Wilmslow had just three pros in the entire 20th century. The last of those, John Nowicki, was professional there for 40+ years. He retired a few months ago (and is now a life member) at the same time as the secretary/manager (who is also now a life member). It will be nice to see them both as part of the club for they were well liked.
The whole set up of the club, run of course by the various committees of members, is changing in a very positive way. We now have a new and very pro-active club manager and a new young head professional from Gleneagles. He's been here a couple of months and has made a big impact already. For a month of that time the course has been under snow, but he's set up chipping and putting lessons in the clubhouse and even brought in a Wii for people to challenge each other in silly games, ensuring that the steward and staff get some very needed custom. He's also appointed, for the first time at this club, an assistant. Suddenly they are able to offer sports psychology, fitness for golf training, and lots of coaching for juniors. The ladies' section needs more members and they've introduced a 6-month trial membership system, including mentoring and free lessons. What a good time to join a club as a member of staff just as all sorts of initiatives are being set in motion, and being able to make a positive contribution to that change.
There's a new professional at Delamere Forest. Some of you will remember Elliss Jones who made the change the pther way, from greenkeeping to professional. He's now retired but you'll see him around the club and is always willing to entertain visitors - as long as they keep him well refreshed. The new professional is Martin Brown, who joined from Fulford. They all said he was mad to leave a big and very active club for a slightly remote club in the country with a full male membership of only 250. But the members have given him no cause to regret the move. They support him and his wife vigorously and he is an essential part of another club which is changing rapidly and successfully.
What is interesting, however, is, that despite the changes, neither club has lost that individual quality that informs the core of its ethos.
I think you'd find the same at Alwoodley which was dragged straight from the 19th century to the 21st century, completely missing out on the 20th century, around the time of the millennium. John Green, the pro there, is seen as a true asset to the club and he now sits on various key committees. His opinion and expertise is valued.
As to professionals becoming greenkeepers, have a look at the work of Jeff Pinsent, professional at Sandy Lodge. His proposed alterations and partial restorations to the course in and around 2000 got the nod ahead of schemes submitted by quite high-profile golf desihn companies.
What I deduce from this is that if, as a club, you appoint a good professional he or she should have a great deal to contribute to the success and day-to-day life of, first, the club and its members and, also, visitors. Not to take advantage of that would be stupid. Co-opt him or her onto the green and handicap committees. As necessary co-opt them onto sub-committees, with equal standing. At Sherwood Forest some years ago Ken Hall, the professional, also became secretary. That arrangement ran successfully for some years.
In the public/pay-and-play sector you are often appointing a professional to run the whole enterprise. Of my local establishments of that kind Styal has the highest profile, not just because it produced David Horsey, Walker Cupper and now a winner on tour. Largely it's because two of the professionals own it and work very hard to ensure an income. There is always a lot going on and, though I would not recommend a round on either of their two courses, that includes attracting functions and the like to their log-cabin clubhouse. If you like teaching you'll get a lot more of it at a set up which has a driving range. First timers notice people having lessons in adjacent bays and soon sign up for group lessons or one-to-one. And if beginners fancy memberships, there are lots of different levels to suit every type of player and the commitments on their time.