By David Nagel
It’s quite ironic that in a sport where being an individual is paramount that Haydn Thompson thought of his team first after winning the 2019/20 Victorian PGA Management Professional of the Year.
Thompson, the CEO at Deep Creek Golf Club, was quick to highlight the support of his staff as the main reason for taking home the prestigious award, and being nominated for the national honour.
“Awards like this are won by teams, they’re not won by individuals, it’s just that someone has to get their name on the plaque and gets the recognition.” Thompson said.
“It’s recognition of what we have achieved as a club and the sacrifices of everyone in moving from the home of the Pakenham and District Golf Club to the new home of the Deep Creek Golf Club.”
Thompson and his team have had a whirlwind journey, making the huge transition from a previous home of 40 years to a new facility at Deep Creek Reserve on Cameron Way.
Thompson has seen the project grow through its infancy and eventually become a reality, with many challenges to overcome along the way. The club received the keys to its new premises on October 25, 2019, the night before it was due to move in.
“Opening a new café on its own is a big thing but opening a café, kitchen, lounge, function room, pro shop, driving range, new golf holes, a reconfigured layout, it was an absolute crazy time,” Thompson said.
“We moved in on October 26 and had our AGM the following day. That’s when we became the Deep Creek Golf Club and the first ball was struck in anger. Our first comp day was Monday October 29 and it was absolutely crazy until covid kicked in in March and we had to close down the course.”
Thompson, who has been at Pakenham for seven years, explained the club required a new attitude to sit comfortably alongside its new facility.
“It’s about really embracing the entire community, not just the golfers anymore, which has been challenging for some,” he said.
“Some like the elitist side of being a member of a golf club, and we definitely cater for that, but now it’s about embracing everyone and not being a closed shop.
“We’ve got a playground, and a café that supports it, and a lounge and dining area for anyone to come and enjoy. We certainly haven’t turned our backs on the golf club members but our focus did move towards attracting a new customer, who’s not a member…it is here for them all to enjoy as well.”
Despite sharing the new building with co-tenants, the golf club has an exclusive lease agreement on the golf course which will allow it to improve and reconfigure the layout over time. Thompson said this is one of the most exciting developments that will take place in the future, with the club’s two new holes to blend in over time.
“The new layout took months to work out and I still have the eight or nine options that we had sitting in my office,” he explained.
“They all had their pros and cons but we understand the weaknesses of the golf course and have a master plan for every hole on the course. Extra pathways will be put in, contours will be added to remove water more easily, there’s so much potential moving forward.
“We’ve moved in to a new facility, but it’s just the beginning in so many ways.”
Thompson wanted to thank his entire team, but in particular Course Superintendent Rick McHugh, PGA Club Professional Darren Carroll and Kelly in hospitality for their hard work and dedication during some challenging times.
Deep Creek is also leading the way with its Junior Program with teaching pro Mark Shaw offering a wide range of options for children as young at three, right through to adults. Contact the club for more details.
