There’s a new pro at Trefloyne at Golf Club - and he's not short on exeperience.

James Foster, 28, has quite the golfing CV. He was Hampshire U16 County Champion in 2007, represented his county at U14, U16, U18 and U21 level and was a member of the U18 Regional England squad for two years.

Along with none other than Justin Rose, he's one of just two men to have topped the Hampshire Order of Merit for both scratch and handicap in the same year.

Among other victories have been the U21 Faldo Series at Vale of Glamorgan, where he qualified for the 2010 Series Grand Final in Northern Ireland.

So he can play, but hasn’t come to Trefloyne through the PGA Pro route. Instead he’s been a tour professional which, combined with his commercial experience, makes him the ideal fit for role of growing and developing golf at Trefloyne – not only for members but also among visitors, societies and groups from across the UK.

Between 2011 to 2019 James played on the Jamega, Europro and TP Tours, where he qualified to play in the prestigious Gecko Tour Championship in Spain. With numerous second place finishes on those tours he still smiles ruefully about the first placed finish that proved elusive first place. However, he's r rightly proud of having twice made the second day in qualifying for The Open, both in Southport and at Muirfield in 2013.

Before joining the tour James handled golf operations and hosting at The Goodwood Estate in Sussex. 

But now it's about Trefloyne and he will be working alongside Ryan Townsend. James will still do the day to day things that make a golf club tick – run the shop, give lessons and handle all the usual enquiries for green fees, buggies, clubs and kit. But he’s also a man on a mission - to fulfil Trefloyne’s potential of being one of the leading golf courses in Wales.

"I fell in love with the place as soon as I saw it’", he said.

"The potential is tremendous and I have absolutely no doubt that Trefloyne can attract players and events from across the UK.

"It’s a beautiful quality course with excellent facilities, and a very warm and welcoming spirit. So I’m very excited to have the chance to help take it forward, and grow and develop the golf side of Trefloyne Manor over the next few years."

James has already made a great impression, playing with the members, coaching, and running a ‘beat the pro’ competition on the 12th during the recent Beynon Family Day, where he raised a  sum for charity with his nearest the pin challenge. And he’s about to re-open the driving range after lockdown, giving members and visitors the chance to use an excellent facility once again.

You won’t always find James in the shop, though. Given his role in golf development and his view of golf as a complete experience, he sees the range of top-notch facilities at Trefloyne as all contributing to the potential.

So you’re just as likely to find him in the hotel getting to grips with the hospitality side of the business, discussing course conditions with greenkeeper Matt Whittock, or simply playing golf.