The 59club Team
Founder & CEO
Simon Wordsworth
Managing Director Mark Reed
Global Operations Manager
Tom Lynch
Global Franchise Manager
Sarah-Jane Shepherd
Marketing Manager Sarah Connelly
Lead Designer Dave Hare-Henriksen
Marketing Assistant
Grace Maria Henderson
Development Manager
Rob Williams
Social 59club @59club1 @59club @59clubhq
Email info@59club.com
59club HQ Address
Suite A, The White House
93a Lichfield Street
Tamworth
Staffordshire
B79 7QF
UK
At 59club, we’re proud to be recognised as the global authority in customer service benchmarking, training and performance management, supporting the finest leaders and most prestigious properties in the world of golf and hospitality to elevate every stage of their customer journey.
In this special edition, we shift the spotlight from data to celebration, honouring the outstanding success of our 59club flag venues and the high-performing individuals who continue to set new benchmarks around the globe.
You’ll also discover the story behind our very first Global Service Excellence Awards (see page 47), where we bring together clubs and their leaders from different continents to recognise achievement and share inspiration.
What unites these industry leaders? While their venues vary greatly in location, size and style, there are some striking similarities that bind them:
A deep awareness of the power of data understanding that leading with insight is the most effective way to manage up, across and down
A competitive spirit whether driving internal performance or benchmarking against peers, they’re motivated to constantly improve
A thirst for knowledge they want to know more, plan ahead and make informed decisions that shape future success
And above all, they act turning insights into impact through decisive leadership
This edition is a celebration of that action and of the people behind it.
Whether you’re a long-standing partner or discovering 59club for the first time, know that our door is always open. We’re here to support anyone with the ambition to raise standards, drive performance and deliver excellence.
Enjoy the read – and here’s to setting even higher standards together.
Simon Wordsworth Founder & CEO, 59club
Turtleson blends the sophistication of classic menswear and ladieswear with the ease of modern performance. Designed for refined settings, crafted for everyday comfort, and trusted by those who value understated excellence.
After years of recognising and rewarding service excellence across our 10 regional divisions, 59club is proud to launch its firstever Global Service Excellence Awards - a landmark event that will unite the world’s finest-performing properties and industry leaders under one roof.
Taking place on August 25 and 26 at the worldrenowned Belfry Hotel & Resort in the UK, this prestigious event brings together a global community of excellence.
Regional Manager of the Year winners in Golf Operations, Food & Beverage, Retail, Agronomy and Club Management will go head-to-head with their peers, alongside all 59club Gold Flag bearing properties from across the USA, Canada, UK & Ireland, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand.
Built on the foundation of 59club’s impartial mystery shopping audits and objective benchmarking criteria, these awards represent the pinnacle of service excellence in golf, leisure and hospitality.
The Global Awards experience will include high-level networking, a curated education programme, the awards ceremony itself and the opportunity to play The Brabazon - just days after it hosts the Betfred British Masters.
With elite venues and individuals from around the world in attendance, this is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful statement: that the future of our industry is rooted in shared ambition, service innovation and global collaboration - to elevate the game for the benefit of shareholders, employees, partners and guests alike.
Recognised as the most outstanding operators in their regions, these Club Managers have elevated their facilities to new heights. Through clarity of vision and operational mastery, they have consistently delivered success across service, sales, and strategic leadership.
These Club Managers have not only risen to the top – they’ve redefined what regional excellence in golf operations looks like.
They are the driving force behind seamless dayto-day execution, long-term vision and cultural strength within their clubs.
David Ashington
General Manager Costa Navarino
This award is a reflection of the amazing team I have the privilege to work with every day here across our four golf courses. Their passion, professionalism and commitment to delivering outstanding experiences are what make this recognition possible. I also want to thank 59club for their continued efforts to raise standards across our industry. It’s a proud moment, and I’m truly grateful to be acknowledged among so many dedicated and talented professionals.
Whether it’s staffing, budgeting, customer satisfaction or facility development, they lead with clarity, compassion and commercial acumen.
They are tireless problem-solvers, reliable team-builders and trusted figures within their communities.
Importantly, this recognition focusses on what they control directly - from the clubhouse to the locker room and every operational function in between. They are more than managersthey are the architects of regional success and custodians of their club’s future.
James Durkin Golf Operations Manager Vattanac
We place a strong emphasis on continuous improvement – aware that we are compared to other resorts in Cambodia and established golf destinations across Asia and beyond. To stay competitive, we rely heavily on performance measurement and benchmarking. By working with 59club and the data it provides, we can deliver more targeted, meaningful training that supports our ambition to maintain and grow our reputation as one of Asia’s premier golf destinations.
Jeff S. Krohn Executive Vice President Cabot Managed Properties
The Cascata team is very proud of being recognised by 59club in these latest awards.
The team always take great pride in the guest experience they provide and are using the data gained by 59club to improve that experience. Continuous improvement is the key – both to delivering amazing experiences and also to our team’s success in this area.
• Jeff’s response is on behalf of Andy Elliot
Tom West Head of Golf Rockliffe Hall
In 2024, we had a large shift in staff. We were delighted to offer multiple promotions from within, and we worked very hard to push forward, which has taken our Operations Team performance to another level. Our use of 59club data from visits and benchmarks for our Gold Flag and Eminent Collection status mean our team are now more empowered to make our customers’ experiences the best they can. We use the data throughout staff training, development and general team discussions.
Sean O’Regan Group Golf Operations Manager
The Heron
The data I receive from mystery shoppers has significantly influenced the goals I set for my team. This information is crucial for guiding performance reviews and helps me identify both strengths and areas for development. It ensures I can effectively motivate the team to uphold high standards and continually improve. With the support from James and the team at 59club, it’s easy to understand where we can focus our efforts to be better every day.
Joel Westwell Director of Golf
The Grove
The insights from industry specialists are invaluable because they are tailored to the golf environment. They bring credibility when discussing standards and offer best practice examples from other top venues. Their feedback highlights both the positives and the opportunities, which holds us accountable, provides a learning platform to train and develop our team to showcase us effectively and supports us to deliver the most welcoming, worldclass experience in golf.
Steven Young Director of Golf Fairmont Banff Springs
The team is how we win. A lot of effort is put into knowing what makes up a great team and then intentionally finding and retaining the right people to work at our facility. We take the time to on-board, train and encourage our team to service the guests while the leaders service the colleagues. We win as a team and we support each other - helping those who might need help and having all-stars who make everyone better. As a team we soar higher, farther and together.
These award-winning Golf Operations Teams have delivered the finest service experiences in their region - on and off the course. From arrival to the 18th green, their dedication to excellence defines the gold standard in golf hospitality.
This award celebrates the very best front-line teams in golf operations - those who ensure that every golfer’s experience is seamless, professional and enjoyable from start to finish.
These regional winners have impressed across all touchpoints, including registration, locker rooms, the golf shop, practice areas and oncourse services.
Chloe Borders Head Golf Professional Silver Lakes
Our team’s guest focus has been guided by the principle of treating guests as we would like to be treated, ensuring their needs are met with empathy and professionalism. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment in every interaction. This approach helps us build trust, foster positive relationships and deliver a consistently high level of service that reflects our commitment to excellent guest experiences.
They are welcoming, knowledgeable and proactive - going above and beyond to create a relaxed yet high-functioning environment.
