AT 33 years-old and simply months into his first GM’s position at Anglesea on Victoria’s surf coast, Chris Mandas represents a brand new technology of golf membership management, whereas he’s ever so grateful to have had the privilege of being mentored by business legend Peter Parks (Kooringal).
A number of individuals who have labored below Parks now maintain senior management roles within the golf membership business.
“I’m consistently studying and evolving within the position,” Chris says. “Actually, Peter Parks was the one who inspired me to go for this job at Anglesea. I used to be his operations supervisor at Kooringal and had learnt a lot from him. It gave me confidence that he thought I used to be prepared.
“However one factor he taught me was to not lock your self away within the workplace, to get out and discuss to the members daily when you can. Folks expertise are so vital on this job. You may at all times retreat to your workplace when the necessity arises. However at the start, it’s so vital to know your members and what they’re considering.
“He instilled in me the significance of balancing operational excellence with member engagement. Even when members don’t at all times agree with a choice, it’s vital they really feel heard and revered.”
Anglesea Golf Membership Normal Supervisor Chris Mandas.
Mandas took this mantra to his new job and he says it has served him effectively to this point.
After a put up faculty profession within the resort business – he’s been out of pubs for 10 years – Mandas says he’s blessed to be working in golf.
“It’s a dream job to be driving to Anglesea (he lives in Geelong) daily and work in these lovely surrounds.”
The membership of 850 is within the older demographic and the par 73 course is difficult sufficient. The course’s elevation and format imply that many gamers, notably guests, select to make use of carts.
The course can also be open to inexperienced charge gamers and is actually a part of a vacationer nationwide and worldwide vacation spot due to the proximity of the heritage listed 12 Apostles and the abundance of kangaroos resident on the property.
“We truly conduct official kangaroo excursions,” Chris says.
“We’re having our 80,000th Kangaroo Tour go to in December which is a exceptional achievement, showcasing how widespread the excursions are.
“However when you find yourself enjoying golf it’s so peaceable with the kangaroos on one aspect and natural world in every single place. It’s an important expertise.”
A excessive marker himself – “it’s humorous simply because you’re a golf GM everybody thinks you’re mechanically an excellent participant,” he laughs. “It’s actually not the case for me.”
“I like being out on the course, nonetheless I additionally get pleasure from enjoying at different golf equipment. It helps me perceive how totally different programs function and provides me useful perception into how different golf equipment run.”
Chris admits he’s no skilled in the case of the nuances of the sport and course upkeep. However he’s once more lucky to have head skilled Steve Lipovas and Brett Balloch, a revered course tremendous, supporting him. Balloch has been at Anglesea for 33 years.
“He’s very revered amongst golf course superintendents and has held senior roles with ASTMA – the course superintendents’ nationwide physique,” Chris says.
Anglesea is in good fingers.
