IN just three years at the helm of Mount Osmond Golf Club in Adelaide, general manager Damian Wrigley has achieved what many industry leaders would consider a decade’s worth of progress.
His efforts were recognised recently when he claimed his second successive Management Professional of the Year award at the South Australian Golf Industry Awards.
“It was a big surprise and an honour,” said Wrigley, who has travelled halfway around the world and steadily climbed the golf industry ranks.
Wrigley arrived in Adelaide from Cape Town a little over three years ago, leaving behind his role managing the prestigious Pearl Valley Golf Estate and Spa, home to a Jack Nicklaus-designed signature course.
His management credentials and experience as a professional golfer made an immediate impression on Mount Osmond Golf Club’s board.
His mandate was clear drive the club forward and he has delivered.
“From a financial performance perspective, this past financial year has been one of strong delivery with the club building momentum across all areas,” Wrigley told Inside Golf.
Under his leadership, annual revenue has grown from $3.2 million to $5.2 million over the past 3 years, with EBITDA and profitability also improving, despite almost $1 million being reinvested each year into course and facility upgrades.
Membership now exceeds 1300 golfers, supported by an impressive 95 per cent retention rate. Rounds played are also rising, with the club on track to reach 64,000 rounds this financial year.
Wrigley attributes the club’s success to disciplined financial management, innovation, strategic planning and, critically, good communication.
“Finance, innovation, a strategic plan and strong communication are central to what we do,” he said.
Wrigley’s journey through the golf industry has been a steady climb through the ranks.
Damian Wrigley shows off his second successive South Australian Management Professional of the Year award.
After finishing school, he initially planned to pursue interior design or architecture. Instead, at the age of 18, he opted to take a gap year in Florida where he worked at Boca West Country Club picking up golf balls on the range, working in the learning centre and assisting in the pro shop.
After returning to South Africa, he briefly moved into the restaurant industry before finding his way back into golf.
From there, his career progressed from course starter, marshal, operations manager, director of golf, club operations manager and eventually assistant general manager.
He credits much of his business acumen to Raymond Ackerman of Clovelly Country Club in Cape Town.
“He taught me about leadership, the value of positive culture and creating an environment where staff feel part of the bigger picture,” Wrigley said.
Today, Wrigley is a member of the PGA (Australia and South Africa), Golf Management Australia and the Australian Sports Turf Managers’ Association.
He also recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course as a graduate – a step he hopes will support his long-term goal of one day becoming a company CEO.
Beyond professional development, he contributes at a national level through his role on the PGA National Vocational Advisory Committee Employment and Business, helping to shape industry standards and practices.
Wrigley’s management philosophy revolves around a number of core fundamentals culture, communication and commercial discipline.
“I enjoy building a positive culture that ultimately delivers a good product and good service,” he said. “If you get the basics right cost of goods, stockholding and pricing whether it’s green fees or beers in the bar nine times out of 10 the balance sheet reflects that.”
He emphasises regular communication with the board of directors, club president, department heads and members, ensuring all stakeholders remain aligned.
He also remains visible, spending time with members on and off the golf course.
“The balance is spending enough time with members by walking the floor or playing golf with them,” he said.
He also organises annual member golf trips to places like Queenstown in New Zealand and Barnbougle in Tasmania with Vietnam and the Mornington Peninsula on the radar next.
“It’s a great way to unwind and connect,” he said.
Ambitious yet grounded, Wrigley is focused on continuing Mount Osmond Golf Club’s upward trajectory.
Current priorities include irrigation upgrades, completing golf course improvement projects and developing the driving range with new hitting bays, ball dispensers and floodlighting, along with refurbishments to the pro shop and locker rooms.
Away from work, Wrigley enjoys photography, cycling, travel and golf, having already played more than 47 courses across Australia and New Zealand.
His golf handicap is one and most times he can play to it.
With the club celebrating its centenary next year, his focus is on taking it to the next level and ensuring it remains viable for another 100 years.
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