Professional Team Update: Welcoming Jessie Roper

I am delighted to announce that Jessie Roper will be joining our professional team in a full-time position from 1st August.

Over the coming weeks, you may see Jessie around the club as she completes a few introductory shifts, giving her the opportunity to get to know you (IGC members), staff, systems, and procedures ahead of her official start date.

As many of you are aware, Huey Cunningham will be leaving us in August to begin an exciting new chapter in the United States on a golfing scholarship in St. Petersburg, Florida. We are incredibly proud of Huey and have no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him in the game.

Huey’s contribution to the professional shop & services will be truly missed. Since I joined Ilkley 18 months ago, he has consistently gone above and beyond in every aspect of his role. I would like to personally thank him for all of his hard work, dedication, and support during that time.

With Huey’s departure, Oscar Snell will take on many of the responsibilities and hours that Huey currently covers. Jessie’s appointment will also enable PGA Assistant Professional Archie Rowntree to spend more time coaching, helping us meet the increasing demand for lessons and coaching programmes while supporting his ongoing professional development and long-term career ambitions. We are also delighted that Mark Hainsworth will continue to be part of the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise that will further strengthen our offering to members.

Jessie joins us as our new Digital Marketing & Operations Assistant, undertaking a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship in partnership with Leeds City College.

This appointment represents a significant step forward for the business as we continue to grow and develop for the future. I would like to thank all of you for your continued support over the last 18 months and to Airedale Motor Company which has helped make this possible. This investment will also help raise the profile of Ilkley Golf Club as we continue to build our online presence.

Jessie will play a key role in enhancing our communications, social media presence, the launch of our new online platform and app, Ilkley Golf College initiative, member engagement, promotions and events.

Importantly, while Jessie will be completing an apprenticeship, her role will extend far beyond the apprenticeship programme itself. I am proud to be a Living Wage employer and are committed to providing meaningful career opportunities, valuable workplace experience, and professional development that will support our employees in building successful long-term careers.

Jessie emerged as the strongest candidate from a highly competitive field of applicants. Her vision, passion for business and media, enthusiasm for the role, and, most importantly, her excellent people skills made her stand out throughout the recruitment process.

Coming from a golfing family, Jessie already has a strong understanding of the game and the golf club environment, making her a fantastic addition to our team. Having first met Jessie through junior coaching camps around seven years ago, it is particularly pleasing to now welcome her to the team in this new role. Jessie was the only girl regularly taking part in those sessions at the time, and she is keen to help encourage more young girls to discover and enjoy the game of golf.

Please join me in welcoming Jessie to Ilkley Golf Club. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have as we continue to move forward together.