Mark Webb is settling into his new role with Bay of Plenty Golf after working for Bay of Plenty Cricket for eight years. Photo / Ben Guild
Mark Webb is settling into his new role with Bay of Plenty Golf after working for Bay of Plenty Cricket for eight years. Photo / Ben Guild
Mark Webb has swapped bats and balls for clubs and balls.
The former Bay of Plenty Cricket cricketing manager is Bay of Plenty Golf's new golf development manager - so there is no surprise he was feeling right at home.
"It's very similar, especially at that strategic club administration level,"Webb said.
"All the clubs we are working with are positive. They all have issues, normally around the marketing of the game and letting people know what their opportunities are.
"The game is getting more accessible and clubs have been looking at different options for green fees and promotions."
One of his main priorities will be to further reduce barriers that have traditionally kept many from taking up the game.
"If you look at the young people who play, they will always identify themselves as golfers and come back to the game, but if you look at a 40-year-old who wants to try golf out - it's a bit scary. The first tees are right where everyone is standing and watching you."
The role has been changed to concentrate on partnerships between clubs and the association.
"Originally the golf development manager was all around junior golf.
"What New Zealand Golf has looked at is they are not seeing the benefits of all those juniors flowing through to all those clubs.
"They've created a partner club process where there are five partner clubs that we are working with."
The Taupo, Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane and Omokoroa clubs have been included in the initial scheme.
Webb was glad to be back in the Bay after swiftly returning from a job as general manager of Samoan Cricket after spending eight years with Bay of Plenty Cricket.
He said that decision-making process was flawed, but was looking forward to seeing the side attempt to defend the Hawke Cup this season.