Whether it’s anticipating guest needs, managing pace of play or simply providing a warm smile, their contribution is felt at every moment of the golfer’s journey.
It’s not just service - it’s orchestrated excellence, delivered by teams who love what they do and do it exceptionally well.
These operations professionals are the heartbeat of the golf experience, and in their regions, no team does it better.
Franco Botha Director of Golf Operations Jumeirah Golf Estates
Data from reviews and member surveys helps us better understand how we’re serving our global community, guiding team discussions and performance reviews by highlighting strengths and areas to improve. We aim to create an open culture where feedback is shared regularly. These conversations help us reflect and identify new growth opportunities. With data as our guide, we work together to enhance the experience we offer to members and guests.
David Hogben Club Manager
Links Golf and Wellbeing
We embed a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open feedback, leveraging data-driven insights from 59club and empowering our team to innovate daily. Regular training, collaborative goalsetting and celebrating small wins keep us sharp, ensuring every member and guest interaction sparkles. This ongoing pursuit of excellence drives our operations, creating a world-class experience that elevates golf and wellbeing for all who visit our awardwinning club.
Cameron Pipe Golf Operations Manager
Rockliffe Hall
The 59club criteria give us a structured, effective path forward. It helps us tighten shift patterns, gather valuable guest feedback in a five-star manner and refine our daily operations. What makes it powerful is its flexibility—it adapts to our way of working. But most importantly, the regular assessments keep us sharp, motivated and always striving to improve. It’s not just about meeting standards - it’s about pushing ourselves to deliver the best possible guest experience.
Sean O’Regan
Group Golf Operations Manager The Heron
At The Heron, our focus is to be memorable for the service we offer and to build a strong reputation around it.
Everyone is working toward the same goal, while the freedom to personalise our Standard Operating Procedures is designed to empower the team to deliver genuine, stand-out service.
Developing a culture of accountability and open communication is essential and it is how we get one per cent better every day at The Heron.
Andrew Szewczuk Head Pro/Ops Manager Fairmont Banff Springs
We believe elite customer experience stems from consistency, accountability and a culture of excellence. Partnering with 59Club has helped us turn guest feedback and mystery shopper data into actionable strategies. We’ve implemented targeted training and service enhancements based on measurable insights. This ongoing commitment has created a guestfirst environment where expectations are exceeded, not just met.
Sukum Phongprateep Golf Club Manager Nikanti
We encourage word of mouth by focussing on service that consistently exceeds expectations. We believe a truly memorable experience speaks for itself. Our mission is to delight each guest – to create their personal ‘wow’ – so they naturally share it with others. Through genuine care, forward thinking and purposeful action, our approach ensures visits leave a lasting impression and an emotional connection that inspires guests to return, spread the word and invite others.
Ben Thompson
Head of Golf Operations
The Grove
We are deeply committed to fostering a genuinely customer-first culture, demonstrated by our attentive and welcoming staff who ensure every guest feels valued from the moment they arrive – whether through valet parking, our facilities or thoughtful touches throughout the guest journey. We pride ourselves on delivering consistently high standards across all aspects of the experience, ensuring every guest enjoys a world-class, memorable visit.
These Superintendents have crafted some of the most breathtaking golf course conditions in their regions. Through precision, innovation and dedication, they’ve created championship-quality experiences that leave a lasting impression on every golfer who walks their fairways.
Each has mastered the balance between science and sustainability, data and intuition, leading teams that maintain world-class course conditions in the face of weather, traffic and operational pressure. They meticulously manage resources, embrace innovation and solve problems with agility and foresight – ensuring every green rolls true.
These individuals are strategic leaders, setting benchmarks for excellence while mentoring future talent. Their courses have become showcases of agronomic success and playability, drawing praise from members, guests and the broader golf community.
Matt Aplin Course Manager Goring & Streatley
External feedback and mystery shops have 100 per cent changed the way we operate. The in-depth reports mean we now have a real focus on areas that we didn’t before. The team have more accountability for their areas of work and this has seen an uplift in their performance and pride in their work. We are now a united team and standards have improved year on year, with the scores reflecting this. 59club have been integral to this and will continue to be as we move forwards.
Mike Bush
Group Course Manager St Mellion
To provide the best product consistently day in, day out requires a motivated, skilled team who consistently show up. Using the 59club mystery shop criteria as a consistent framework to work within, along with the insightful scoring system, provides a valuable benchmarking tool to help continually motivate the whole team. There is a real sense of unity in the team when reviewing our latest scores. Goal setting, competitiveness and a real desire to be the best is shared among us.
Russell Anderson Course Manager
The
Scandinavian
I used golf green health indexing data to challenge assumptions and show that managing organic levels and maintaining agronomic balance produced more sustainable, high-performing greens. The data validated our maintenance strategy and informed future planning. This active use of data helped align key stakeholders around a factbased approach to green management, shifting the focus from tradition to measurable indicators of health and performance.
Joshua Cook Director of Maintenence Ross Bridge
We drive home repeatedly to our staff that our No 1 priority is their safety. This focus is often around operation of equipment, decision making and preparing and educating our team so they do not get hurt. However, we are also building an atmosphere where team members feel safe to acknowledge challenges and hardship. There will always be a place for toughness and determination, but this shouldn’t preclude any of us from asking for help.
Martin Lehane
Golf Course Superintendent Mount Juliet
Our greenkeeping team are always striving to raise their levels and the course condition for our guests and members daily. With regular feedback and visits to the Estate, we always have a benchmark as to where we are positioned domestically and globally to continue to motivate the team. The 2023 nomination was something that I and the team responded to and provided a vision for 2024, and now, as Manager of the Year, head towards another Tournament-hosting year at the Estate in 2025.
Matthew Perry
Golf Course Superintendent
The Emirates
We have adopted a thorough review of the 59club results each month with key members of the team and they have really felt empowered to make changes and keep standards high and consistent throughout the year. When a good result month comes in, they see for themselves the areas they have contributed to, and this is huge motivation for them. Overall, the accountability has increased throughout the team and the courses have benefitted as a result.
Anthony Mills
Golf Course Superintendent
The Lakes
I’ve used 59club’s mystery shopping report to gain an objective view of our course. One area highlighted is the communication between the grounds team and pro shop, which can help avoid any surprises for players. Other areas highlighted the little things that are easy to miss, such as the condition of the flag sticks, location of the tee markers and presentation of paths and ball washers. It’s this attention to detail required if we want to be one of the best destination golf courses in Sydney.
Brad Revill Director Course Maintenance Nikanti
I’m honoured to receive this award on behalf of our incredible team. Our vision is centred on delivering a guest experience that consistently exceeds expectations. Through a strong culture of innovation and continual data-driven analysis, we aim to produce the highest standards of course conditioning. Every decision is guided by how it will impact the guests, and by aligning our agronomic practices with the guest experience, we remain true to Nikanti’s pursuit of excellence.
Dean O’Doherty Superintendent La Vallee du Richelieu
The maintenance side of our industry has faced a significant labour shortage in recent years. To address this, we expanded our search internationally and, over the past three years, welcomed employees from Haiti and Morocco. My challenge was not only to integrate them into the team but also to train and equip them with the tools needed to succeed. Their dedication and growth have made them an essential part of our crew and a key factor in our team’s ongoing success.
