17 Jun Meet our new Operations Manager
Ben Dobson has been chosen to be our new Operations Manager. Ben is 38 years of age, married with 2 children aged 2 & 5 and lives on the Sunshine Coast.
In 2004, after graduating with a Bachelor of Sports Tourism Manager Degree, Ben started his career off at Headland Golf Club as Golf Manager, in 2008 he was promoted to General Manager, a position he held for over 12 years. After leaving Headland, Ben was named General Manager of Noosa Hills Par 3 Course late last year.
Ben comes to us with glowing references and we are sure he will become a great asset to the club for many years to come. He started with us last Tuesday, so please welcome him if you see him around.
We caught up with Ben and asked him a few questions.
How long have you been a staff member at Maroochy River Golf Club/any other clubs?
I only started at Maroochy River on Tuesday!! I worked at Headland Golf Club for over 16 years, 12 of these as General Manager. Most recently I completed a small stint as General Manager at Noosa Hills Par 3 which was a lot of fun.
What have you been doing over the last few years?
Outside of work I’ve been growing the family!! My wife Alison and I have 2 boys – Oliver (5) and Alexander (2) – and they certainly keep our hands full.
What do you hope to achieve in the future for MRGC?
My primary goal as Operations Manager is to support and hopefully take some pressure off Charlie McGill, and to contribute to a positive, professional working environment. Maroochy River is an extraordinarily busy golf club and it is an amazing facility of which members should be very proud.
Where do you live now, and why?
Mountain Creek. It’s not far to work, school and everything else the Coast has to offer.
Best golfing memory…. A special game, someone you played with, somewhere you played?
I was fortunate to spend 3 days “shadowing” the General Manager at Kingston Heath Golf Club in 2015. I finished up one afternoon and headed out on course for a round and I was literally the only person on the course – that was very surreal, considering I think that it’s the best golf course in Australia!!
What is the most useful/useless talent you have?
3-putting from 4 feet (I’ll put that in the useless category)
What is your favourite food/meal?
Is craft beer a food??
Any other sport you play or follow?
I follow most sports, particularly Rugby League (go the Blues!!) and I have a soft spot for NFL.
And finally, any ambition yet to achieve?
I’ve had plenty in Australia, but a good overseas golf trip with the boys is high on the bucket list – perhaps Ireland or Scotland.
Thanks for the chat Ben, and welcome. All the best for your new role.