club stronger than before.
- Operational Improvements – We have introduced clear processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), giving staff structure and clarity in their day-to-day roles. This consistency ensures that members and visitors experience a higher and more reliable standard of service.
- Club and Environmental Maintenance – Protecting the long-term condition of the course and facilities has been a priority. From drainage and agronomy improvements to a stronger focus on sustainability, we are ensuring that the club is well placed for future generations.
These achievements haven’t happened in isolation — they are the result of a shared vision, clear communication, and a culture that encourages people to play their part.
What would winning Manager of the Year mean to you personally and professionally?
It would mean a great deal. On a personal level, it would be an immense honour to be recognised on such a stage. On a professional level, it would feel like a fitting reward for the countless hours, hard decisions, and long-term planning that have gone into moving Newport forward.
But more than that, I see this recognition as belonging to the team as much as to me. Everything we have achieved has been through collaboration, and I would not be in this position without the staff who commit themselves to the club every single day.
For me, this nomination reflects not just my leadership, but the collective strength of Newport Golf Club.
How did it feel to see Newport Golf Club also nominated for Team of the Year?
It filled me with an immense sense of pride. From the moment I arrived at Newport, I knew that building a strong, cohesive team was the key to progress. To see that team recognised on a national level is hugely rewarding.
What excites me most is that this nomination reflects not just results, but growth. I’ve seen individuals within the team develop new skills, take on new responsibilities, and grow in confidence. I’ve also seen the way they support one another, both in work and in life. That unity and mutual care are what underpin our success.
This nomination shows that others see what I see every day: a team that is greater than the sum of its parts.
What do you think sets your team apart and makes them worthy of recognition?
What makes Newport’s team stand out is the depth of care we have for each other. It goes beyond job descriptions and responsibilities — there is a genuine sense of family within the group.
We always say that actions speak louder than words, and my team consistently show through their actions that they will go the extra mile for one another. Whether it’s covering a shift, offering support during a difficult time, or stepping in to ensure members receive the best service, the commitment to each other is clear.
That culture of care translates directly into performance, and I believe that is what makes us deserving of recognition.
Can you share some examples of how the team has pulled together to deliver success at the club?
Several members of the team have faced very personal challenges outside of work this year. I won’t share details, but what has stood out is how the whole team has rallied to support those individuals.
That camaraderie and togetherness is the foundation of our success — when we face challenges together, we always find a way through, and the club benefits as a result.
This togetherness is not manufactured — it is real. And it gives us the confidence that whatever challenge the club faces, we can face it together.
What would it mean to the staff and members if the team won this award?
It would mean everything. Our members can clearly see how passionate we are about our work and about the club, and I know it would be incredibly satisfying for them to see that passion rewarded with this recognition.
For the team, it would be a powerful validation of their effort, spirit, and commitment.
GCMA Awards 2025
The winners will be crowned at the Gala Dinner during the Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition on 17th November 2025 at Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire. It promises to be a memorable evening of celebration, reflecting the vital role golf club managers and their teams play in the growth and success of the game.