Kurt Schulenburg
Head Superintendent Long Reef
59club’s mystery shopping report has provided a fresh perspective on our course. One area with detailed feedback was the first tee presentation, highlighting its critical role in setting the scene for the golfer’s day. By ensuring the area is clean, tidy and impeccably presented, we’ve elevated our attention to detail and created a welcoming, professional first impression, significantly improving the overall golfer experience and reinforcing Long Reef’s reputation for excellence.
These managers have redefined retail within golf, delivering standout shopping experiences that lead their region. With sharp product insight, team energy and sales drive, they’ve built retail spaces that are both profitable and a joy to visit.
This year’s award-winning Retail Managers have created some of the most exciting and effective golf retail environments in their regions. Each has delivered a well-managed, visually impactful retail journey - from product curation to floor design. Their deep product knowledge and sharp merchandising sense ensure every item is placed with purpose and sold with confidence.
Carmen Laguna Pro Shop & Events Manager Son Muntaner
Mystery audits and guest surveys exposed gaps we hadn’t seen. We transformed that feedback into training themes and operational tweaks. One key shift: empowering frontline staff to close service loops autonomously. As a result, guest feedback has become faster, more specific and more positive. These insights helped us see from the guest’s perspective. For me, external input isn’t a score - it’s a strategic tool for refining standards and evolving our service culture daily.
They lead dynamic teams with energy and purpose, consistently driving strong sales and enhancing the member experience.
Whether it’s apparel, equipment or accessories, these managers understand the nuances of their customer base and the importance of seasonality, trends and service.
Their shops are not just commercial spaces -they’re hubs of style, convenience and excellence.
These retail leaders have brought their club’s brand to life in-store, setting the regional gold standard for retail in golf.
Minh Anh Assistant Proshop Manager
Laguna Lăng Cô
I always want to create great experiences for guests along with thoughtful, hospitable service. The pro shop is the first and last place guests visit, making the experience we create exceptionally important. We are very proactive in soliciting feedback and have been able to use it to understand their needs. Along with our continued learning from using 59club, we are more consistent with our service, connect with guests more deeply and ensure their entire journey is the highest level.
Chris Cauthen PGA Head Golf Professional Westhaven
Our goal has always been to blend Southern hospitality with premium retail experiences. Working with 59club sharpened our understanding of the guest journey, giving us the tools to translate brand story into emotional connection. From layout flow to product curation and staff engagement, every element now aligns to deliver a warm, upscale and purposeful retail atmosphere. This award is a testament to our team’s passion and our culture of continuous elevation.
Love Head Professional Coolangatta & Tweed Heads
I’m honoured to lead the pro shop. We keep staff focussed on the customer journey through regular 59club-driven training, emphasising personalised service, active listening and anticipating guest needs. Weekly team huddles reinforce our commitment to creating memorable experiences, from expert club fittings to tailored coaching. By fostering a passion for golf and hospitality, we ensure every interaction leaves guests feeling valued and eager to return to our vibrant club.
Sumit Pariyar Sales Associate Al Hamra
The eGolf Megastore remains dedicated to a customer-first approach, consistently enhancing service and experience. Earning Retail Store of the Year is testament to our commitment to excellence. Our team has prioritised personalised one-on-one engagement, expanded product selections and utilised valuable insights from 59club’s guest experience survey to refine our offerings, and the team ensure golfers receive expert guidance and toptier service.
John Dwyer
Head PGA Professional
Royal Dublin
Ireland is renowned for its friendliness and welcoming approach and that is our main goal in terms of customer service. Highlighting the traditions of the oldest club in Dublin yet keeping in line with modern expectations are all part of the visitor experience. Working with 59club has helped us learn how to get that message across and aim for standards we once thought may not be achievable. Going forward we have now set a standard for new team members to aim for.
Paul Thomas
PGA Head Professional Newport
Nine years ago I set out to create a team who were highly motivated and had the key personality traits to deliver my goal of exceeding our customers’ expectations. I allow staff to grow into their roles and give them the freedom to express themselves in the knowledge that their ideas are always valued. Each team member plays a crucial role in our dayto-day operations and we have developed a culture of continual improvement and learning. I’m very proud of what we have achieved.
PGA Head Professional Filton
I’ve consistently set high standards for myself, always striving to deliver the very best in customer service to both our members and guests. Winning this award stands out as the proudest moment of my career so far. It’s a tremendous honour and one that inspires me to continue developing my business and building strong relationships within the golf retail industry. I’m genuinely honoured to be recognised on a global stage alongside so many outstanding professionals in our field.
Chris Ward Retail Manager Shaughnessy
We positively affect our customer referrals and customer experience by keeping the conversation to what’s new rather than what’s on sale. We do this by training our staff on key focus areas. We are constantly changing the placement of items and switching up our hightraffic areas weekly. Our team is very keen to create a story behind the products. Whether highlighting a holiday, a major, or a member event, we are always looking for unique ways to draw people in.
Delivering the finest dining experiences in their region, our Food & Beverage Managers have mastered hospitality, ambience and revenue performance. Their leadership has turned every meal - before or after golf - into a highlight of the club experience.
This year’s winners have set a new benchmark for food and beverage excellence across their regions. Under their leadership, dining has become an integral part of the golf experienceknown for impeccable service, elegant settings and thoughtfully curated menus.
Each has built high-performing teams who understand the importance of upselling
Peggy Cheung
Restaurant
Manager
The Clearwater Bay
This accolade reflects the dedication of our incredible team and management. We focus on creating meaningful guest interactions through personalised service, enhancing satisfaction and increasing return visits. Our goal is effective communication and continuous improvement by valuing feedback. I am profoundly grateful to 59club for their invaluable insights and unwavering support, guiding us on our journey toward unparalleled excellence in hospitality.
without compromising guest satisfaction, delivering both financial success and memorable moments.
They’ve forged strong supplier relationships, elevated standards and created environments where members and visitors alike feel truly valued.
Whether through pre-round breakfasts, aprèsgolf beverages or signature dining events, their touch is evident in every detail.
These Food & Beverage Managers have turned their operations into destinations in their own right - truly among the best in golf hospitality.
Eddie Devane
Clubhouse Manager
Mount Juliet
As F&B Manager of the Year, my team deliver our ethos and culture while providing the ultimate culinary experience for our guests. Having the input from all the team, regarding adaptions to menus and service improvements, encourages a one-team model, allowing us to look after our guests’ needs in a smoother manner. Mystery shops allow us to develop the experience across the full golf and dining offerings and we look forward to seeing the feedback as a team.
Jade Henderson
Hospitality Manager
The Lakes
Our team maintains focus on the customer journey through guidance and ongoing training and development and we strive to make our service fun, friendly and genuine. We encourage feedback to promote continuous learning and improvement and everyone is encouraged to make suggestions to enhance daily operations. We have developed our standard operating procedures together and identified key service moments to create a more memorable experience.
Director of Food & Beverage Westhaven
We have dedicated ourselves to elevating the dining experience for members. The team presents restaurantquality dishes featuring top-notch ingredients. The commitment to personalised, attentive service fosters a welcoming atmosphere for all. In addition, the club launched a Wine Club designed to introduce members to niche, hard-to-find, unique wines. We continually strive to set the standard for exceptional food, beverage and service experiences.
