Q2 2025

GM REPORT

Dear Golf Club Members,

As the Summer season settles in at Brynhill, we find ourselves playing the course in perhaps the best quality and condition we have seen for many many years, especially the greens which evidently from local team visits and players comments are probably the best in the area. Richard and the dedicated course team are to be congratulated for raising the bar even further and presenting us with a course that is well and truly a pleasure to be playing on.

We are just three months in from our lounge renovation and the space is performing exactly as we intended. We have seen an increase in event bookings and we have pulled together a bespoke Brynhill Wedding day package which we are hoping will take off with the right marketing plan. We already have 2 confirmed wedding bookings, and to put it in perspective if couples book our wedding day package we will clear after expenses between £3-£4k in profit.

My foremost commitment remains to contribute more to the club than I cost, steering it towards growth as both a business and a brand. Your questions, feedback, and concerns are always welcome, as together, we strive to achieve our shared goals. Moving forward our club comprises of a good solid team, including staff, EMC, and our amazing member volunteers. We are striving for a more professionally run club with higher standards whilst also retaining the fun and social element that we are known for.

As we make inroads into the golfing season, I wish you all improvements in your game, your aim should be to reduce your handicap and be the best golfer you can be so you are always playing a fair game, but above all else I wish you enjoyment on the course and at the club. Your commitment and loyalty as a playing member at Brynhill is appreciated, and my job is to help reward that as we constantly push forward and strive to make Brynhill a top golfing venue in Wales.

Please see full report below.

Kind Regards

Scott Warne

MEMBER SERVICES

Golf Buggy Usage – Trends and Operational Update

We’ve observed a significant shift in golf buggy usage patterns at our club. Traditionally, buggy rentals were predominantly used by our older members. However, we are now seeing increased uptake among the younger demographic. This trend mirrors what has been reported at several other clubs, and is likely attributed to the limited leisure time many younger players have—making buggies a convenient option to speed up play.

During the summer months, demand for buggies is high—we estimate we could comfortably hire out 20 buggies per day. However, due to storage limitations and the financial implications of year-round leasing (including quieter winter periods), expanding the fleet is not currently feasible.

As agreed at EMC level, buggy hire remains priced at just £12 for members. This decision reflects our view of buggies as a valued service rather than a direct revenue stream. It’s worth noting that our hire rate is likely one of the most affordable in the country, reinforcing our commitment to member value.

Golf Buggy Rules & Guidelines

To ensure safety and protect the course condition, we kindly remind all members of the following buggy usage rules:

  • Stick to paths and rough areas: Use designated paths and rough wherever possible to preserve fairways.

  • Avoid greens and surrounds: Keep clear of all greens, aprons, and their immediate surrounds to prevent damage.

  • Drive mindfully: Avoid excessive circling when searching for golf balls. Instead, park the buggy and search on foot to minimize turf damage.

  • No drivers under 17: Children under 17 are not permitted to operate buggies, even under supervision. Doing so invalidates our insurance and jeopardizes our lease agreement.

  • Fixed hire rate: Buggies are available for hire at £12 per round—this applies regardless of whether you play 9 or 18 holes.

We appreciate your continued cooperation in maintaining the high standard of our course and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all members.

PRO-SHOP

Pro Shop – Service Excellence and Operational Success

The Pro Shop has truly become the hub of activity at Brynhill, serving as the first point of contact for members, visitors, and prospective new members alike. Under the leadership of our Director of Golf and PGA Professional, Leon Warne, the shop continues to thrive—offering a welcoming, informative environment and a first-class retail experience. Leon, along with fellow PGA Pro Jordan Taylor, is delivering an exceptional level of service that reflects the high standards we set across the club.

The shop is consistently refreshed with the latest golf apparel and equipment, ensuring members have access to top-quality gear throughout the year. Coaching and lessons remain a core part of their offering, and I would strongly encourage any member looking to improve their game—whether aiming to break 100 or break par—to take advantage of this. A small adjustment from a trained eye can make a world of difference.

It’s also worth remembering that if there’s a particular item you’re after that’s not in stock, Leon and Jordan will be happy to order it for you—and where possible, they’ll price match too.

A new addition to the shop is the installation of an information digital screen behind the counter. This dynamic display provides real-time updates, including daily competition information and welcome messages for societies and team visits. It’s a thoughtful and professional touch that enhances the visitor experience and further sets Brynhill apart.

The introduction of consistent shop hours, now open daily until 6pm, has had a noticeable impact. We’ve seen a significant increase in both buggy hire and green fee revenue, with a large portion of visitor play occurring between 4pm and 6pm. We extend our sincere thanks to Leon and Jordan for the extended hours and the dedication they show. Their presence is also invaluable in monitoring activity on the 1st tee, helping to prevent unauthorised play and protecting the integrity of our membership model.

