Working at Burhill Golf

Our business is all about people. We strive to create fun, vibrant and highly rewarding careers for people with passion and drive. With an overriding emphasis on creating unique and memorable guest experiences, we love people who really want to make a difference.

So what's it really like working at Burhill Golf?

Alp Cirakli, F&B Supervisor, Hoebridge Golf Centre

When did you join BGL and why?

I joined BGL more than 8 months ago, one of the main reasons I wanted to work for BGL was not only to improve my knowledge and skills but also take my career to the next level by representing and being part of a well-known and prestigious company.

What do you love about working for BGL?

If I had to choose one of the many things I love about working for BGL it would be the vision of the company and how high we keep the standards to provide the best customer service every single time. We have a brilliant team of talented individuals who are dedicated to deliver their best, regardless how challenging the tasks could be.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining BGL?

I would say BGL is the right company to join either if you’re just starting up your career and you want to learn new skills or if you have past experience and you want to improve your knowledge. It’s a perfect opportunity to challenge yourself by learning more from the best individuals. Joining this prestigious company is one of the greatest moves that I made for my career, and I couldn’t be more proud of calling myself part of the BGL team.

Mark Brooks, Head Chef, Thornbury Golf Centre

When did you join BGL and why?

I started working for BGL in 2001 as 2nd Chef because I wanted a new challenge and one day to progress to become a Head Chef. I have been Head Chef since 2005.

What do you love about working for BGL?

I enjoy catering for our weddings and events business. Over the years, the events side of the business has more than doubled which with this brings new challenges. Since I started working for BGL I have had the chance to take on many courses to progress my career, I have achieved a level 5 management qualification, license holder, and many more. The course I am most passionate about is what got me to be a First Aid Training Instructor, I had to undertake a teacher training qualification in education level 3 and a Nuco First Aid Instructor course, which enables me to teach Accredited First Aid qualifications. With my teaching qualifications I can also teach food safety. Over the last 7 years with the help of Guy Riggott, Operations Director, BGL Golf and Tim Good, my General Manager, I have been teaching First Aid Training to some of the BGL sites which I really enjoy.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining BGL?

I would recommend BGL to anyone willing to progress in their career, as over the last few years, BGL have put together opportunities for team members to undertake new courses and apprenticeship qualifications.

Haseen Gokani, Sales & Marketing Manager, Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club

When did you join BGL and why?

November 2019. Having experience in health club sales, I wanted to broaden my skill set into the events, functions, and golf industry. BGL’s vision and values attracted me and gave me a great insight into the culture. Having met with the General Manager and getting a real understanding of the business, it felt natural.

What do you love about working for BGL?

The people. We are like one big family, all pulling in the same direction giving the best possible experience to all our members and visitors. The support and trust given to me at all levels of the business makes me feel proud and a valued member of the team.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining BGL?

No matter what stage you are in your career, there is a place for you here at BGL. Our people are the most important part of our business, helping them to learn, develop and grow. If you take pride in your work, are passionate about customer experience and like having fun…come and join our family!

Rob Surgery, Group Course Manager

When did you join BGL and why?

I joined the Burhill Group in 2002 starting as Deputy Course Manager at Wycombe Heights Golf Club. I had heard about the group and did some research into the company. There were 8 clubs then before the acquisition of Aldwickbury and Redbourn. I felt at the time it would be a good opportunity to progress my career and hopefully progress through the ranks to become a Course Manager. I was fortunate that this happened within a few years and then became Course Manager at Wycombe Heights Golf Club. I was then asked to help out at Burhill Golf Club for their centenary year as the Course Manager at the time was off due to ill health. I was then appointed Senior Course Manager for the group a few years later.

What do you love about working for BGL?

I really enjoy working as part of a team with the staff members at Burhill and I also enjoy being involved in numerous projects across the group which helps expand my knowledge of golf and not just greenkeeping.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining BGL?

My journey through from being a Deputy Course Manager at Wycombe Heights to Senior Course Manager for the group shows that progression is possible within the group if you work hard, learn about all aspects of the group and are willing to relocate. If I was thinking about joining BGL now I would ask myself where I want to be in 5 years and can BGL give me the opportunities to fulfil my goals. From my experience BGL gives you plenty of opportunities to grow as an individual and has a wealth of knowledgeable people to learn from. BGL always looks to promote from within if possible, and there are many cases of this throughout the company with me being one.

Sarah Blunden, General Manager, Wycombe Heights

When did you join BGL and why?

July 2006, I was at university at the time and was looking for a summer job. I was lucky enough to be offered a job as an F&B Assistant on the bar. I continued working at Wycombe Heights during the university holidays for the next 3 years. I am now moving into my second General Manager role with the business.

What do you love about working for BGL?

The people – be that the team that I work with, the support I get from the Central Support team, 9 other general managers or the fantastic members and customers we look after every day. Being part of a golf club means you’re part of a team of people. You get the opportunity to get to know your customers.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining BGL?

Whether you’re looking for a part time job or career progression, you’ll be welcomed into a friendly team. There are plenty of opportunities to progress and to learn across different departments.

Geoff Graggs, Head Warden, Hoebridge Golf Centre

When did you join BGL and why?

November 2020. Having retired from the Police Service I wanted to work in a people centric environment that included the element of sport. As a golfer who wanted to remain fit and active, the role at Hoebridge really appealed to me. I am a natural problem solver and enjoy my time outdoors.

What do you love about working for BGL?

The golfing environment and warden role can be challenging but is extremely enjoyable. I lead a team of six wardens who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the courses, we have a great camaraderie and enjoy coming to work with each other. I personally get immense satisfaction from the course running smoothly and good feedback from our members and guests.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining BGL?

The environment at Hoebridge is fast paced and challenging but as a result is extremely rewarding. There is opportunity to gain great fulfilment from working in the Hoebridge environment due to the relationship with our members, colleagues, and guests.