New group aiming to drive business growth on golf course

The old adage goes that more business is done on golf courses than in boardrooms. Now a group of business people are teeing up a venture that’ll see as many deals as balls struck on a Swindon golf course.

Business advisor and company director Barry Wicks, of Maroubra Personal Development, has teamed up with Dominic Threlfall, managing director of Wiltshire Business of the Year Pebley Beach, and Juliette Nutland, co-owner of Basset Down Golf Course, to form Swindon and District Golf and Business Networking Group.

Meeting twice a month, the group offers members networking and a relevant presentation over breakfast or lunch, with a round of golf at Basset Down’s nine-hole course, or golf tuition for members who want to enhance their golfing prowess.

Also, lack of experience is no barrier to membership. Business people who aren’t particularly familiar with golf are welcome and they’ll be able to learn to play with golf tuition on a state-of-the-art driving range with the club’s professionals, Mike Walters and Ian Bolt.

“Networking is a really important part of modern business growth strategy,” said Barry. “and business people  want to meet likeminded people they can do business with.

“The group will give members the opportunity to forge meaningful business relationships with each other over a round of golf on one of Wiltshire’s most attractive courses.”

“Of course, golf is also excellent for one’s health, and a great way to de-stress.”

Golfing novice Dom said: “The attraction for me is the ability to learn the game while I do business. 

“I’ve always known a lot of deals are struck on the golf course, but not being able to play has always been a barrier for me. Now that barrier is gone.”

Membership is invitation only. The membership fee is £150 (+VAT) per annum and a member will pay £20 per meeting to include a meal and a round of golf or golf tuition. 

Basset Down Golf Course was established by dairy farmer Will Nutland and his wife Juliette in 2005. The nine-hole, 3,170-yard course is played over 100 acres of parkland, and a project to extend the course to 18 holes is underway.

The 20-bay driving range features state-of-the-art technology from Swindon-based Power Tee, which automatically loads up to 100 golf balls from a hopper to the tee. 

The club is the official research and development partner of Power Tee. It is located half a mile south of Junction 16 (Wroughton) of the M4. 

Information about Swindon and District Golf and Business Networking Group can be obtained by emailing Barry Wicks at [email protected] More info about Basset Down Golf Club can be found at www.bassetdowngolfcourse.com