Restaurant Manager Saadiyat Beach
Participation with 59club has provided us with valuable insights, enhanced our F&B perspective and boosted individual confidence, and I am grateful to be designated the 2024 F&B Service Excellence Winner. I ensure that my team is wellinformed about company goals and expectations, and I strive to serve as a role model. I conduct daily briefings that promote a positive mindset, and I recognise contributions through immediate rewards and promotions.
Food & Beverage Manager
Mad River
Our team feels empowered to make choices that elevate member service. They actively seek opportunities for improvement and share ideas. Team members ask questions, share knowledge and work together to find solutions. They reach out for guidance, document best practices and train each other. This culture of openness and shared responsibility fosters continuous improvement and ensures we deliver the best possible experience to our members.
Food & Beverage Manager
The Dutch
Great service starts long before a plate hits the table. This year, we’ve focussed on listening to our members – not just taking orders but understanding their wishes. It’s in the timing, the tone and the details. We’ve shifted from serving to hosting. A mindset that creates calm, flow and comfort. Members don’t need to see how much thought goes into it. They just need to feel it. When they do, that’s when you know it’s right. Members feel valued, recognised and at home.
Food & Beverage Manager
Long Ashton
We stay true to oldschool hospitality values, with a modern twist. Whether it’s our menu or service approach, the focus is always on delivering exceptional experiences. For us, great service isn’t optional, it’s the foundation of everything. What sets us apart is the passion of our team: individuals who strive to be their best every day. That mindset creates something special, not just for our members, but for our overall experience as a club.
F&B Team
Mark Bierton, General Manager Knebworth
We’ve focussed on embedding a customerfirst mindset into every touchpoint of the member and guest journey. By refining service standards, increasing face-to-face engagement and listening actively to feedback, we’ve seen a noticeable uplift in satisfaction and loyalty. Regular team huddles keep customer insight front and centre, ensuring each interaction feels personal, valued and professional. It’s about consistency, care and exceeding expectations –every time.
Celebrating the very best performing Leaders & Properties who have achieved the highest long-serving standards of cutomer excellence.
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Club de Golf Alcanada The Celtic Manor Resort
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
The Els Club, Dubai
Emirates Golf Club
Foxhills Club & Resort
Frilford Heath
Gleneagles
Golf Son Muntaner The Grove
Jumeirah Golf Estates
The Mere Golf Resort & Spa
Mount Juliet Estate
Rockliffe Hall
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Chris Geraghty Managing Partner chrisg@59club.com
As the Managing Partner & General Manager of 59club Asia, I am a seasoned operator, having experience in hotel, resort, F&B and golf contexts.
The roles I have held include General Manager positions for Troon Golf in facilities in North Africa, The GCC and, most recently, south-east Asia.
The tools and resources that 59club use are extremely familiar to me, having been a customer myself for many years prior to joining the company at the end of 2024.
During my career, I have achieved a total of five Gold Flags and was recognised with the coveted Golf Manager of the Year Award for Asia in 2023, perfectly positioning me to support client venues throughout the region to maximise the value of working alongside 59club.
Guest and Member experiences throughout Asia are known to be among the highest in any region, and 59club Asia is the perfect resource to supplement efforts of management teams to deliver service of the highest level and to recognise those high-performing individuals, teams and businesses.
Will Hewitt, General Manager of 59club UK, is involved in the Asia business and is ensuring 59club’s exceptionally high service standards are implemented throughout the region, bringing his significant experience from 59club and big names such as Celtic Manor, Marriott and David Lloyd Clubs to support client venues in Asia.
Chris Geraghty
Thailand
Aquella sets a new benchmark for luxury living and sport, complimented by famed Thai hospitality. Our 59club Gold Flag reflects our commitment to deliver a warm welcome, care and memorable golf experiences.
Jack Wong, General Manager
Thailand
The Nikanti team’s vision is to WOW everyone with extraordinary experiences. Knowing that every detail can spark joy, build loyalty and set new standards motivates us to keep learning, refining and exceeding expectations.
Warissara Sasomsub, Managing Director
Hong Kong
We have worked hard the past year with the staff focussing on the customers’ experience, making sure we are going beyond their expectation by giving a great experience from the moment they arrive at the club.
Grant Gibson, Assistant Director of Golf
Vattanac exemplifies excellence through its award-winning courses, visionary design and unwavering dedication to world-class service. The facility is consistently recognised as Cambodia’s premier golf destination.
Damian McHugh, General Manager
Bangkok
Thailand
Laguna Golf Phuket
Thailand
Laguna Lang Co
Vietnam
Riverdale
Thailand
Thana
Thailand
Sam
Hughes
General
Manager
sam@59clubau-nz.com
Alistair Wright
Regional
Manager
alistair@59clubau-nz.com
As General Manager of 59club Australia & New Zealand, I am proud to lead our mission in a region renowned for its vibrant hospitality, golf and leisure industries. This dynamic market, rich in tourism and sporting culture, demands unparalleled customer service to meet the expectations of discerning guests.
Our goal is to be the leading Customer Service Excellence company in Australia and New Zealand and foster a culture of continuous improvement. We aim to provide the best actionable insights available, empowering our partners with precise, data-driven tools to elevate member and guest experiences, and strive to transform operational standards, using mystery shopping, surveys and training programmes to ensure every interaction exceeds expectations.
With the appointment of new Regional Manager, Alistair Wright, we can partner with more venues to refine their service delivery and boost profitability. 59club is uniquely positioned to drive excellence, helping our partners stand out in a competitive market. Together, we’ll shape the future of customer service, delivering unforgettable moments across Australia and New Zealand.
Australia
We are proud of our 59club Gold Flag designation. The invaluable data and staff training delivered has been used in elevating service standards for all Members and Guests to ensure an unrivalled golfing experience.
Kate Shanks, Executive General Manager
The Lakes
Australia
Sam Hughes
I’m proud of the team to earn our 59club Gold Flag. Our member and guest engagement is continually being improved, with 59club data driving refined staff interactions to create warmer, more personalised experiences.
Matt Olson, General Manager
Links Golf & Wellbeing
Australia
I’m thrilled with our 59club Gold Flag designation. We leverage 59club’s data to guide targeted staff training and departmental reviews, ensuring exceptional service and elevating the member and guest experience.
David Hogben, Club Manager
Glenelg Australia
Sandhurst Australia
13th Beach Australia
Noosa Springs Australia
Ryan Tracy Managing Partner ryan.tracy@59club.com
Paddy Kelly Director of Operations paddy@59clubcanada.com
As 59club Canada enters its fourth season, Paddy and I are more excited than ever to energise our market through hospitality with an increased focus on curiosity and connection.
Despite some industry leaders being cautious about the boom in golf in Canada, we are confident in 59club’s approach of measure-train-support, believing that clubs making the strongest impressions through strong Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), will bulletproof their culture and meet their goals year-over-year.
Recognising that it is the people – not just the amenities – that make the difference, we have been meeting with more frontline staff each year. Our goal is to guide staff from “handshake to hug” with their members, guests, golfers and clients – a journey we believe hinges on authentic questioning to build trust and understand what that customer wants.
Golfers will join, or play, a course for one reason but return for another – almost always because of the people who push an experience above and beyond. At the end of the day, what gets measured gets managed.
Paddy Kelly
Ryan Tracy
59club, with their mystery guest programme, certainly helped us improve our goal to consistently deliver service excellence to our members. Winning this award is a culmination of our hard work.
