Golf Management Australia Winter 2017 | Page 4

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK BY STEWART FENTON Dear Members, As many of you may be aware, I have resigned as General Manager of Huntingdale Golf Club after nine years at the club. After almost 20 years in the golf industry I have accepted the role of CEO at Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club (RSYLTC). RSYLTC is the largest tennis club (with a membership of approximately 4,500) in Australia with a turnover of over $8 million and over 80 staff. It is probably best described as Royal Sydney without the golf courses and offers members a variety of facilities including tennis (both grass and clay courts), gym, swimming pool, squash, bowls, croquet, billiards rooms, a crech, accommodation (both hotel style and apartments) and a large food and beverage offering. Whilst I am extremely sad to be leaving the golf industry, RSYLTC presents an amazing opportunity for me, which I am really excited about with some big plans for the future. My new email for those who wish to stay in touch is [email protected] PRESIDENCY This decision unfortunately has implications for GMA and I have resigned as President of GMA effective immediately. The current term finishes at the GMA conference in October so in the interim Andrew Gay, the General Manager of Royal Adelaide Golf Club, will take over as President. This position will then be open to election at the AGM, which will be held during the GMA conference. Andrew is the current SA President and has been on the GMA Board for many years and will do an outstanding job as Interim President. CONFERENCE Speaking of the conference, the program has now been finalised and conference 4 I GOLF MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA I registrations are now open. Once again proudly supported by our Major Sponsor, Schweppes, the 2017 National Conference will be held from Sunday 8th October to Thursday 12th October 2017 in Adelaide. Sponsor packages are now also available and we would encourage members to pass the information on to prospective sponsors where a