AS talk swirls about the demands and the toll on the personal lives of golf club general managers, Warrnambool believes it has found the right man to take the helm.
Marc Tims comes off a much-heralded career in health and wellbeing including holding senior positions with retailers David Jones and the Country Road Group.
“In that sense I have an ideal background in dealing with people,” Tims says.
Although only a matter of weeks into his new role at the time of this interview, he thinks people management is crucial to the GM’s success at any club.
“This is the case dealing with golfers, members, staff and boards. It’s working with them and making sure they are happy which I hope I can bring to the job. That and governance are so important,” he adds
“I am also blessed to have been ‘handed’ a brand new $7.5 million clubhouse, which is already being embraced by members, non-members and the community as a whole.
“As well, there’s been a spike in the number of returning members. And the community is embracing us in general, making full use of out bar bistro and café facilities.
“Already there is a great feel and energy to the place. I could not be more fortunate to be here.”
Marc Tims, the recently appointed General Manager at the Warrnambool Golf Club.
All this on top of a magnificent golf course, open and welcoming to holiday makers, offering the chance to play the superb layout on which Australian International, Marc Leishman, learnt his craft from the time he was a youngster growing up in the town.
Leishman still comes home at least once a year and always catches up with family and friends on this time-honoured golf course.
Tims has only been in town for three and a half years.
“I’ve had experience in working with clubs and Golf Australia in sports governance, a priority for community sport.
“The thing about a GM at a golf club is that he is expected to have experience in all things. It’s almost impossible to be an expert in everything. “
Marc has developed skills from a diverse employment history including operating small business, working in large corporate environments specialising in customer service excellence in retail as well as leading expertise in the corporate health and wellness space. Marc has honed his strength in sporting governance when he worked recently as the Chief Executive Officer of South West Sport. While there, he developed strong relationships in the local community, supporting grassroots community sport and within the golf industry specifically.
Marc’s exceptional people management skills and his governance experience in a not-for-profit organisation are strengths that will serve him well in his role as GM at the Warrnambool Golf Club.
“I consider myself a ‘new local’ in Warrnambool, having moved down the coast just over three years ago from Melbourne. I love the town. I love people. I love the golf club and love the way of life,” he says.
Born and bred around the Melbourne sand belt courses and a previous member at Southern Golf Club, Marc is a life-long golfer. He plays off a GA handicap of 9.1.
“With our new clubhouse at WGC-, we have seen organic growth in new and returning golf members and ‘footfall’ traffic from locals and travelling customers who stop by to experience our fabulous state of the art $7.5 million clubhouse and customer service like no other.
“I am really enjoying the new role at the golf club and our members have been very welcoming. I can see huge growth opportunities within the club to create a memorable golf experience for members and visitors in the coming years. I invite anyone who hasn’t seen our club to make the journey down to the southwest. I can guarantee you will be impressed,” Marc says confidently.
Warrnambool Golf Club
Warrnambool is one of the region’s most spectacular 18-hole courses and home of the current LIV Golf touring professional Marc Leishman.
The classically designed layout carves its way between and over a massive tertiary dune system, the course offering a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees.
It is located just three hours west of Melbourne at the end of the Great Ocean Road.
With a brand-new state of the art $7.5million club house facility, the Warrnambool Golf Club caters for golfers and guests alike who want to experience excellence in customer service in the bar/bistro and Pro shop facilities.
