In the Clubhouse: Insights from Bill Donald, GM at Cathedral Lodge on Golf Club Management

In this episode of Beyond the Tour, host Jake Hower talks with Bill Donald, General Manager of the prestigious Cathedral Lodge Golf Club in Australia. Bill shares his journey from Ireland to Melbourne, discusses the unique allure and exclusivity of Cathedral Lodge, and reflects on the challenges and joys of managing a private golf club. The conversation covers topics such as the emergence of private clubs worldwide, the impact of COVID-19 on the golf industry, and the importance of hospitality in retaining club memberships. Bill also shares his experiences with top golfers, discusses his podcasting ventures, and offers insights into the Australian golf scene compared to the UK and Ireland.

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Timestamps:

00:14 Bill Donald's Background and Experience

00:55 The Allure of Cathedral Lodge

02:06 Membership and Club Experience

03:06 Private Golf Clubs Around the World

04:35 Journey into Golf Management

06:05 Running a Golf Club: Responsibilities and Challenges

20:31 The Importance of Good Staff

33:59 Starting a Golf Podcast

37:01 Funny and Memorable Golf Stories

40:10 Conclusion and Contact Information