Craig Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, was awarded the 2012 Club Manager of the Year at the Golf Management Australia (GMA) NSW Division Awards Presentation Dinner on Friday, 16th November 2012 held at Dockside Function Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney. Craig is currently the CEO of Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club and was pivotal in the negotiations to develop the Club. The process commenced when he was General Manager of Ashlar Golf Club, a position he held for 5 years. He oversaw complex land swap arrangements and protracted dealings with developers. Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club is a Greg Norman designed par 72 golf course located 10 minutes away from the Ashlar Golf Club north west of Sydney. Craig s tenure has not been easy with 2009 came the GFC and Medallist withdrew their offer of development and relocation and the Club was forced to refocus their attention on remaining at Ashlar and continuing business at the Ashlar Golf Club. On Tuesday 10th November, 2009 the Ashlar clubhouse was devastated by fire resulting in a total loss of all clubhouse facilities. By Saturday 14th November, 4 days after the fire, Craig, while working out of the greenkeepers shed had organised toilet and shower facilities; an administration office; and food and beverage facilities that would allow the course to reopen and service the members. Despite the 40 plus degree temperatures outside over the summer of 2009, Craig led his staff to cater for every member s competition, social group, pennant team and corporate event. In early 2010 Craig again approached Medallist in an attempt to re-establish talks and continue negotiations that could see Ashlar take over ownership of Stonecutters Ridge. After several meetings with various developers, Australand agreed to come on board in a three party deal that would see Ashlar sell to Australand and purchase Stonecutters Ridge from Medallist. After 4 months of negotiations lead by Craig on the Club’s behalf, a final proposal was presented to the Board. The proposal had been for three years in various forms gone back and forth between Craig, the Board of Ashlar, Medallist and Australand and had finally been approved by all parties. On July 28th, 2010 almost 400 Ashlar members attended an Extra Ordinary General Meeting after an extensive consultation process, 97% voted in favour of the relocation of the Club. Fast forward another two years where Craig project managed the Club through the design and construction process of not only the clubhouse, but also the golf course, driving range, tennis courts and maintenance facility. The deal also included the provision of 60 golf carts, clubhouse furniture and fittings, maintenance shed fit out, golf course furniture and a fleet of course machinery some $2.5 million in total, all of which had to be selected, tested and purchased. On August 31st, 2012 Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club opened its doors and the members are now enjoying one of the finest facilities in Sydney. The final result of the deal with Medallist and Australand has seen the Club acquire over 30 million dollars in assets, clear all debt, overdrafts, leasing commitments and invest in excess of 4 million dollars. Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club is now averaging 1500 rounds of golf per week, provides food & beverage service 7 days and nights a week, employs over 60 staff and has 850 golfing members.
GMA NSW Club Services to Golf Award
A Services to Golf award was also announced on the night with recently retired Golf NSW CEO, Greg Mills the worthy recipient. Greg has been actively involved in the golf industry for over 50 years as a player, Club Manager and in administration roles with the Jack Newton Junior Golf, Ladies Golf Union, PGA of Australia. During Greg s tenure at Golf NSW one of his many achievements was to oversee the amalgamation of men and women’s golf in NSW. Greg also built strong relationships with all golf bodies including GMA NSW. In announcing the award GMA NSW President, Paul Hinton, said this award enables GMA NSW to recognise the contribution of individuals in the industry. Greg Mills has devoted his life to Golf industry as an administrator. Greg has held a number of key roles across the industry and I am honoured to present Greg with the Services to Golf Award.