Golf Operations Staff Update

Our golf operations team is entering a new era following the recent resignations of Sam Roberts (Snowboarding in Canada), Jodie Valli who’s friendly nature and assistance will be missed who we wish all the best in her venture to start her own administration/book keeping business and Craig Reynolds who will finish at the club after 3.5 years on Friday 23rd December to work in the family carpentry business (Yes… Craig is also a qualified carpenter having completed his trade before venturing into his PGA Traineeship).

Please join us to thank and say farewell to Craig & Jodie at the club on Friday 23rd December from 5pm. 

New Era – Golf Operations Team 2023

We are pleased to announce the below appointments

Head PGA Professional/Golf Operations Manager – Travis Lord    

Travis grew up in Mandurah and started his junior golf at Mandurah County Club where he achieved many golfing achievements including in 2008 where he captained the Junior Pennants team to victory in the division 1.

He soon realised hard work and dedication was needed to become good at this game and focused on skill improvement whilst participating in many amateur events around Australia.

In 2014 he commenced his PGA traineeship at Marri Park Golf Course where he spent the first year before moving to Pinjarra Golf Club to be closer to home. After 3 years of hard work, dedication and commitment he achieved his goal of completing the traineeship in 3 years resulting in his graduation in 2016 and finished top 10 on the National Scoring Averages in his final year. 

Travis then travelled Australia competing in Professional tournaments for almost 3 years with many highs and the lows this game presents at the highest level. 

Short of money and realising the challenges and how tough it is to play in Australia full time. Travis took a break from the game and followed many West Australians to the mining industry where he worked underground for just over 2 years.

Travis has played in the South West Open each year since 2015 and loves the course and the facility.

His passion for the game and the industry was too strong and when an opportunity was available to take a position at Wembley Golf Complex (Australia’s busiest golf facility) under the 2021 National PGA Golf Professional of the Year Jason Roach and Australian PGA Board Member Josh Madden.

Travis embarked on a steep learning curve where his development in golf operations management and coaching has prepared him for this role and has provided a great mentor network to assist with establishing himself at our club and continue the improvements and deliver the strategic plans for the future.

Please join me in welcoming Travis when he starts on the 3^rd January 2023.

Travis finishes at Wembley on the December 24th and will spend the Xmas break with family before starting the new role.

Travis is extremely excited about building a life in Bunbury and sees this appointment as an opportunity to build a family and call Bunbury home for many years to come.

Assistant Golf Operations Manager – Shane Morris

Shane Morris has been self-employed as an Architect for more than 20 years. Shane has recently wound down the business and has just listed his current house/property in Gelorup to downsize and relocate to the Australind Area.

Shane is an avid golfer who is a current member at Caple who has a strong interest in Golf Development with a 17yr old daughter playing off a 3.0 handicap (Aiyana Morris).

I was personally on the board of IMPACT – South West Junior Golf for 2 years which included 1 year with Shane as the Chairperson, Shane is a great communicator and extremely organised of which will be a great asset to the golf ops team.

A lengthy induction is currently being planned which will include formal MiClub training on the MiClub software and club operating systems.

Shane will start at the club on the December 14^th.

Golf Operations Assistant

Bailey Hampson (Current Junior Champion) has recently completed his Yr. 12 ATAR exams and you should have started to see him in the Pro Shop a lot more… Bailey turns 18 in the new year and will start Permanent Part Time from the 1st of January. Bailey under the guidance of Travis will develop his club fitting knowledge and become more involved with the Junior golf programs as a community coach.

Bailey plans to focus the next 2 years on hard practice to see how much he can improve his golf before considering a career in Golf. Bailey has shown a steep improvement recently who is passionate about the game and just loves to compete.

I look forward to supporting Bailey in his development both on and off the golf course.

Casual Staff – Jordan Chatt

Jordan will remain with the team to support when required of which more recently has been a lot with shortage in golf operations staff. 

Jordan will assist in the transition and work over Xmas. Jordan plans to stay in the South West until April and is looking forward to working a few less hours to play more golf before returning to the UK. 

As always, should members need assistance with any urgent matters please call or SMS anytime to the mobile 0499 028 895 or email gm@bunburygolfclub.com.au

I would like to thank all members in advance for your support and assistance through the upcoming staff transition in our Golf Department.