Andreas Spove, General Manager
The remarkable achievement of receiving the 59club Gold Flag Award reflects our mission – Great People Create Great Experiences – and fuels our continued journey of excellence through dedicated training and innovation.
Daniel Beauregard, COO
Club de Golf Vallee du Richelieu
Canada
With significant investments in recent seasons and the invaluable support of 59club, we’ve enhanced the experience for our members, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Martin Boucher, General Manager
Donalda
Canada
Canada
With 59club, we can detect areas of improvement and consistency that create the best possible member, guest and employee experience. We are proud of our 59club distinction and aim to retain it year after year.
Michael Horsley, General Manager
I believe our success is due to all colleagues having the same end goal of serving the guest. The standards, results and follow-up dialogue with 59club have been a big part of measuring the experience and receiving feedback.
Steve Young, Director of Golf
Mickelson National
Canada
Since partnering with 59club, we can identify opportunities, assess performance and celebrate successes with our team, members, and guests. With Mentor, we have focussed on bigger and wider goals benefitting all our KPIs.
Miles Mortensen, General Manager
External feedback from 59club shows we are delivering elevated service, validating our efforts and showing our commitment to excellence. It also highlights where we can grow, helping us focus our training and development.
Gary Ward, General Manager/COO
Canada
Canada
With 59club’s guidance and tools, we’ve been able to measure, manage, and elevate our service delivery. Their support has helped us align our team behind consistent standards and track our progress.
Ryan Woods, General Manager
Sarnia Canada
Our status as a Gold Flag venue is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. 59club’s products allow us to gauge our performance while learning where improvements can be had.
Oshawa Golf & Curling Club
With 59club’s expert guidance, we proudly achieved Gold Flag status—an honour reflecting our elevated service standards and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional golf experience.
Glenn Phillips, COO/General Manager
We pride ourselves on exceptional member experiences, and with two departments nominated for national awards, and receiving the Gold Flag award for the club, I couldn’t be happier for our team.
Greg Richardson, General Manager
Brian Mossop, GM/COO Shaughnessy
We strive to provide outstanding service and offerings to our members and their guests. Our Gold Flag status represents our commitment to providing a best-of-the-best experience that focuses on maximising every touch point.
The Club at North Halton Canada
The Derrick Canada
Measuring our delivery of product and services has focused our brand standards. Our focus on our “Three Es” (Empathy, Energy, Entertainment) helps our team make good decisions in our service environment.
Hendrick van der Geld, General Manager
Victoria Canada
We take pride in our history while shaping a vibrant future. The Gold Flag from 59club reflects our commitment to excellence, respect for our past and continuously enhancing our member experience for the next generation.
Richard Ingle, General Manager
The Derrick Club is a first-class private golf, fitness and social club that is part of a thriving community. A home away from home, we enrich the lives of our members by providing exceptional facilities and services.
Chris Toma, General Manager/COO
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Canada
Black Bear Ridge Canada
Mckenzie Meadows Canada
Lee Mathew Waggott General Manager lee@59club.com
Pedro Bibiloni Iso Operations Manager pedro@59club.com
59club Europe South supports venues across the southern belt of Europe, from Portugal to Cyprus, with a strong, localised presence. Our base in Spain allows us to provide excellent support throughout our region and fully deliver on the 59club mantra: “Measure, Train, Support.” Over the last year, nearly 2,000 employees attended training sessions and we welcomed over 30 new partners.
Our newly appointed Operations Manager, Pedro Bibiloni Iso, brings over a decade of experience in hotels, golf and hospitality and has a deep passion for guest experience and operational excellence. And while golf remains at the core of what we do, we’re also working more and more with hotels, leisure venues and other bespoke service-driven industries.
Partnering with 59club Europe South means access to industry-leading data, practical insights and tools that drive performance and success. As experienceled travel grows, the ability to manage and enhance the guest journey is more important than ever. We’re excited to continue supporting our partners and look forward to helping shape even greater experiences in the future.
Our new approach to customer service places guests at the heart of the experience from arrival. For example, we recently opened our new bag drop and welcome area and are building a new starter hut.
Miguel Girbes, Director of Golf & Sports
Lee Mathew Waggott
Thanks to 59club, we have changed the team’s mindset to focus on creating experiences for our visitors and members. Every small detail affects their journey, and it is the only way to create new ambassadors around the world.
Flavio Papa, Director of Golf
Costa Navarino
Greece
Achieving the 59club Gold Flag is a proud moment and a distinguished accolade. With so few venues worldwide achieving such status, this recognition reflects our team’s dedication to excellence and exceptional service.
David Ashington, General Manager Golf
Alcanada
Spain
Esbjerg
Denmark
Estonian
Estonia
Golf de Andratx
Spain
Infinitum
Spain
La Hacienda Links
Spain
Le Touquet
France
Ljunghusens
Sweden
Pickala
Finland
Pula
Spain
Quinta do Lago
Portugal
Son Vida
Spain
Finca Cortesin
Spain
The Gold Flag award honours our team’s professionalism and teamwork. 59club’s data-driven insights inspire and guide us in consistently delivering exceptional service to the highest industry standards.
Jose Ignacio Olea Zorita, Director of Golf
to 59club Insights Digital Editions
blog.59club.com/59club-insights-magazine-2
Maxence Boireau Managing Partner maxence@59club.com
Colin Bosio Marketing Manager colin@59club.com
The 59club Europe West & North Africa team stands as a uniquely powerful asset, deeply embedded within the specific dynamics of this diverse region, and our geographical spread represents a tangible understanding and proven experience across key industry drivers.
Our primary goal is to drive sustainable growth and enhance customer experience for our clients. We achieve this through building strong, long-term partnerships that deliver lasting positive outcomes and significant ROI. Our focus is on creating enduring value and a clear competitive advantage for our partners.
The escalating demand for premium services, coupled with the universal need for superior customer service, presents a clear pathway for growth.
Colin and I are confident in our ability to continue driving success for our partners within these regions. By partnering with us, you gain a team with clear regional understanding, a proven track record of delivering results and a strategic vision to maximise opportunities. Our focussed expertise ensures we are a valuable asset in achieving your strategic objectives.
Being recognised for our customer experience means the world to our team. It’s more than golf - it’s passion, care and creating unforgettable moments. Thank you for celebrating what drives us every day.
Philippe Pilato, General Manager
Maxence Boireau
We are proud holders of the Gold Flag, a fantastic recognition of the work our teams deliver daily and a strong indicator for clients seeking a premium experience, guaranteeing them world-class standards.
Lionel Gardes-Bus, Manager
St Leon-Rot
Germany
We offer outstanding infrastructure, including two 18-hole championship courses. The club consistently delivers premium quality, striving to create a unique golfing experience with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Moritz Lampert, Club Manager
Son Muntaner
Spain
James Jewell General Manager james.jewell@59club.com
Spanning Germany, Austria, Switzerland and further into Eastern Europe, our region blends deep-rooted tradition with a slow but steady openness to innovation. In many German-speaking markets, golf continues to be seen as an exclusive pursuit. Despite a postCovid bump in participation, numbers are now declining again. Common challenges include a shortage of skilled staff (Fachkräftemangel), an aging demographic and often complex, bureaucratic decision-making processes.
Against this backdrop, 59club offers clubs a structured, data-driven approach to elevate service standards, develop staff and deliver memorable customer experiences.