Course Access & Pro Shop Etiquette – Reminders for All Members

  • Tee Time Booking is Essential: All members and visitors must book a tee time before heading out onto the course. While we recognise this may not always be possible outside of 7am–7pm, during these hours it is a strict requirement. Every player in your group must be listed on the booking.

  • Sign In at the Pro Shop: Upon arrival, members and visitors are expected to check in at the Pro Shop. This helps us manage course traffic and ensures everyone is accounted for.

Thank you for your continued support of the Pro Shop team and your cooperation in creating higher standards of Brynhill Golf Club.

THE NEST SIM ROOM

“The Nest – A Standout Facility for Members

“The Nest” is living up to the vision we had for it—an outstanding facility that brings cutting-edge golf technology to our members. If you haven’t yet had a chance to try it out, you're genuinely missing out on one of the most valuable game-improvement tools available today. Whether you're practising, playing simulated rounds, or dialling in your distances, the experience it offers is second to none.

For those who may still feel unsure or hesitant about using the simulator, rest assured—there’s no need to be. When you book a session online, either Leon or Jordan will set everything up and guide you through how to make the most of your time. Comparable simulator facilities in urban centres or other clubs typically charge around £25 per hour. At Brynhill, members can enjoy private access to one of the finest sim rooms in the country for just £12 per hour.

Valued at approximately £50,000, this facility is the envy of every visiting club. It's ideal for swing analysis, club fittings, practice sessions, and virtual rounds on some of the best courses in the world. It’s also an excellent resource for personalised coaching—including yardage gapping, mental game support, and even on-course strategy sessions virtually played from our own 5th tee.

Winter Success and Revenue Impact

Our late-night winter simulator hire program proved highly successful and will return from October through March. During the colder months, sim hire revenue has brought in around £1,000 per month—an important stream that helps support club operations while offering year-round value to members. Although usage naturally declines during summer, it remains a popular and exclusive benefit available only to full members or Nest Sim Room members.

Exciting News – Brynhill Goes Global

We’re thrilled to announce that Brynhill Golf Course will soon be available as a playable course on the simulator network, accessible globally. This not only offers a powerful marketing opportunity but also allows new members and visitors to experience the course in a virtual format. We anticipate the course will be ready for download by June 18th, with more updates to follow.

Simulator Use Policy

Please be reminded of the following rule regarding The Nest:

  • Members-Only Access: The simulator room is exclusively for Brynhill and Nest members. Guests are not permitted unless they are at least registered as a Nest Sim Room Silver Member. This membership can be arranged via the Pro Shop or online.

Your adherence to this policy ensures fair use and helps maintain the high standards of our facility. Thank you for supporting The Nest and helping us make it a key part of the Brynhill experience.

COREYS CORNER

Corey’s Corner – Current Status and Future Potential

We’ve received a number of enquiries regarding Corey’s Corner and its lack of regular operation. There’s no question that this important club facility holds great potential, particularly as a halfway house during busy weekends and events. Neil from Lunch At Twelve is enthusiastic about providing a food and beverage service from Corey’s Corner and is ready to support operations whenever possible.

However, the key barrier remains infrastructure. At present, Corey’s Corner lacks both electricity and running water—two essential utilities required to meet modern food safety and hygiene standards. Regulations demand proper facilities for cleaning, disinfection, and handwashing, which we simply cannot provide without these services in place.

While the unit can operate on a limited, one-off basis—such as during Corey’s Day or Captain’s Prize Weekend—a consistent, regular service is not legally feasible until the utility issues are resolved. We want to be clear: both the club and Neil are fully aligned in wanting to see Corey’s Corner open and thriving. However, we are currently constrained by legal and health compliance requirements.

Please be assured that this is a priority we are continuing to explore. We recognise the value that a fully operational halfway house would bring to the member and visitor experience, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in the meantime.

GOLF COURSE

Course Update – Performance, Communication & Investment

Course Communications

Course Manager Richard Hatcher continues to do an outstanding job keeping members informed about course conditions and ongoing work. His detailed updates are shared weekly via the member newsletter. If you're not receiving these emails, please check your junk or spam folders. If the newsletter is still not arriving, contact the office to confirm or update your email address.

Course Presentation

I can say with confidence that I’ve never seen Brynhill in better condition. The greens are exceptional and continue to improve week by week, firmly placing us at the top of the local leaderboard in terms of course quality and presentation. I’m incredibly proud of what our course team is achieving.

As discussed at the AGM, we’ve committed to a comprehensive annual greens programme, investing approximately £10,000 per year on fertilisers, weed control, and disease management. This investment, alongside Richard’s expertise and the addition of a new greens mower, is delivering outstanding results.

It’s important to recognise that our course is currently being maintained by a small team of just four staff—occasionally dropping to three due to holidays. For a course of our size, best practice would call for a team of six, but budget limitations mean this isn’t currently feasible. My sincere thanks go to Richard, Matt B, Matt L, and Dan for their dedication and the pride they take in their work. Their passion and attention to detail are evident throughout the course and are instrumental in helping us reach our full membership goals.

