Ipswich GC’s manager retires after 18 years at the club

Emma Williams
By Emma Williams March 26, 2018 12:13

Ipswich Golf Club’s general manager, Neill Ellice, is retiring from his position after 18 years at the club.

It’s Ellice’s second retirement in his career while the position of golf manager has moved from club secretary to general manager to director of golf since the start of this century.

The 67-year-old’s retirement is perfectly timed as his last major project as general manager is now complete – following a full bunker refurbishment of the Purdis Heath Course.

Neill Ellice. Photo: Moira Ellice

Having embarked on the renovations in 2014, the multi-phase project to restore the course’s bunkers to their original state has now been signed off, just in time for Ellice to close his office door for the final time.

“It has been a wonderful 18 years in the hot seat and it will be an emotional day when I finally leave the office for the last time,” said Ellice, who joined the club initially as club secretary, having taken early retirement from Barclays Bank after 31 years of service.

Ellice’s retirement has prompted a management restructure which will see Kevin Lovelock, the club’s PGA professional for the last decade, take over the golf side of things as he becomes the club’s first director of golf. The administration and financial tasks will be taken care of by a yet to be appointed finance and admin manager.

While there has been plenty going on off the course there has been a buzz of activity on the course too, with the greenkeeping staff working on a rolling course management plan, involving extensive tree management.

Ellice said: “The tree management is being completed under the supervision of Natural England through its Environmental Stewardship scheme, aimed at restoration of lowland heath, fen and reedbeds. In addition to the environmental enhancements to the site, away from the playing areas.”

The club is also going through the process of repairing all the paths around the course, which will be completed by early May.

The club’s Purdis Heath Course is ranked among the top 100 in England.

 

Emma Williams
By Emma Williams March 26, 2018 12:13
Write a comment

7 Comments

  1. martin March 31, 13:56

    Great job done Neil enjoy retirement it comes highly recommended.

    Reply to this comment
  2. martin March 30, 13:56

    Neill. Very Best Wishes. Hope you’re still going to the GCS events

    Reply to this comment
  3. Maureen March 27, 23:08

    Happy retirement Neill, can definitely recommend it.

    Reply to this comment
  4. Mick March 27, 19:27

    Congrats Neil – enjoy your retirement Hope you are well. All the best Mick

    Reply to this comment
  5. Dean March 27, 17:26

    All the best Neill !

    Reply to this comment
  6. James March 26, 14:32

    One of the best managers in the business. I am lucky enough to call him a friend. A lot of experience leaving the industry, but I am sure he will pass on his knowledge to Kevin Lovelock. Best of luck Kevin.

    Reply to this comment
  7. Christopher March 26, 13:22

    More time for golf then Neil!

    Reply to this comment
View comments

Write a comment

Click here to cancel reply.

<

Join Our Mailing List


Read the latest issues

Advertise With Us

For editorial enquiries in the magazine or online, contact:

Alistair.Dunsmuir@hdidmedia.com


For advertising enquiries in the magazine or online, contact:

georgina.hirst@hdidmedia.com