She landed a role in the industry by chance and never looked back, but her ideal job would driving at more than 300kmph! This week, we caught up with Membership Manager at Windross Farm Golf Course, Rachel Carlyle.
Where do you work, what’s your role and how long have you been there?
I am the Membership Manager at Windross Farm Golf Course. I started in December 2024 so I’m still reasonably fresh, but it already feels like I’ve been here for years!
What prompted you to work in the Golf industry and what’s a typical day like?
It all happened by chance really, I was on a 6-month sabbatical in hopes of finding the perfect job and decided to type ‘Golf’ into Seek and the Membership Manager role at Windross popped up. I’m a local to the area so it felt meant to be! I’m very thankful that I got the job because these last 7 months have been awesome, easily the best job I’ve ever had.
No two days are the same here at Windross. Every day is different and I’m always doing something new, anything to make sure our members are happy!
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
Wanting everything to be perfect. For every member to always be happy and have a perfect experience every day. It’s an impossible wish really. Everyone has different expectations, some love quiet tradition, others prefer a livelier social scene. Trying to balance that and keep everyone happy is no small task. I genuinely want every member to love being at Windross. Perfection might not always be possible but caring about the members goes a long way, and there’s no harm in trying!
What trends or changes do you see shaping the future of the golf industry?
There’s a really positive shift happening, with more women and younger players getting into golf. The traditional, exclusive image is phasing out and we’re seeing a more welcoming, social, and fun approach. Initiatives like ‘She Loves Golf’ classes, social comps and fun club events are helping to break down those barriers. The next generation wants to feel a sense of belonging, that golf is a place where they can have fun and spend time with their mates, not just a game for the traditional golfer. I also see technology making big moves, it’s making golf smarter, more accessible and more fun which is exactly what we’re all looking for.
If you weren’t working in Golf, what would you be doing?
Honestly after joining the Golf industry, I don’t really see myself doing anything else, they say when you love your job you never work a day in your life, and that’s how I feel, I’ve learnt so much already, and getting to work in such a beautiful environment with happy golfers every day, I really can’t complain! But if I ever get the chance to live life all over again, I’d 100% aim to be a Formula 1 driver.
If you could play a round of golf with three people dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Bryson DeChambeau, because he’s my favourite golfer and I’m in dire straits for some driver tips.
My Grandad, who was an avid golfer. He passed away before I started playing, and I would’ve loved the chance to play a round with him.
Luke Combs, with the hopes he’d put on a concert at the clubhouse after.
What is your handicap?
My handicap is still pending… I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I avoid handing in my scorecard if I’ve had a bad round! My plan is to wait until I’m really good, then start submitting my scores, that way my handicap will look much better.
Have you ever had a hole in one?
Not yet but I reckon it’s got to be coming soon.
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