This month we caughtup with Daniel White, the general mangaer at Royston Golf Club…
Day to Day & Role
How did you get into this line of work?
I played junior and county golf for Essex before turning professional at 23. After three or four seasons on the mini tours, injuries caught up with me and I wasn’t quite good enough to push on further. I returned to amateur golf, followed my father into legal finance and spent 13 years in London working across commercial, shipping and corporate law. About five years ago I came back to the golf industry – I missed it, and felt my commercial experience suited a people-focused management role. Royston is my third club.
What does a typical day look like?
No two days are the same. In winter we’re busy with functions and events, especially around Christmas, and we stay busy on the golf side too – our chalk-based turf drains brilliantly, so we become a hub for visitors when their courses are closed. In spring and summer the focus shifts fully to golf. Day to day it’s a mix of finance, marketing and operations, working closely with the committee, greens team, bar, kitchen and events staff.
Most challenging part of the role?
The variation – you can plan some of your day but you always have to allow for the unexpected. That said, it’s also what makes it a great job.
And the most rewarding?
Seeing the business grow and the club buzzing. Our junior section has had a real boost over the last 12 months – watching the juniors play is always brilliant, especially as that’s where I started myself.
Local Area
Favourite local place to eat?
I walk into town a few times a week – coffee from the Horsebox Coffee Shop, a sandwich from Days, and Ashiana Spice is an office favourite.
Favourite local shop?
I’ll hold my hands up – being based in Great Dunmow I’m not quite local enough to have one yet. Give me another 18 months!
The Club & Community
What makes Royston Golf Club special?
We’re a heathland course on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so we work closely with conservators to protect the natural environment. The chalk-based turf means we’re playable all year round – we run competitions every month and host a Pro-Am in February. Golf has been played on this land for over 400 years, right on the edge of a busy town. It’s a unique combination.
How does the club engage with the local community?
We host charity golf days for local businesses, Royston Hockey Club have their post-match meals here every Saturday, Royston Football Club hold their charity day with us, and Royston Rugby Club use us for their prize giving. Local companies on occasion book our facilities for functions and social events.
Events for non-golfers?
Absolutely! People are often surprised by how much goes on here beyond golf.
The Course
What goes into maintaining the course?
The greens team work seasonally – shorter hours in winter, longer in summer. In peak months they’re on the course from 6am. Major maintenance is done twice a year, in April and late August/September. It’s a huge amount of work that largely goes unseen.
How do the seasons affect course management?
Water is the biggest factor – summers are getting longer and drier, so managing usage is huge both financially and practically. Winter is for improvements like bunker work and tee renovations. In spring, when grass growth peaks, it’s all hands on deck every day.
Behind-the-scenes details people might not realise?
The amount of work our volunteer committee members put in is incredible – they devote real time and professional skills to running the club. We also work with charities to help people back into employment and offer work experience placements for school students across the pro shop, greens team, kitchen and beyond.
Members & Visitors
What do members value most?
Community spirit and a unique golf course. The atmosphere is brilliant – there’s a real sense of togetherness, and combined with a course you can play all year round on a stunning SSSI setting, that’s what keeps people coming back.
What would you say to someone thinking of trying golf?
Give it a go and stick with it – once it gets you, it’ll have you for life. Try it with a friend, get lessons early on, and you’ll improve much quicker. We’re always happy to welcome beginners at Royston.
Personal Journey
What do you enjoy most about the golf industry?
The people. This job is always about people – members, visitors, business associates, committee members, staff. You build relationships across all of those areas and no two conversations are the same.
