PGA Professional Matthew Bacon is all set to take up the prestigious general manager’s role at Royal Cromer – one of Norfolk’s stunning coastal golf clubs.
Bacon, 30, has maintained an upwardly mobile profile since graduating with an Applied Golf Management Studies degree, run in partnership by the PGA and the University of Birmingham.
His new appointment, which will see him starting at Royal Cromer in week commencing June 5, follows an enjoyable stint as general manager at Eaton Golf Club in suburban Norwich.
Bacon said: “It’s a very similar role. I saw the advert late last year and I was lucky enough to get offered the job at the end of February, start of March. I accepted and I’m really looking forward to going across. I start the week when the club’s hosting the Norfolk Amateur Championship, so that will be nice.
“Being from the area, I’ve known that club for a long time. I absolutely love the course and love the work that they’re doing there. It’s a club that’s really moving forward, trying to come out on its own and be what it has the potential of being – one of the very best. It currently sits just outside the top-100 and I think they want to be well within that, which I think they’ve got the potential to do.”
Bacon is very aware of how he’s becoming part of a club that is moving in the right direction. As such, his management style will be supportive and considered more than anything else during his settling-in period.
He said: “They’re obviously doing a lot of things well, so I think it’s really important to get to know a club fully before you make suggestions on making changes. But without the club having a general manager since last June, I’ll be trying to fill that leadership role and head of staff – to have someone there to help the communication between the management committee and the members. The first few months, I’ll also be trying to get to know as many people as possible and hearing their perception of the club and their ideas as well.”
During my time at university and on placements I realised that the management and ops was the side I was most attracted by. That definitely shaped my career and the roles I’ve subsequently been involved with.
- Matthew Bacon (Royal Cromer) - PGA Professional
This will be Bacon’s fourth managerial position since graduating from his AGMS degree – a course that he believes has served him well in his career progression.
He said: “I definitely learned things within my time there which helps me within my role. I went into that degree doing my PGA as well as I wasn’t quite sure what side of the industry I was interested in. During my time at university and on placements I realised that the management and ops was the side I was most attracted by. That definitely shaped my career and the roles I’ve subsequently been involved with.”
So what does Matt think makes a good general manager in a good club? “Good question!” is his initial response. “I think you’ve got to have good knowledge on so many different facets of the club, have an eye on the industry and the future – also take into consideration members’ needs and, as a club, make sure they can satisfy as many needs of the membership and visitors as possible.”
When he makes his final good-byes at Eaton, there will be a tinge of sadness in among his feelings of excitement at what lies ahead.
He said: “It will be around two and a half years that I’ve been at Eaton – I’ve really enjoyed it. It wasn’t an easy decision at all to leave and I wish them all the best.”
Stepping into Bacon’s general manager shoes at Eaton will be another PGA professional – Neil Lythgoe.
