Matfen Hall tees up new director of golf

Former England Ladies team golfer Lisa Ferrie is the new Director of Golf at Matfen Hall – giving our much-loved golf club an all-woman team at the top.

Working alongside Golf Manager, Nicola Hawes, who became the Club’s first female manager in 2018, Lisa will be overseeing all aspects of golf across the hotel, golf club and spa including Matfen Hall’s 27 hole golf course, pro shop, driving range, par three course and Keeper’s Lodge.

Lisa said, “I’m delighted to be starting this new position and am incredibly excited for the challenge. Nicola and I have been friends for many years and compete in doubles competitions together. We’re hoping our success on the course translates to the business side of things too! Having been a golf member at Matfen since 2002 and having worked at the Hotel for four years, I’m well aware of all that the Club has to offer and am looking forward to working with the brilliant team we have to ensure existing members, newcomers and visitors have the best experience possible.”

Taking up the role with immediate effect, Lisa – who plays off a handicap of 1 – moves over from being wedding and events co-ordinator at the Hotel, and is thrilled to be working with Nicola to take the Club forward. “We’re a good team. Obviously we realise that having an all-women team at the top of a golf club isn’t the norm, but we’re very much of the opinion this has come about simply because Matfen Hall happens to have two women that are capable and qualified for golfing management roles.”

Lisa has been playing golf since she was 14 when she decided to swap her competitive swimming goggles for a set of clubs. She played for the England Ladies team from 2003 to 2005 and in 2006, she was the non-playing captain of the Under 18 England Girls team at the European Championships and Home Internationals. She spent three years as County Development Officer, Northumberland County Golf Partnership. Meanwhile, Lisa’s love of the game also introduced her to husband of 10 years, Northumberland-born professional golfer, three-time European Tour winner Kenneth Ferrie who can regularly be seen playing at Matfen.

Lisa said: “I’ve known him since I was 14! We met playing in Junior County events and spent a year in Texas at college together before I moved to Florida to continue my studies and he came home and turned professional.We both enjoy playing at Matfen – it’s a fantastic facility. To have 27 holes, a Par 3 and covered driving range is great and to have so many competition options each week is very rare and is a huge advantage too. As a club we have a friendly group of members who are warm and welcoming. The clubhouse is always relaxed and our Pro golfers have great experience – my own coach John Harrison is our Head Professional. It really is such a pleasure to take this role.”

Golf Manager, Nicola Hawes, added: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Lisa to the Club as Director of Golf. “I’m in no doubt that her enthusiasm and love of the game coupled with her experience and business track record will be a brilliant addition to the Club as we look to the future.” Bernard Bloodworth, managing director at Matfen Hall, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Lisa taking up this new position at the Golf Club and look forward to seeing what she and Nicola can achieve together.”