Getting local people involved with their local golf club is a priority for Waitemata Golf Club General Manager Hayden McCallum.
Since taking over the role last summer, golf fanatic Hayden has injected new drive and direction into the Devonport club, and the plans are only the beginning.
Unlike some private clubs, the rolling fairways, manicured greens and two-storey clubhouse are on Council land. “Members of the public can walk through the course, which is not permitted on most golf courses,” explains Hayden.
“To build on that, we want to show a lot more value to the community, hence the reason for putting a community engagement plan in place.”
Working with New Zealand Golf, Harbour Sport and Auckland Council, Hayden is building partnerships and creating a solid foundation on which to build a more community-focused club. “We are in the process of putting a strategic plan together to increase community engagement and support both ways. Over the next two or three months we want to start building awareness around events, programmes and opportunities for the community to enjoy the club, whether that involves playing golf or not.”
On the playing side, new Club Pro Brad Shilton is a big draw card. “Brad has been a very good golfer for a long time and is a name many people will recognise. He’s well-respected in the game and he’s a great asset to have here at the club. He’s someone who is well-versed in the game and can pass on a huge amount of knowledge.”
Hayden is excited about the impact Brad can have on young players as someone to look up to. A junior programme already offers coaching sessions but, as part of the community push, Hayden is keen to reach young people who would not otherwise have any contact with the sport. “The plan is to go out to the various schools in the North Shore area, starting locally in Devonport. We want to start at the beginning. We want to connect with kids who have never given it a go.
“Golf is not just a sport, it’s a social thing as well. We want to promote that to children. You learn a lot of social skills through the sport; it teaches respect, creates new friendships and helps people become more socially confident.”
‘Have A Go’ days, after school clinics and holiday programmes are all on Hayden’s agenda. As are more beginners’ clinics, a downstairs cafe open to the public, quiz nights and a community open day.
The flat 18-hole course lends itself well to beginners and older players, but as with any course, can provide challenges for all golfers. “Being flat is great, as it is appealing to a wide range of players. But the greens are planned so that they’re enough of a challenge to anyone.”
Any golfer looks forward summer, but playing conditions have even remained decent throughout the winter and many of the Club’s 860 playing members have been out on the fairways this season. “The course is in a good condition for this time of year. The drainage work that was done in recent years has made a big difference. There are trundlers going out most days. It’s been playing well.”
On the social side, new bar manager Urville is brimming with energy and experience. He'll be working alongside Goldie to bring a new higher standard of hospitality at the club.
Many locals may not know that the public is warmly welcomed at the club, and Hayden is actively promoting this. Friday evenings are a great family-friendly opportunity for people to step foot into the upstairs dining area and bar - visitors can be signed in by any members on site. On Sundays it’s Thai Night, with authentic-style cuisine at affordable prices. There’s also a pool table and the views from the deck are delightful, especially on a sunny evening.
Hayden says: “I want people to realise they can come along here with family and friends and enjoy the hospitality - and the views. People can come here socially, without needing to know a thing about golf or the outdated golfing etiquette, which has kept people away from golf clubs in the past.
“A golf club shouldn’t be daunting. There’s still a perception from years ago that they are not very welcoming places. We want to be just the opposite to that.”
Hayden’s approachable manner, past experience and enthusiasm all bode well for cementing the club’s more community-focused future. He adds: ”Golf has still got a lot of traditional aspects to it, which is great in some ways. But times are moving and if there’s no flexibility in that, there’s no progress. We’re in the process of moving forward pretty quickly as a club. We’re excited about it, and we want the local community to be too.”
Waitemata Golf Club, 15 Derby Street, Devonport 09 445 8716 admin@waitematagolf.co.nz
