KNOW YOUR GOLF CLUB’S
GENERAL MANAGER
Gavin Chowles - Club General Manager Port Elizabeth Golf Club 1. You have been in the management industry for a long time, what made you choose this career? It all happened by accident, I was in the job market and I received a mail from the PEGC President informing members that the manager has resigned, I decided that I should try and was successful with my application. 2. Are there any unique differences being a GM at a golf club? I come from the retail industry, hotels and restaurants, mainly in the casino environment, dealing with many different cultures of people. Golfers are similar to gamblers, wanting the best every time when they visit. 3. Who has been your biggest mentor? As I come from the entertainment industry, I would like to recognise my first GM in my casino employment, Graham Vaas, true gentlemen that was driven by service.
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4. Describe a typical workday for you at Port Elizabeth GC? My day will always start with a walkabout, I make sure I go and greet everyone that is at work, fellow employees, then off to greet all members that are at the club. Once all that is over, I move to my office to start with mails etc. 5. What are your biggest challenges as the GM of Port Elizabeth GC? I think the biggest challenge in life is to keep fellow workers motivated, to ensure the working environment is friendly and enjoyable, whilst still getting the job done. 6. Has the golf industry grown in your opinion over the last 3 years ? I have only been in the industry for 4 years, personally I think golf clubs are better off now than previously.
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November | December 2023
