Golf Club Manager of the Year finalist Tracy Rawlinson, Warrington Golf Club

Tracy is only the second golf club manager to have ever been named a finalist of this competition more than once, and the first to do it at two different clubs.

In 2011 Tracy, who had previously been managing a team of 12 people within the financial sector, nearly won this competition because of the work she did to turn around the finances at The Woolton Golf Club, and since then Tracy has been doing it all again.

Appointed manager in 2013, Warrington at the time was a club with several unhappy members and a clubhouse business that was struggling. Tracy immediately reviewed every contract in terms of expenditure and negotiated improved deals, wastage was identified, spending tightened up and a franchise arrangement for catering was brought in, which ended the loss it was making and led to an improvement in the quality of food served.

Within six months of her appointment Tracy had written and had agreed a five-year business plan that included major refurbishment projects to the clubhouse and car park, plus how they would be communicated to members. Those members agreed to take out a loan to fund the improvements and in 2014 and 2015 Tracy acted as project manager for three major works: the rebuilding of the car park, the refurbishment of the men’s locker room and the upgrade to the bar (which has led to a significant increase in beverage profits).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it would be hard to find a manager who has more support from his or her members than Tracy. “A business with no growth and disgruntled members is now a thriving business and happy members. Her energy is awesome and the impact this has had on restoring a potentially good club into an actual thriving business is outstanding,” said Dilys Peake, chair of house. “In the two years she has been here she has moved the club forward in every department and I would hate to think where we would still be if she wasn’t here. No matter what, she will always be our manager of the year,” said Derek Evans, chair of greens. “In the two years that Tracy has been with us we have achieved a step change in the club and we are in a much better place,” said John Arber, club chair.