Rhys Morgan: Insights from an award-winning Golf Club Manager

09/05/2025

Rhys Morgan shares the lessons learned from a career that has taken him from PGA Professional to Golf Club Manager.

"Your mind is like a parachute – it works better when it's open."

Those were the words of wisdom imparted on Rhys Morgan by his father at the start of his career, and they still inform his approach to professional development to this day.

That open-minded attitude has allowed Rhys to enjoy an eclectic working life, pursuing various opportunities within the golf industry while steadily enhancing his CV through numerous qualifications.

Having started at Machynys Golf Club in 2007, Rhys embarked on the three-year PGA Training Programme and became Assistant Golf Professional at the South Wales venue before working his way up the ranks in a managerial capacity.

Via roles as Golf Shop Manager, Golf Services Manager and Golf Operations Manager, he ultimately ascended to the position of Director of Golf & Senior Resort Manager before bringing his 10-year stay at Machynys to an end when the opportunity to join Pennard Golf Club as Club Manager arose.

A six-year stint there saw Rhys hone his skills in the role before moving on to Newport Golf Club in 2024, with his impact evident from the fact he was named Welsh Golf Club Manager of the Year in March.

Reflecting on the factors that led to that success, Rhys said: "It was an honour to receive that recognition and it shows very clearly that we are doing things the right way.

"It's an award that reflects on the whole team, and I've very fortunate to have inherited a fantastic team at the club. They have all bought into what we wanted to do here and it has allowed us to achieve a lot in my first 12 months."

Increasing green fee income and making notable improvements to the overall experience, such that it now matches the high quality of the course itself, are two of the key areas where Rhys' leadership has delivered results.

The heart of the club

Paul Thomas is the Head PGA Professional at Newport and Rhys is in no doubt as to his importance to Newport's success, alongside colleague Scott Curtis.

"Both have a vital role to play, and Paul is actually part of the PGA tutoring scheme, so he's heavily involved with the PGA," he said. "He's an absolutely brilliant pro, probably one of the best I've come across in my 17 years or so in in the industry.

"Ultimately, the pro shop and the Head Professional are the heart of the club; everything goes through the pro shop.

"To have someone who's qualified, capable and experienced in that role can really transform a club's fortunes into one that's very driven and forward-thinking."

The importance of CPD

With Rhys having always placed a significant emphasis on his own continuing professional development (CPD), he encourages his staff in all departments to do the same.

"I'm passionate about CPD and see education as a vital aspect of being able to do my job to the best of my ability," he said. "I've attended multiple educational workshops through the GCMA already this year and completed four out of six available management development programmes through the CMAE, currently holding the title of CMDip. I am also the Chair of the CMAE Wales, with the committee’s aim being to bring top-class education to Wales.

"I encourage my entire team to invest in their development. At Newport, we're currently supporting our Course Manager through his HND, our Food & Beverage Manager has attended specialised training courses, and our PGA Professionals are actively engaged in CPD.

"My own passion for CPD is very much supported by the club and we are big on investing in our people."

The gravitas of PGA Excel

Rhys also revealed that prospective employees who are engaged with the PGA Excel pathway are putting themselves at an advantage when it comes to career opportunities.

"That's absolutely something that we'd look at," he said. "If someone can show they are actively pursuing opportunities to further their learning and skills, that's something that would stand them in good stead.

"Having an official designation within the PGA Excel framework would definitely hold some gravitas and certainly give them a chance of at least getting to the interview stage."