BRETT Parker admits he still gets a feeling of euphoria every time he walks through the front door of Northbridge Golf Club.
Parker has spent the past six months at Northbridge since ‘crossing the Harbour Bridge’ from Bexley Golf Club to take up the post as general manager.
“I never get sick of walking into the club each day and looking out at the fantastic views from this clubhouse,” says Parker.
“But ultimately, it’s the customers and members that make your job enjoyable and the ability to make a positive contribution to the club.
“This club has a progressive board of directors that can see its potential and this always brings an element of excitement to see what you can produce in the future.”
Certainly if anyone would know what a golf club, and indeed its members are looking for in a golf club, it’s Brett Parker.
He spent three years at the helm of the busy Bexley Golf Club.
And his background before that was as a PGA professional.
He spent 15 years as the golf operations manager and head professional at the exclusive Elanora Country Club and the previous eight years as head professional at the popular Sorrento Golf Club in Victoria.
“To me, becoming a general manager was a natural progression to take after a career working in all types of golf clubs.”
Parker knew he was joining a progressive club when he focussed on Northbridge and he is looking to enhance that during his involvement.
“The course has never been in better condition,” he told Inside Golf.
“The combination of a great team of greens staff and investment by the club has resulted in the good position the club is in today.
“In recent years the club undertook a major development of the first four holes, largely as a result of stray balls often entering the adjacent oval from the first hole and the need for a dam to secure its water resources.
“The holes were completely redesigned and a new dam was built, greatly improving the course as well as the club’s water security.”
Most clubs have thrived during the recent Covid pandemic and Northbridge has enjoyed the ride.
There are now 950 playing members across all categories, the most there has ever been, although there is no waiting list.
“Certainly the pandemic exposed our club to a new market of golfers but it is still unknown to members of the wider Sydney golfing population,” says Parker.
“The club now has a great opportunity to build on this momentum, in part due to the temporary closure of a number of neighbouring courses, leaving it as one of only a couple of 18-hole public-access courses on the north shore.”
Parker sees an extremely bright future for Northbridge GC and suggests it will be an exciting place to be over the next five to 10 years as the club looks to establish its place as the best public-access course on the north shore [and beyond].
The club offers marvellous views of Middle Harbour, surrounding districts and the golf course from its clubhouse and dining areas and Parker says the club is committed to enhancing that asset and developing its hospitality offering in the immediate future.
Let’s not forget their greatest asset though and Parker says the club offers a challenging 18-hole layout in immaculate condition with a unique harbourside and bushland setting.
“Our visitor and membership fees are very affordable and comparable to similar courses in Sydney and surrounding areas,” he said.
“The fairway surfaces and greens are the equal of any course in Sydney.
“Our club prides itself on being a community-focused club and encourages a fun, friendly and inviting atmosphere for everyone.”
And Parker says, ultimately, it’s the customers and members that make his job enjoyable and helps him make a positive contribution.
“The overwhelming feedback I get as to the reason golfers join, and current members are retained at Northbridge, is the fun and friendship everyone has at the club.
“Now combined with the quality of the current course it isn’t a surprise the interest and accolades that the club is receiving from members and guests.
“We welcome visitors every day of the week.
“And the club has been very pro-active recently in reacting to visitor feedback.
“To ensure the speed of play is maintained and the golfer experience is enhanced, the club has recently increased its tee-times intervals, re-assessed the holes requiring call-ups and implemented a course marshal on the busier days.”
There have also been changes in the clubhouse with the club recently taking over the catering operations.
“Our contract caterer retired after 25 years and we recently employed an outstanding new chef and catering staff and this has brought new casual dining options and functions business to the club.”
Parker also revealed the club had recently released its Towards 2035 Strategic Plan to coincide with the club’s 100-year anniversary.
“The club’s vision is “to be the pre-eminent community-orientated public access course in Sydney” by this time.
“This involves constant improvements in the course, clubhouse, community engagement and securing a long-term water supply.”
And let’s not forget Northbridge’s halfway house!
“Yes, the club has an outstanding halfway house which is well patronised by the golfers after finishing their round,” says a proud GM.
