We had a chat with Royal Wellington Golf Course Manager John Spraggs CSTM about his passion for golf. John was recently honoured for his dedication to the sport by being bestowed a Life Membership of Golf Wellington. In a recent Linkedin post, John said: “I felt truly humbled to be nominated and bestowed Life Membership of Golf Wellington at the AGM last night, underscoring my enduring passion for the organisation. Black and Yellow forever.”
What golf course do you work at, what’s your role, and how long have you been there?
I am the Course Manager at Royal Wellington I have been in this role for 20 years.
What inspired you to pursue a career in golf, and how did you get started?
I grew up on a dairy farm in the Waikato was playing golf and wanted to stay close to the game I loved, interest rates were sill high in the 70’s and could not afford to buy a farm so golf became my lot.
What are the biggest challenges you face in managing a golf club?
Player expectations and cost of equipment.
What trends or changes do you see shaping the future of the golf industry?
Casual play is booming so the membership model may be a thing of the past. Robotic equipment is coming.
If you weren’t working in golf, what would you be doing?
Fishing is a great pass time.
If you could play a round of golf with three people dead or alive, who would they be and why?
My late father and late father in law plus late Paul Hartstone.
What’s your handicap?
Now on a 9.0
Ever had a hole in one?
No hole in one’s
