Meet the Team

Meet the team at Oake Manor Golf Club and see the skills, experience, personalities and love our team has in bringing you one of the best golf clubs around. Plus all in their own words.

Management & Admin

Mike King

Managing Director

“I was a farmer until the early-1990s, when I recognised the potential of the Oake Manor land to be a golf course. I invited five architects who specialise in designing golf clubs to quote, chose the best, and the rest is history. In partnership with the superb staff team, we have produced a great golf club. My right-hand woman is Louise Woodmason.”

Louise Woodmason

Company Administrator

“Having studied business and finance at University, I worked as an accounts manager for 6 years before joining Oake Manor in 2000. I am responsible for all the company’s administration, PA to Michael King, secretary for Senior Managers, membership secretary and a wedding co-ordinator.  I really enjoy the variety of the different roles and am happy to help wherever needed.”

The Green Team

James 'Will' Williams

Course Manager

Having been in the army for eight years, James studied for a diploma in golf green keeping, subsequently working on golf courses in Wiltshire and Devon, as well as Vienna, before coming to Oake Manor around ten years ago. James loves working outside, preparing to a high standard the greens of what he says with passion is the best golf course in the South West.

Chris Trott

Deputy Course Manager

The Golf Team

James Smallacombe

Golf Manager (Class AA)

James has been a professional since 1994 when he started his career here at Oake Manor Golf Club. Since qualifying as a PGA Member James chose to stay with us, working hard to forward Oake Manor and his own career. With an extensive knowledge of the game, he has taken on a more senior role on the business side of the operation, as well as the running of the professionals’ shop.

James is also an accomplished teacher; his simple, uncomplicated approach to teaching makes him successful with beginners, intermediate and advanced players. Using the latest digital C SWING technology, he is also able to provide an excellent custom fitting service for all members and guests, assuring the correct clubs are found to suit the needs of each individual.

Lewis Hanney

Head PGA Professional (Advanced)

Lewis qualified in 2003 and has held a variety of positions throughout his career. He has PGA Advanced Professional status as well as new Level 3 in Golf Coaching qualification which will enable him to work for the PGA as a swing tutor and mentor. He is highly qualified in using a  Trackman 4, the number 1 launch monitor on tour and is a certified  Level 2 coach.  He offers golf coaching to all ages and abilities as well as custom fitting to the highest standard using his Trackman 4.

This winter will see him embark on learning the ins and outs of how to help golfers with their playing psychology hoping to become a fully qualified Golf Psychologist. This is one of many career development courses Lewis has completed in order to offer the most comprehensive golf coaching experience. Lewis is also the Lead Somerset Futures and Development Squad Coach which he enjoys immensely.

http://lewishanneygolf.co.uk/

Tim Burdon

Senior PGA Professional (Class AA)

Tim’s straightforward approach is based on the philosophy of simplifying the fundamentals of the golf swing and its construction, clearly focussing on key areas of the game. From experience at all levels he recognises that players need consistency, and this is best achieved by simplifying all aspects of a game that can often become over complicated. Tim also believes strongly in the importance of the short game, understanding how modern technology has changed the way in which we can produce more consistency in the short game.

The Hospitality Team

Steve Purchase

Catering Manager

Having travelled the world as a marine engineer with Shell Oil tankers, I joined Berni Inns as a manager (in London), going on to manage two large free houses and night clubs before I found an exciting opportunity with the fledgling Oake Manor Golf Club.

 

I started at Oake Manor in 1993 and have seen the business grow into what it is today. Every day is different, and it’s the variety of what we do that I like. The challenge is to try and keep the business we have as well as to think of other ways to grow it. That means keeping happy all those hungry and thirsty golfers, the loyal Sunday Carvery crowd and weekday lunchers, those who choose to celebrate a special event with us, and more recently all of those who look to Oake Manor for their weekend entertainment.

Ginny Gillingham

Deputy Catering Manager

Ginny has worked at Oake Manor since 2010, starting out as an Apprentice Catering Manager.  Since Ginny’s apprenticeship she has gone on to become a Duty Manager and Wedding Coordinator and now Deputy Catering Manager.

In 2014 Ginny won the Somerset Business Awards, Young Business Employee of The Year.  Oake Manor is very proud of this achievement and feels that Ginny thoroughly deserved it.

Rachel Lane

Duty Manager

Rachel has worked at Oake Manor since 2012, starting as a waitress and working her way up to be a fantastic member of management. Rachel is enthusiastic when is comes to work but she also has a passion for travelling. Rachel loves visiting new places and seeing new cultures.

In 2018 Rachel won the Somerset Business Awards, Young Business Employee of The Year. An award she thoroughly deserved and is rightfully very proud to have won.

The Kitchen Team

The Oake Manor kitchen team is excellent; Head Chef Andrew Betambo and Senior Sous Chef Gavin White have over 30 years’ experience at Oake Manor between them. Constantly finding new and delicious ways to improve the menu.

Andrew Betambo

Head Chef

Andrew began his career aged 15 in a pub kitchen, and then studied at S.C.A.T, in his second year being selected as runner-up chef of the year. Starting at Oake Manor in 2000, he has worked his way up to Head Chef, his passion for cooking, willingness to study and leadership qualities fitting him for the role.

Gavin White

Senior Sous Chef

Gavin has worked at Oake Manor since 1999, starting as the lowest ranking kitchen team member and working his way up to his current position of Senior Sour Chef. Gavin is hard working and a valued member of the Kitchen team.