Wilmslow's new pro with a twist

Wilmslow Golf Club have appointed a new club professional. Not that amazing, I hear you say, but that’s not the end of it, for Matt Gillingham is only the club’s fourth pro in its 121-year history.

With the retirement of John Nowicki, who served for 40 years, the traditional private members’ club turned to the 29-year-old, formerly senior pro at Gleneagles.

Gillingham is used to working at the very top level of the industry and, as well as maintaining the current high standards and expectations of the golf club, will aim to enhance the club’s standing as a leading venue and to bring the retail and commercial elements of the golf club up to date.

Gillingham’s experience at Gleneagles, together with his earlier role as assistant at Taunton & Pickeridge, will prove invaluable in achieving these aims.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Gleneagles and this combined with my time at Taunton has taught me a lot about balancing the expectations of club members with the commercial aspects of running a successful Pro Shop business,” he explains.

“I am relishing the opportunity that Wilmslow Golf Club offers me and it really is quite remarkable that I will the only the fourth person to have ever held the post!”

Over its 121-year history, Wilmslow Golf Club has hosted professional tournaments, been a regional qualifying course for the Open Championship and, whilst it presents a fine test of golf for the low handicapper, it also provides an enjoyable experience to golfers of all ability.

With only three men having helped guide and support the club through this time, choosing the right candidate to take the club forward was no easy feat.

Says club captain Terry Barnes: “We needed to find an individual who demonstrated genuine entrepreneurial spirit but appreciated the professionalism required to support the needs of a traditional but progressive golf club. We feel that Matt has all of the qualities that we were looking for.

“The Committee and club members are delighted to welcome him and his family and are confident that he will share the same successful – and long - career as his predecessors.”