In the Clubhouse: Insights from Bill Donald, GM at Cathedral Lodge on Golf Club Management

Description

In this episode of Beyond the Tour, host Jake Hower talks with Bill Donald, General Manager of the prestigious Cathedral Lodge Golf Club in Australia. Bill shares his journey from Ireland to Melbourne, discusses the unique allure and exclusivity of Cathedral Lodge, and reflects on the challenges and joys of managing a private golf club.

The conversation covers topics such as the emergence of private clubs worldwide, the impact of COVID-19 on the golf industry, and the importance of hospitality in retaining club memberships. Bill also shares his experiences with top golfers, discusses his podcasting ventures, and offers insights into the Australian golf scene compared to the UK and Ireland.

Timestamps

00:14 Bill Donald's Background and Experience
00:55 The Allure of Cathedral Lodge
02:06 Membership and Club Experience
03:06 Private Golf Clubs Around the World
04:35 Journey into Golf Management
06:05 Running a Golf Club: Responsibilities and Challenges
20:31 The Importance of Good Staff
33:59 Starting a Golf Podcast
37:01 Funny and Memorable Golf Stories
40:10 Conclusion and Contact Information