Tenby Golf Club has bid farewell to its longest-serving Club Manager, David Hancock, who has officially retired after 22 years at the helm. Over 120 members gathered at the clubhouse to celebrate his remarkable career, swapping stories and raising a glass to a man who has guided the club through challenges, triumphs, and more than a few leaky roofs.
David’s connection with golf goes back to his childhood in Northampton, where he learned the game alongside his mum, dad and brother at Kingsthorpe Golf Club. As a teenager he worked a summer job as a greenkeeper, planting trees and driving the tractor, though by his own admission, sometimes with the handbrake still on.
Before life at Tenby, David enjoyed an eclectic career: electrician, theatre lighting designer, production manager at Sonning Mill (the youngest in the country at the time), and even holding an Equity card. Not many golf club managers can say they’ve worked backstage in theatre and played single-figure handicap golf, while still following Northampton Saints rugby.
He joined Tenby Golf Club in 2003, not, he jokes, as the first choice, since his predecessor lasted just four hours before he was called back in. Since then, David has worked with more than 20 Captains, a dozen Presidents, countless volunteers and committees, and seen the club through major developments. These include the new Dormy accommodation, a 3-hole practice course, putting green, driving range, and over £325,000 worth of funding delivered for projects.
Under his leadership, Tenby was named Welsh Golf Club of the Year in 2014 and was honoured with a visit from the Ryder Cup Trophy in 2010. He also proudly served as Captain of the Welsh Region of the Golf Club Managers Association. Members recall his steady hand during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when he worked tirelessly with staff and the Board to keep the club afloat and ensure golf could return as soon as restrictions lifted.
Known for his attention to detail (and famous signs), David has been the driving force behind the club’s resilience in difficult times and its growth in better ones. As he retires, the club’s members are full of gratitude, and just a little apprehension about whether they’ll still spot him around the clubhouse.
Chair of the Board, Nick Gregg commented: “On behalf of the club and its members over the last 22 years, we owe David a huge debt of gratitude, we all wish him the very best in his retirement, though if he fancies joining the Board as a volunteer, we’d gladly have him back!” David, for his part, has promised he won’t be a stranger. After all, the golf course has always been his second home.
Tenby Golf Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Brendan Monnelly as its new General Manager. Brendan, who has successfully led the club’s hospitality operations for the past two years following its major redevelopment, now steps into this leadership role, while Daniel Leighton, previously Deputy Manager, has been promoted to Hospitality Manager.