Kirk's golfing journey takes him from The Belfry to Goodwood

Kirk Lovell, 38, has previously worked as golf services manager at the prestigious Belfry resort in the Midlands, acknowledged as the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup having hosted the contest four times. His extensive career has also taken him worldwide and he worked in Vietnam as golf services manager at the Montgomerie Links in Danang after spending two years in Australia at the luxurious Bonville International Resort at Coffs Harbour. There, among his other duties, he organised corporate golf events including the star-studded Australian Rugby Union Wallabies’ Golf Day. While in Vietnam he spent time teaching English and golf at the International School in Ho Chi Minh City. Lovell brings a formidable repertoire of other skills and expertise to his new role at Goodwood having worked extensively in banking in the UK and Australia before turning his attention solely to golf. While at The Belfry he was responsible for managing 40 golf services staff and led them to the 2011 team of the year award. He organised celebrity events such as the Sir Alex Ferguson Golf Classic. Lovell, who has a six handicap, said: “My travel to many countries has been an incredible learning experience. “My objective in golf is to never stop learning and developing within the golf industry and to provide impeccable customer service at all times.” CHICHESTER Chichester ladies played their Coronation Foursomes despite wet weather. A depleted field of 16 played and the winning pair with 29 points were Kathy Donohoe and Caroline Hawkes. Second with 28 were Elaine Fell and Jeannie Blackman and third on countback were Pam Hart and Lesley Downs with 26. A small field played the Saturday medal with the top three scoring 81. On countback, first was junior captain Rebecca Curd, second Nikki Hood and third Amanda Mackenzie. Between showers, the Brent Lodge Trophy was played. Many struggled with the wet conditions but Caroline Hawkes was victorious with 36 points. Second with 36 was Margaret Leigh and third on countback with 31 was Sang Porter. AVISFORD PARK Avisford Park seniors clearly do not travel well, as the results for the first matches of the season show. Both home matches were won but there were disappointing losses on all away fixtures, some of which were severely curtailed by appalling weather. Results: Rustington (A) lost 3½-2½; Foxbridge (H) won 5½-½; Hill Barn (H) won 6-0; Southsea (A) lost 5½-½; Chichester (A) lost 6-0. Avisford’s midweek roll-up saw Mark Walden take the honours with 38 points. The senior medal was won in division one by Martin Crick with nett 68 and in division two by Peter Brown with 67. The club medal was won in division one by Daniel Bernhardt with a nett 63 and in division two by Mark Walker with a nett 67. The senior Stableford competition was won in division one by Richard Strickland with 36 points and in division two by Brian Parkinson with 38 points. COWDRAY PARK Despite torrential rain, Cowdray Park seniors’ return match at Waterlooville went ahead. Conditions were far from ideal, which forced the home club to cancel use of buggies, and this led to last-minute changes in the visitors’ personnel. Cowdray match manager Trevor Edwards and partner Mike Holden showed little mercy in beating the home pair by 8&6. Equally impressive were Mike Nobes and Roger Poat, who triumphed 7&6. The home side fought back but a win by final pair of David Finn and David Carter clinched victory for the visitors by 4½-3½ and give them their first home/away double of the season. Results (Cowdray names first): Trevor Edwards & Mike Holden beat John Oliver & John Sullivan 8&6; George Crouch & Barry Overington halved with Neil Hoare & John Day; Mike Nobes & Roger Poat beat John Aspel & Howard Sherlock 7&6; Mike King & Colin Tebbutt lost to Tony Hore & Roger Keynes 3&2; David Finn & David Carter beat Geoff Ward & Ces Cunningham 3&1; Keith Chapman & Mel Milburn lost to Clive Shinn & Tony Morgan 4&2; Chris Hoare & Sam Howes halved with Syd Martin & Alan Nash; Ken Newberry & Clive Strudwick halved with John Clinton & Barry Downer. Cowdray Park seniors’ pairs competition for the Podmore Salver fell foul of the weather and had to be abandoned. A new date of July 26 has been arranged.