Goodwood recruits dynamic duo to golf team

Chris McDonnell, Academy Manager 

McDonnell became a professional golfer at the age of 25 and experienced great success; he was 2014 Great Britain and Ireland PGA Club Professional Champion, 2014 Austrian PGA Champion, an England PGA International, a previous Challenge Tour player and Alps Tour winner, he achieved seven course records, was 2007 NorthEast/NorthWest PGA Matchplay Champion and twice Northumberland Amateur County Champion (2001 & 2003). On top of this, his impressive CV also boasts time coordinating Hexham Gold Club’s junior coaching and development programme, so he is the perfect candidate to take on the Golf At Goodwood Academy.

“I am very pleased to be finally here at Goodwood and I’ve received a very warm welcome from members and staff. The opportunity to be a part of such a unique place is very exciting and I’m looking forward to working with energetic and enthusiastic team,” said the new Academy Manager, McDonnell.

“My main goal for the Academy is to give golfers a fantastic facility to learn and practice. Combining my experience of golf facilities around the world and the Goodwood values, I want to deliver a unique Academy experience that will be the South of England’s preferred venue for golf learning and development.”

Gary Beves, Membership Manager

Gary Beves previously worked at Goodwood and is very excited to return. He said, “It is a huge privilege to have been given the opportunity to come back and work at this fantastic venue. For me the main aim as Membership Manager is to ensure that our Members feel that they have someone that they can engage with and approach at all times.”

“Golf At Goodwood is already well-known for its fantastic attention to detail and its exceptional customer experience, my goal is to simply enhance this where possible. I plan on doing this by truly bringing Goodwood’s values to life and ensuring that my passion for the Estate and the game of golf are conveyed to our Members, whilst also ensuring that their influence helps move Goodwood forward.”

“I spent six years working at Golf At Goodwood as part of the operations team. This was a position that I undertook whilst successfully completing my PGA University course. Since then I have relinquished my professional status and currently play to a handicap of three, something which I am looking forward to putting to the test against our Members throughout the year!”

For further information on Membership at Golf At Goodwood or for details on lessons at The Academy, call 01243 755144 or email golf@goodwood.com.