Volunteers transform Wenvoe Castle Golf Club into a thriving community

The host of the Welsh foursomes championship in 2007, Wenvoe Castle is redefining what it means to be a golf course, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its passionate workforce following the challenging times of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Under the guidance of the committee chair of Greens and Volunteers, Kevin Reaney, the team has taken their commitment to a whole new level to ensure safety and efficiency as part of the club’s revitalisation efforts.

This includes introducing a more structured volunteer group, implementing pink high-vis jackets and helmets, proper risk assessments and method statements, and providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mr Reaney says that he decided to take on the baton in hopes of bringing the golf club to the top.

Wenvoe Castle golf club volunteers. Kevin Reaney in the yellow Hi-Viz jacket, Lesley Sherrard in the pink hi-viz jacket (Image: Supplied)

“The Wenvoe Castle clubhouse is a Grade-II listed building so there is an awful lot to do," he said. "We are trying to put ourselves in the top must play parkland courses in Wales.

“This year we have had a really big push on presentation, trying to increase the membership numbers and retaining the members we have got. It has to be one of the best places to relax and watch golf in the country.”

However, there is more work to get done. Mr Reaney plans to introduce a new winter route to play the course with 18 new winter tees that will be built by staff and volunteers.

While the efforts became an instant hit, they initially sprouted out of necessity during the challenging lockdown period.

Club Captain Lesley Sherrard could not pass on her duties during the pandemic, which resulted in her and head green-keeper Lucy Sellick identifying the need for an additional workforce to restore the course to its former glory.

Ms Sherrard said: “I am a first-impressions person and it had all got sloppy and untidy through lack of manpower, so I asked if anyone would be willing to do work on the peripheral areas of the course.”

Recognising the situation at hand, Ms Sherrard reached out to club members and appealed for volunteers to assist with different tasks, ranging from weeding bunkers and painting railings to repairing facilities, mowing, and even renovating the club’s benches.

Reflecting on the efforts by the slowly expanding volunteer group, Mr Reaney said: “Away from the traditional green-keeping, there are always so many things that add to the experience of the facility,” mentioning keeping customers happy as the number one priority.

This was a core driving force for improving the conditions of the castle and has garnered attention from Wales Golf during Volunteers Week.

Ms Sherrard expressed her delight with this situation and revealed that the team had done many projects since then and proudly has numerous volunteers.