My own background combines a lifelong passion for golf with a deep-rooted connection to hospitality, with both my parents working in the sector. With over 25 years of global experience in resort and club operations, I understand both the operational realities and the cultural sensitivities of the market.
A key focus is raising awareness around the strategic value of service quality. In many cases, customer service is still not viewed as a business priority – despite its proven impact.
We were proud to present a Gold Flag to the first German venue at this year’s European Service Excellence Awards – but the journey is only just getting started.
59club’s process sharpened our vision, challenged our habits and offered insights that pushed us to evolve. We’re committed to delivering service that meets - and exceeds - the highest international standards.
Bernat Llobera, Area Director of Golf
Sebastian Czyz Bendsen General Manager sebastian@59club.com
Covering Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – 59club Nordic serves a region where golf is evolving fast. Many clubs are integrating technology to support operations, helping simplify booking, check-in, course upkeep and communication. These developments are good for the game - creating more accessible, efficient club environments with limited resources and lean teams.
At the same time, we also recognise that not every club is aiming for the same future. We work with the venues that want to lead and improve. Venues who see service not as an add-on, but as a defining part of their identity. We believe that emotional connection, human empathy and attention to detail are what turn great clubs into unforgettable ones. As more elements become automated, the power of personal interaction becomes even more valuable. It’s in those key moments during the booking process – then on arrival, the pro shop experience and the restaurant – where relations, trust and loyalty are built.
59club Nordic aims to support and provide venues with the tools, insights and support to raise their standards, develop their teams and mindsets and deliver exceptional experiences. We know that only a select number of clubs are ready to go on this journey. For those who are, we’re here to help them lead the way – and redefine what excellence means.
Sebastian Czyz Bendsen
True hospitality lives in the details. We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all model. By tuning in, we create moments that feel effortless, yet precise. That’s how each experience becomes personal, consistent and truly memorable.
Phil Helsby, Managing Director
Enhanced service training, data-led insights and heartfelt hospitality have elevated experiences, boosted referrals and deepened loyalty. We craft every touchpoint around excellence, proving why we’re a Gold Flag club.
Christian Tage Nyvang Hansen, Director/CEO
Aalborg
Denmark
Emporda
Spain
Hardelot
France
Kytäjä
Finland
Linna
Finland
Marco Simone
Italy
Ombria
Portugal
Opio Valbonne
France
PGA Argentario
Italy
Roquebrune
France
Royal Palm Marrakech
Morocco
Son Quint
Spain
Valle Romano
Spain
Mark Bull General Manager mark@59clubmea.com
Sally Bull Operations Manager sally@59clubmea.com
It is my pleasure to lead the 59club Middle East & Africa business.
I have developed the region from a golf and leisure business into a restaurants, hotels and education business.
Along with my operations team, we continue to strengthen the golf brand in the region, through regular training sessions and monthly service support meetings.
The main focus of these sessions is based on interactions with not just senior management, but also the operations teams inside and outside of the clubhouse, ensuring that our established 59club best practice criteria is instilled at every touch point of a club’s customer journey.
I hope to continue the diversification into different sectors throughout 2025.
This is a powerful reminder of the flexibility and adaptability of the 59club software, supporting a range of industries in measuring their service and sales standards and bringing best practice to a thriving Middle East region.
Mark Bull
Our club proudly upholds 59club Gold Flag standards. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in world-class service, continuous improvement and structured team communication.
Rhian Lobo, Golf & Sports Manager
Abu Dhabi Al Hamra
Ras Al Khaimah
Retaining the 59club Gold Flag designation, we remain committed to delivering exceptional hospitality, guided by valuable insights to exceed expectations for members and guests.
David Habill Okach, Tournament & Membership Coordinator
By using 59club data in regular team reviews, we’ve embedded a culture of accountability and curiosity - empowering staff to proactively spot improvements, act and raise standards.
Charlyn Alunday, Membership & Marketing Executive
The desert-style design concept is similar to those found in Scottsdale, Arizona. Working with 59club, we are proud to provide the exceptional levels of service and high-quality facilities that are synonymous with their Gold Flag venues.
Darrow Thomas, Golf Operations Manager
Quality data allows us to objectively appraise our operation - focussing on key areas of shortfall and celebrating our successes when they come. Those 100 per cent ratings are always the goal.
David Taggart, Club and Residence Manager
Dubai
The team are really excited when we gather them to go through the results of recent 59club visits, which is great to see, as they all want to better each other’s previous scores and deliver the best service for the club.
Conor Rogers, Golf Operations
Dubai
By listening and paying attention to details, we’re continually striving to improve our service and facilities. Attaining a Gold Flag has pushed us to enhance our training and elevate the experience our guests have come to expect.
Elliot Rowe, Club Manager
We’ve seen a huge rise in returning customers and we offer so much more than golf. Our inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, stand-out hospitality and buzzing events create a community people want to be part of.
Thomas Rourke, General Manager
Dubai Jumeirah Golf
Dubai
Our 36-hole venue is a distinctive community for members and residents. The Gold Flag Award allows us to honour our team, showcasing tangible results for training. This platform helps us excel and identify areas for improvement.
Daniel Naudu, Club Manager
Dubai
59club helps the Gold Flag Montgomerie Dubai provide fantastic service to members and guests and the training they offer ensures we are as prepared as we can be when it comes to offering exceptional service.
Retief Tolken, Golf Operations Manager
How many national holidays is your club closed for?
How much are your clubs increasing their dues/subs in the new year?
What are your annual golf shop sales per sq./ft?
Sharing insights through bi-weekly, peer-led reports, fueled by curiosity and collaboration.
Club Study tackles the metrics that matter most—driving performance, innovation, and shared success across the golf, leisure, & hospitality industry.
Abu Dhabi
Gold Flag status is something all our clubs aspire to. It’s the industry’s universal mark of excellence, something we are enormously proud of. The course has hosted multiple Ladies European Tour and Challenge Tour events.
Martin Duff, Director of Golf
The Emirates
Dubai
Being a 59club Gold Flag facility ensures our colleagues continually deliver the highest quality service excellence. 59club’s portal, tools, reporting and benchmarking of standards allow us to remain ahead of the curve.
Nico Visser, Director of Golf
Yas Acres
Abu Dhabi
Yas Links
Abu Dhabi
59club offers venues worldwide the chance to benchmark themselves accurately and reliably against other golf clubs in a non-subjective way. This links course takes our visitors’ breath away.
Martin Duff, Director of Golf
The 59club criteria are consistent and ensure your facilities do not lose focus on all the key facets of a successful golf operation. Yas Acres undoubtedly has the best practice facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Martin Duff, Director of Golf
Meydan
Dubai
Mont Choisy
Mauritius
“It
Steve North Director of Instruction
Matt Foley Managing Director matt@powertee.com
Liam Burns liam@59club.com
Will Hewitt General Manager will@59club.com
With a reputation built on delivering insightful data and bespoke training programmes, our team is deeply passionate about enhancing service excellence. Currently, we support over 275 resorts, private clubs, health and fitness businesses and day spas across the region.
Alice Cox-Cooper alice@59club.com
Andrew Etherington andy@59club.com
James Ibbetson james@59club.com
Matt Roberts matt@59club.com
Jonny Sharp jonny@59club.com
Our team – which includes Liam Burns, Alice Cox-Cooper, James Ibbetson, Matt Roberts and Jonny Sharp – brings a wealth of experience from some of the finest hospitality venues in the UK and Middle East. Having used 59club tools first-hand in previous operational roles, they are uniquely positioned to deliver impactful training and support that drives real improvement in service standards and operational culture.