Tees Programme – Long-Term Commitment

As acknowledged during the AGM, the one area of the course that currently falls short of our standards is the tee boxes. These areas have seen limited investment in past years, and we are now committed to rectifying that.

We’ve officially launched our Tee Programme, starting with the construction of a new 17th tee. This will be the first of several projects to rebuild and improve our teeing areas. Each tee costs approximately £4,000–£5,000 to level, reconstruct, and re-turf—so progress will be steady and affordability-led. Myself, Chairman of Greens Cael Penberthy, and Richard will walk the course to prioritise tees in most need of attention. Once the 17th is complete, we will move on to the next, following a clear, phased approach.

This is a long-term plan, but it’s underway—and the key point is that we now have a clear vision and the commitment to see it through.

Machinery Update – Delivering on AGM Promises

We’re pleased to report that the machinery upgrades promised in the 2024 AGM have now been delivered. The club has taken receipt of:

  • A new Toro sidewinder for tees and surrounds

  • A new Toro rough mower

  • A new Toro greens mower

  • A new tractor and aerator attachment

These additions significantly enhance our maintenance capabilities, particularly for greens and tees. Toro equipment is regarded as the industry gold standard, and having these machines in operation brings Brynhill in line with top-tier courses.

Looking ahead, we still have essential machinery on our wish list, including a fairway mower and utility workman vehicle. We are optimistic that the continued success of the clubhouse improvement plan—as a valuable secondary income stream—will enable us to secure these remaining assets on a lease hire basis in the near future.

Practice Area Update

As a friendly reminder, please continue to use the practice green for chip shots only. For shots between 50-140 yards, use the old 18th practice tee and hit back towards the direction of the clubhouse, avoiding shots in the direction of the houses.

Thank you for your continued cooperation whilst we try and develop the practice area as a great short game facility.

CLUBHOUSE

Clubhouse & Events Update – Growth, Improvements, and Future Plans

Our clubhouse and event space continues to go from strength to strength. Since completing the lounge refurbishment in February, the results have exceeded expectations. Feedback from both members and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re already seeing the benefits in terms of increased room bookings. The decision to shift the room’s theme from golf-specific to a more neutral and versatile design has proven to be the right one—allowing us to better market the space as a sustainable secondary income stream.

While we remain committed to honouring Brynhill’s golfing heritage, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for both the foyer and the lounge was essential for expanding our event offering. We now actively promote the lounge for weddings, parties, wakes, and other private events, and the strategy is working. Lounge hire has increased from £175 to £225 without any drop in bookings. We are now regularly seeing £8,000+ weeks in bar revenue, a clear indication that the business model is both viable and effective.

We’ve also made subtle improvements to the clubhouse frontage —enhancing curb appeal and reinforcing why these areas were prioritised for renovation: to maximise consistent income, enabling reinvestment into the course and facilities. As I write this we also have brand new signage on order for the front of the building and car park entrance which will further improve and update everything to fall in line with our club branding.

Special thanks to Barry Cooke for his professional management of the bar and clubhouse. His leadership as a bar manger is instrumental in positioning Brynhill as a premier event venue in Barry and the Vale. Also a thank you to the bar staff for the warm welcome they show visitors and members.

Patio Enhancements & Storage Solutions

In preparation for the summer season, we replaced the old patio furniture with modern rattan-style seating, which has been well received—so much so that on sunny days, there’s often not a spare seat available. We’ve also added a log cabin-style structure at the far end of the patio, which significantly improves the use of space and, most importantly, provides much-needed storage. This allows us to efficiently convert the lounge for larger functions by safely storing excess furniture when needed.

Thank you to Jamie Griffiths and Colin Lewis for their work constructing the log cabin, repointing the patio, and assembling furniture. Additional thanks go to Ian Clemo, Dai Griffiths, Gary Ball, and Gary Pudge for sanding and painting the patio and clubhouse benches—your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Sunday Lunch & “The Cwtch” Experience

Sunday lunches, managed by Neil from Lunch At Twelve, continue to be a standout success. In winter months, we’ve averaged around 70 Sunday lunches weekly, with a solid 30–40 still being served through summer. This consistent footfall supports the bar and adds to our community atmosphere. If you haven’t yet tried it, we highly recommend bringing the family—you’ll be impressed by the quality, service, and value.

For a more intimate experience, members can reserve The Cwtch, a private seating area for up to 10 guests, complete with balcony access—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or family gatherings.

Please continue to support Lunch At Twelve by dining at the club and enquiring about their takeaway options, which they are always happy to offer.

Upcoming Projects & Grant Funding

Looking ahead, we’re pleased to announce that we have secured a £21,000 Wales Sport Ladies Legacy Grant, earmarked for improvements to the ladies' locker room, toilets, shower areas, and the creation of a disabled visitors' toilet. Work is scheduled to begin in September 2025.

Following this, our focus will shift to the much-anticipated sports bar renovation, which remains a firm part of our development plan for 2025.