We caught up with her to find out a bit more about her, her passion for golf and what it takes to work at American Golf.

 

What is your background?

I’ve worked in HR for my entire career. I was at a discount retailer for 16 years, then joined American Golf and I’ve been here for the last 12 years.

 

When did you start playing golf?

I only started playing 5 years ago.  Everyone at American Golf is passionate about golf; I was so immersed in the sport without playing it that I started to feel like I was missing out.  I was also constantly turning down invitations to play incredible courses!

When I decided to have a go, I didn’t tell anyone.  I just took myself off for lessons and I was hooked immediately.  I joined my club, High Legh, 2 years ago and play in weekly mixed comps and can finally take up some of the invitations I get to play through work of course!

 

What was your impression of golf before you joined American Golf?

Like a lot of people, I just saw golf as a middle class men’s sport.

 

Has that changed?

Absolutely.  My opinion changed pretty quickly, but I think that the sport is changing as well.  There are some clubs that still maintain an element of snobbery, but on the whole golf is becoming more affordable and more accessible.  I’m really proud that American Golf is playing a leading role in changing the way golf is played and perceived.  Personally I’d like to see more families playing together – I can’t wait to get my granddaughter her first clubs.

American Golf seems to be growing as a business. What qualities are you looking for when you are recruiting new team members?

People who like people –simple!  We can teach people about our product ranges, how to fit clubs and use our technology, but you can’t teach anyone how to become a people person.  A passion for golf is obviously important as we need to be able to understand, listen to and be able to respond to any query that we get.

 

Do you have to play golf to work at American Golf?

Being a golfer does help as you have an affinity to the game and the frustrations you face on the course, but if you like golf and you like people then you can do the job just as well.  We have a really robust induction process that will give anyone joining American Golf all the skills they require to have the confidence and knowledge to deliver the standard of service our customers expect.

 

What sort of training does American Golf offer?

Induction as well as recruitment has been a real focus for the business. It is so important that customers get the same great service at every store they visit, which is why all new colleagues have a 5 day classroom induction.  When they first set foot in store they fully understand our customer proposition and fitting processes.

All new managers have a 7 week induction split between split between theory (60%) and practical in store training (40%).  By doing this, we can make sure that when they take up their position they understand our business and our customers and are confident to lead their teams.

How many PGA pros does the business employ?

We have over 100 PGA pros in our employ –more than any other business in the UK.  We’re actually recruiting for even more to join us at the moment. 

 

How does their role compare to that of a traditional PGA pro?

I think it’s fair to say that they are involved in almost every aspect of our business.  Obviously they have a very customer facing role, teaching lessons in store and supporting all of the events we hold.  Some of them are even used in our social media, offering tips and product advice on our Youtube channel.

Internally they also play a really vital role in our induction programmes, ensuring that new colleagues know how to use our fitting products for instance.  Our training courses have been accredited by the PGA, so pros receive CDP points for training.

 

What advice would you offer to someone looking for a new job?

Make sure that you completely understand the role you are applying for.  People often make the mistake of thinking that we are only interested in selling the latest product.  Our business is much more far-reaching than that.  If you want a career helping people improve their game, working in a team environment with fantastic company benefits and a career path, then American Golf is the place for you. 

 

Finally, what would your dream four ball be?

Tom Watson. He’s my hero, a true gentleman who I’d love to meet.  Michelle Wie would bring the glamour and Jimenez would keep us laughing all the way round.

 

Visit www.americangolfcareers.co.uk to see what vacancies are currently available at American Golf.