Following the retirement of John Davies after 14 years of service, Surrey County Golf have announced the appointment of Steve McNeill as the new County Secretary.
Steve, who took the reins on the 1st May 2018 has a wealth of experience gain from both a retail environment and also from within the golf industry. In addition, Steve has been a volunteer for the County for the last ten years, before being appointed Assistant County Secretary two years ago.
During his working life Steve worked for the Thresher Group for twenty years in a variety of roles. His career at the Thresher Group saw him steadily progress from Shop Manager to Franchise Contracts Manager, Project manager and finally Area Manager, responsible for the performance of a group of retail outlets.
In 2006 Steve joined Crown Golf as Audit Manager, developing and implementing processes and procedures for the twenty Golf Clubs with the Crown Golf group, with regards to cash and stock management within its shops, bars and restaurants.
During this time Steve became involved with junior golf starting in 2000, when as a member at Bramley Golf Club, Steve took on the role of Junior Organiser. After six years in this role Steve moved onto various volunteer activities within Surrey Golf. Steve was instrumental in developing the U14 RookieTour, which is regarded by many as the engine room of the County, producing many wonderful young players who have gone onto represent their countries at international level both as juniors and as adults. A number of these players have also turned to the professional ranks to try their hand at making a living from the game.
He also managed several of the Junior teams, from the U12 team, who he created, to the U16’s, winning many trophies during his time with them. Steve was involved with running County Championships and other County events, plus he helped create the excellent County coaching programme that is now in place.
Talking to Steve, it is clear that he is proud and excited to take on the role of County Secretary working with and supporting the Golf Clubs and their members. Within Surrey there are over 32,000 golfers affiliated to the County and Steve intends to work with the Golf Clubs to assist with promoting and growing the game of golf.
Surrey run a multitude of golfing events, coaching programmes, teams and Championships, and Steve strongly believes that it is key to ensure there is something for players of all ages and standards, from beginner to elite, in which to take part.
When asked if he had a goal, his simple answer was for Surrey to be the best County in the Country.
Those in the County that already know Steve, of which there are many, know that he has a real passion and infectious enthusiasm about Surrey Golf. Steve is greatly looking forward to the challenges ahead and building on the successes that the County has already enjoyed.