Know your Golf Club's GM - Gavin Woodroffe, Centurion Country Club

Know your Golf Club's GM - Gavin Woodroffe, Centurion Country Club

You have been in the golf industry for a long time now. What made you choose this career as a PGA Professional?

Like most PGA Professionals, my journey started with a love for the game and playing professionally. While only a select few find success on the tour, becoming a PGA Professional allowed me to remain deeply involved in golf and build a fulfilling career beyond playing.

You have always been involved with courses that are down at the coast. Are you enjoying the Highveld, and what are your biggest challenges currently at Centurion Country Club?

The Highveld has been a pleasant surprise. Many aspire to be near the coast, but as life unfolds, opportunities and circumstances can lead you down unexpected paths. There’s always a bigger reason behind these changes, and my experience here has been incredible so far.

Did you ever have a mentor or someone you looked up to?

I have had the privilege of having several mentors within the industry who have guided me through different phases of my career, from my apprenticeship to becoming a qualified professional and beyond.

Describe a typical workday for you at Centurion Country Club?

Centurion has quickly evolved into a busy club with many moving parts. My day usually begins with a check-in with the Greenkeeper to review the golf course conditions. I then ensure that the clubhouse and golf operations are prepared for the day’s events, whether corporate golf days, member activities, or other functions.

Once everyone is comfortable with their tasks, I address my specific responsibilities, including emails and strategic planning. The rest of the day is dedicated to engaging with the management team, offering assistance as needed, and interacting with members and guests.

Has the hospitality industry grown in your opinion over the last 3 years?

There is no doubt that we have seen tremendous growth within the industry, not only in golf participation but also in the corporate and social spaces at clubs.

With consumers being careful about how they spend their money these days, what is your plan to attract people to Centurion Country Club?

While people are mindful of their spending, they are ultimately seeking value. If they perceive greater value in what they are paying for, they are more comfortable with their expenditures. Our strategy is to increase value combined with exceptional service.

Excellent service stems from a genuine effort to care for individuals and meet their needs

In your opinion, what factors contribute to excellent customer service?

Excellent service stems from a genuine effort to care for individuals and meet their needs. This may not come naturally to everyone, but by fostering a service culture and teamwork, customer service will evolve naturally within the team.

Does your position require you to be available on weekends, evenings, and holidays, and if so, does this place demands on your personal life?

It’s all about managing time effectively and having a strong team around you. As a management team, we strive to collectively manage the environment, but there are times when my presence is necessary. Balancing this with spending quality time with my family is important, and I have learned to manage my time more effectively to achieve this.

What are your short and long term goals?

Currently, my primary goal is to see the strategic plan for Centurion Country Club come to fruition and be a part of something special as it unfolds.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My free time revolves around my wife and kids, and participating in whatever activities are happening in their busy lives.

Do you still get time to play some golf?

I don’t play as much as I used to, but I plan to make more time for it and play more regularly.