Oliver Huish: What I have learned in golf management between North Berwick and the Bahamas

18/06/2025

On the road to becoming Director of Golf at Albany, Oliver Huish picked up knowledge from many different corners of the golfing globe.

Having grown up in one of golf’s most blessed areas in Scotland and rising through the ranks via the PGA Training Programme, Huish has worked in the south of England, France and the United States, gaining a wide variety of experiences in elite golf management

Here, the 34-year-old takes us through what he has learned along the way, and explains how his career path took shape.

How did you first get involved in golf as a career?

I grew up in North Berwick, where my dad was Head Professional at North Berwick Golf Club for 42 years and my brother took over from him in 2009. I started working in the shop after school and enrolled in the PGA Training Programme about a year later. After qualifying, I took on more responsibilities and worked up to Head Assistant and Head Buyer. My first international experience came in 2019 at Hillcrest Country Club in LA. That was followed by time at Queenwood and then Les Bordes, before moving to Albany last October.

What was it like to work at Queenwood?

It was a brilliant experience. I learned a huge amount about service standards, tournament organisation, and member relations. The biggest takeaway was the importance of preparation—using quieter times to refine processes and prepare for peak season. That mindset has really shaped how I lead teams today.

How did you land the role at Les Bordes?

I found it through the PGA’s careers section and reached out to the Director of Golf directly. My experience at Queenwood was a big factor. Les Bordes has a strong US/UK membership base, so my private club background in both markets made me a good fit.

What technology has made the biggest impact on your work?

Club operating systems like Jonas and Northstar. At Albany, our app integrates everything—from tee times to spa bookings—and it really elevates the member experience by putting everything at their fingertips.

Have you had mentors in your career?

Definitely. My dad’s been a constant source of advice. John McMullen at Hillcrest gave me a great introduction to high-level club management, and Mark Roberts at Queenwood taught me the power of consistency and high standards. Watching the success of other pros who’ve worked under Mark is really inspiring.

“When everyone’s working toward the same goal and supporting each other, that’s when the magic happens”

- Oliver Huish

How important has your PGA training been to your journey?

It’s been the foundation. The training gave me a solid understanding of what’s required in modern golf operations. The qualification is well respected internationally—it’s a real asset when applying abroad. Our Assistant Pro at Albany is starting the programme this autumn, and I’m excited to see him grow.

What do you wish you’d known earlier in your career?

The value of investing in your team. You can’t do it all yourself. Building a culture of collaboration and shared accountability is essential. When everyone’s working toward the same goal and supporting each other, that’s when the magic happens.