Beyond delivering industry-leading Mystery Shopping programmes and facilitating guest feedback through surveys, 59club UK and Ireland has significantly expanded its focus on training, education and networking. In 2025, we are conducting over 200 face-to-face training sessions and hosting more than 20 educational workshops. We also bring professionals together on the golf course, offering valuable opportunities to share best practices and learn from peers across the 59club community.
Now in our 15th year, 59club UK and Ireland proudly showcases a legacy of long-standing partnerships and success stories – tales of service excellence, product innovation, team development and personal growth.
With a continually expanding client base and unwavering dedication to service quality, we remain at the forefront of raising standards and shaping the future of hospitality excellence.
Will Hewitt
Ballybunion
Ireland
Ballybunion Old Course is a “bucket list” destination and the Gold Flag symbolises our commitment to excellence. It is validation of our service and guest offering, demonstrating our investment in staff, training and standards.
John Eggleston, General Manager
Carton House
Ireland
59club gives us the tools to achieve the highest of standards and deliver a quality experience. Investing in our staff is a high priority to equip them to deliver excellent customer service and help maximise revenue.
Liam McCool, Director of Golf
We have been on a new golf-focussed journey, supported by a team of experienced professionals, that has witnessed the emergence of a new world-class golf academy and being awarded a 59club Gold Flag award.
Lee Williams, General Manager
Brocket Hall England Conwy Wales
The award demonstrates to our members and visitors the excellent standards that we strive to achieve across all aspects of the facility. It is an independent validation of the service and facilities that we offer from 59club.
Matthew J Parsley, General Manager
Ireland s
The committee and staff can focus on excelling in all aspects, on the areas that are required for improvement and how we are performing against factual data to determine if we are delivering on customer expectations.
Ryan Donagher, General Manager
Crail
Scotland
Reviewing our 59club results each month is the most important factor in driving up standards of service. Our most recent member survey showed service as the most significant factor in their high levels of satisfaction.
David Roy, Club Manager
Dunbar
Scotland
Our staff are focussed on improvement. Benchmarking our progress alongside our peers helps us know how to be better. Achieving the 59club Gold Flag three years running motivates us to continue that journey to excellence.
Jacky Montgomery, Director of Golf
Scotland
Retaining our 59club Gold Flag is a wonderful achievement. By combining our team’s buy-in with the data we collect and using our customer feedback in a positive way, we have been able to elevate our golfer journey year on year.
Callum Nicoll, Director of Golf & Estates
In 2025, we have used the membership survey for the first time. The feedback received has shaped a robust survey action plan, with new initiatives already improving the member experience and feedback we are receiving.
Fraser Liston, Director of Golf
Frilford Heath
England
Understanding that we are achieving our goals, benchmarked alongside other industryleading businesses, remains a crucial ingredient in our continued drive for excellence across all facets of our operations.
Russell
Stebbings, Managing Director
59club mystery visits have provided an objective insight into how we can improve consistency of the experience we provide. We need to be aware of blind spots so that all guests receive the full Foxhills experience.
Sean Graham, Director of Golf
England Gailes Links Scotland
Using feedback from 59club visits has helped us elevate the customer experience through training and improvements to bookings and maintenance. The Gold Flag award shows our commitment to excellent customer service.
Danny Welsh, General Manager
Scotland
Our Gold Flag is symbolic of both our evolution and consistency as a business. 59club brings us validation, keeps our business honest and allows us to continually reflect, develop and improve with integrity.
Andrew Jowett, Director of Golf
Gullane
Scotland
Goodwood England
Working with 59club has enabled us to strive for industry-leading service and customer experience. To be awarded a Gold Flag two years in a row is a testament to the hard work the team put in to deliver exceptional experiences.
Gary Beves, General Manager
Hanbury Manor England
Using feedback from 59club’s industry best practice portal, we developed key initiatives to enhance the visitor welcome experience, offer on-course information on flag positions and improve our renowned caddy service.
Gordon Simpson, Secretary
Onsite 59club training highlighted the golfer’s needs. Improvements made to our guest focus include a welcome email, a smooth arrival, key information on check-in, a warm welcome from marshals and a relaxed bar environment.
Stan Power, Director of Golf & Estates
Harpenden
We’re seeing a clear shift in demand for the overall club experience from both members and guests. 59club’s industry-leading criteria have been instrumental in helping us define what makes visiting us so special.
Tom Scott, General Manager
Our dedicated team takes great pride in upholding the highest standards, reflected in our recent achievement of 59club Gold Flag status. The ongoing support from 59club has elevated our commitment to excellence.
Sarah Branton, General Manager
By listening to feedback, identifying improvement opportunities and empowering staff to exceed expectations, we’ve elevated the Hollinwell experience to Gold Flag standards.
David Holmes, General Manager & Company Secretary
To empower our staff, we hold think-tank sessions twice a month focussed on improving culture and accountability within the team, which in turn supports consistency and standout hospitality for our members and guests.
Mark Addison, General Manager
Our mission is to provide first-class facilities and service and win loyalty. Ongoing staff development, feedback-led improvements and a team-wide passion for excellence ensure every experience continually evolves.
Mark Bierton, General Manager
Long Ashton England
The Gold Flag award symbolises our relentless pursuit of excellence in the last five years, allowing us to enhance our offerings based on unbiased feedback, driving ongoing improvement and member satisfaction.
Reece Miller, General Manager
Secret shopper insights and member feedback have helped us identify blind spots, allowing us to raise standards across the board and build a culture of pride, progress and proactive service across customer interactions.
Alison Player, Membership and Sales Manager
Scotland Moor Park
England
The data we receive from our mystery shops is interrogated after every visit. Credit is given and opportunities to improve are highlighted. We have become more consistent in communicating, ensuring unity and cohesion.
Chris Fitt, Chief Executive
Mount Juliet Ireland
The data we received from working with 59club has allowed us to continuously develop and strive to go above and beyond on the guest experience. Feedback has been the key to this success across all areas of the Golf Operations.
Matt Sandercock, PGA Director of Golf
Newport Wales
Our team wholeheartedly adopts the ‘betternever-stops’ mindset and strives to refine our processes, elevate member experiences and exceed expectations. We are proactive, embrace feedback and encourage innovation.
Rhys Morgan, Club Manager
Barnham Broom
England
Belton Woods
England
Bowood
England
Branston
England
Cameron House
Scotland
Castle Royle
England
China Fleet
England
Clevedon
England
Copt Heath
England
Dunston Hall
England
East Herts
England
Enville
England
Essendon
England
Filton
England
Goring & Streatley
England
Goswick
England
Hesketh
England
Scotland
Our partnership with 59club has been critical in the development of our visitor experience and brand awareness. Their objective data and industry benchmarks have guided our continuous improvement.
David Brodie, General Manager
Northern Ireland
Our team has listened to member feedback, enhanced visitor experiences and consistently gone the extra mile to ensure every guest feels valued and appreciated.
Kirsty Murray-Whelan, Golf Sales and Marketing Manager
Redditch
England Richmond England
Through our partnership with 59club, we gain valuable insights and feedback on the whole customer journey, enabling us to refine and elevate the overall experience for visitors. This is reflected in our Gold Flag award.
