Celebrations for new CMAE manager

Celebrations for new CMAE Manager and club Centenary

CMAE member Ian Russell has been appointed as Club Manager at East Renfrewshire Golf Club. This is his story.

Ifeel privileged to be given this opportunity as Club Manager at such a wonderful club. I have received such a warm welcome from all the members and staff and they have made the transitional period very easy.

In my first few weeks I have spent a lot of my time learning about the club and meeting many members and staff whom have given me a fantastic insight into the general running and also the history of this great club.

This is never more prevalent than now, as the club enters its Centenary year in 2022.

I feel honoured to be in this role, as everyone connected at the club looks forward with excitement to the celebratory year.

History – the club

The club was founded on the 18 January, 1922 and the club is proud to have over 600 members with 60 of these life members who have been with the club

for over 40 years. I am sure there will be many members enjoying a dram on the 1st tee or the 18th next year to celebrate the history and rich tradition of the club.

Located to the south west of Glasgow just 15 minutes from the city centre, the course is a James Braid design built on moorland with tree-lined setting and views across Glasgow to the backdrop of Ben Lomand and surrounding mountains.

The course has hosted many regional and national amateur championships over the years and has recognised members such as Craig Watson and Paul McKellar whom have both represented GB&I in the Walker Cup.

Ian Russell

A par 70, it is officially and annually recognised as the first in Renfrewshire by all major course rankings. The 13th Par 3, at just 123 yards, is the shortest holebutisrecognisedasoursignatureholewithBen Lomand in the back drop.

History – me

I played professional football from the age of 16 and only this year retired to concentrate on my career with the golf club. I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for many teams in Scotland and believe, like many footballers, I learned fantastic transferable skills over the last 22 years.

Throughout this time I managed to travel all over the world, seeing many different countries and also meeting many different people and these experiences has shaped me into the person I am today.

I was fortunate to captain several clubs towards the latter stages of my career which enabled me to develop leadership skills that will certainly help me in this role.

I also believe having being involved in football my whole life, I understand the great benefits that sport has to offer. From a physical side to the mental health side, golf like so many sports is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone and is a wonderful way to meet and catch up with friends whilst also keeping fit. Before and after your round meeting friends in the clubhouse is just as important to many golfers as the round itself.

CMAE and me

If it wasn ’t for CMAE I would not be in this position I am today. CMAE was first mentioned to me by Claire Middleton, a speaker on the course three years ago, and from the moment I spoke to Toby [Johannsen] I have been inspired to develop a career in this wonderful industry.

IsatMDP1atthebeginningofthisyearanditwas oneofthemostfulfillingexperiencesofmylife.Imet so many people on the course, from club managers tocoursemanagersandgolfprostotheguestspeakers for that week.

I continue to keep in touch with many of these people on a daily basis. They continue to inspire me andalsomakemehungrytoprogress.Iamfortunate to call many from my tribe mentors and friends, always on hand and supporting each other as we tackle challenges together.

I am now excited to be sitting MDP2 in 2022 and would encourage anyone to join the tribe and start the educational programme.

Finally, I would like to thank the board of directorsattheclub,Gordon,Cammy,ClareandGordon along with Kevin Fish from CCL, all of whom have been extremely supportive through these early stages. From the initial interview through to my first month at East Renfrewshire, I am grateful for the continued support shown as we all look forward to a wonderful future at the golf club.