James Harrison, General Manager
The structure of the regular mystery audits and the detailed reports they generate have allowed us to clearly identify our strengths and weaknesses and achieve our desired outcome –consistently high levels of service at all times..
Frankie O’Donnell, Deputy General Manager
Rockliffe Hall
England
By using the impartial data, we have evolved our team to push the boundary of better service and address weak spots, all towards a common goal of delivering the best standard of service we can offer to our customers and members.
Tom West, Head of Golf
Royal Dornoch
Scotland
Royal Cinque Ports
England
59club mystery shop data is helping us create an experience that is fit for the discerning visiting golfer and gives us the confidence to make impactful operational changes knowing that we are improving the experience.
Charles Molony, Assistant Secretary
Heswall
England
Hindhead
England
La Moye
Channel Islands
Rotherham
England
Royal Ascot
England
Our £13.9 million clubhouse will welcome golfers from around the world next year. The prestigious Gold Flag accolade shows we are maintaining our reputation for welcoming Highlands hospitality.
Neil Hampton, General Manager
Seapoint
Ireland
Slaley Hall
England
Royal Dublin
Ireland
The Gold Flag award is recognition for all the effort our team put in every day. 59club shapes our KPIs for staff reviews, identifies areas for improvement and trains us to ensure we make those improvements on our offering.
Jeff Fallon, General Manager
St Mellion
England
Stanton on the Wolds
England
Stirling
Scotland
Stoneham
England
Sundridge Park
England
Teignmouth
England
The Astbury
England
The Belfry
Our golf operations team lives by a ‘betternever-stops’ mindset – driven by daily excellence checks, cross-team collaboration and a focus on every golfer’s journey – because we believe even great can be improved.
Chris Reeve, Director of Golf & Leisure
The Nottinghamshire
England
The Warwickshire
England
Woodsome Hall
England
Wychwood Park
England
England Subscribe to 59club Insights Digital Editions
blog.59club.com/59club-insights-magazine-2
The Grove
England
Our Gold Flag celebrates the team’s passion for creating unforgettable golf and hospitality. 59club helps us to elevate guest service, enhancing performance across our golf operation.
Anna Darnell, General Manager
The K Club
Ireland
Hosting the Irish Open in 2023, 2025 and 2027 underscores our commitment to innovation, elite experiences and establishing Ireland’s premier destination for world-class golf and sporting excellence.
Michael Maxwell, Director of Golf
Benton Hall
England
Bulbury Woods
England
Cams Hall
England
Castleknock
Ireland
Clandon Regis
England
Coventry
England
Crane Valley
England
Farleigh
England
Forest Pines
England
Hurtmore
England
Lichfield
England
Macdonald Portal
England
Nizels
England
North Foreland
England
Oulton Hall
England
Stockport
England
The Essex
England
The Heron
England
The Telford
England
The Vale
Wales
Vale Royal Abbey
England
Windlesham
England
Witney Lakes
England
England
Earning a Gold Flag is something we are very proud of. Our teams are driven to provide exceptional member and guest experiences. Each team member has contributed to creating a collaborative environment.
Ben Stimson,
Director of Golf
England
Having worked towards a Gold Flag for many years, we now feel established and proud to be within an elite group of resorts. Revenues and memberships have increased with improvement in customer experience scores.
Tom Lawton,
Head of Golf
England
59club provide the independent feedback and platform required to critique our performance and work to improve our service standards continually. Consistent messaging has helped maintain our service excellence.
Rhys Beecher,
Director of Golf
The art of hiring can mean the difference between a company's success or insurmountable obstacles.
Global Talent Solutions offers tailored recruiting solutions to the Club & Hospitality industry with real industry experience - matching the right candidates with the right companies.
Our track record underscores our commitment to effective recruiting practices that will help you cultivate a talented team of professionals.
America
Mark Reed Managing Director/USA General Manager mark@59club.com
Bret Garrison Director of Operations bgarrison@59clubusa.com
It has been an absolute whirlwind since stepping into 59club USA. With deep roots in golf, recreation and hospitality, we are united in our mission: to help clubs across the US achieve worldclass customer service. Our philosophy –Measure, Train, Support – drives everything we do. Through specialised mystery shopping audits and survey responses, we uncover what really matters, and our expert training turns those insights into measurable improvements – transforming service standards at every level.
We currently work with golf and hospitality properties across 38 States –including Reynolds Lake Oconee, the first US property to earn a prestigious Gold Flag Designation. Every club we work with, whether Gold, Silver, Bronze or starting out, is on the path to excellence, and we’re here to guide them. We’re committed to spending more time with our clients – helping them use monthly performance insights to raise the bar.
Now is the time to elevate your customer experience, boost your reputation and unlock greater revenue. 59club USA is your trusted partner – and our expanding team is only going to get stronger.
Mark Reed
Reynolds Lake Oconee USA
The relationship with 59club has continued to enhance our communications and overall experience for our members and guests. Each year, we find areas to improve, and 59club has given us the tools and resources to do that.
Wesley J Forester, PGA Director of Golf
Cascata USA
Desert Willow USA
Eagle Mountain USA
Grand National USA
Monarch Beach USA
Rio Secco USA
Ross Bridge USA
Silver Lakes USA
We-Ko-Pa GC USA
Capitol Hill USA
Highland Oaks USA
Magnolia Grove USA
Oxmoor Valley USA
The Shoals USA
In today’s competitive world of golf, leisure, and hospitality, great service isn’t enough - it must be exceptional, consistent, and measurable. That’s why forwardthinking venues trust My59 Surveys, to deliver the industry’s most intelligent, customizable, and data-rich feedback platform, purpose-built by 59club.
While many platforms stop at data collection, My59 goes further. It transforms member, guest, and employee feedback into actionable insight, helping you refine every touchpoint of your operation. From first impressions to final interactions, My59 gives you the tools to elevate experience, improve loyalty, and grow revenue.
Our team are your greatest asset; from survey design to action planning, our global 59club team works with you every step of the way.
“With a recent major investment powering its evolution, the My59 platform is now faster, smarter, and more powerful than ever — setting a new global standard for service intelligence.”
Specialized surveys for Golf, Leisure & Hospitality
- From New Member Integration to Spa Day Experience and Employee Exit - leading venues use my59 surveys to drive satisfaction, & results.
Full control over branding, logic, and filters with versatile question types – from simple yes/no, to multiple choice, rankings, multimedia, matrix, NPS, and many more.
Design unique survey journeys for guests, members, and employees. Target demographics, automate follow-ups, and deliver in multiple languages with built-in translation tools.
Seamlessly sync your CRM, POS, and website for automated delivery and higher engagement.
Surveys in the Wild
Read how Radical Managers are using Surveys to make data driven decisions across their entire operation blog.59club.com/are-you-surveying-your-members
See how you perform - locally and internationally - with industry comparables across ten regions worldwide.
Identify satisfaction trends, act on early warning signs, and measure performance over time.
AI tools provide instant, question-by-question analysis, generate quick reports, and overarching summaries so you always have actionable insights at your fingertips.
No pay-per-response. No caps. One transparent annual price for unlimited sending.
Trusted by luxury golf clubs, leading resorts, wellness destinations, and hospitality icons, My59 Surveys is where world-class brands go to grow.
Use insights to empower your people, exceed guest expectations, and drive measurable success.
Club
Golf
Golf Retail Manager of the Year