Meet the Directors

Directors of Seckford Golf Club
Nigel Bennett - Club Secretary

Born in Ipswich. I am a qualified accountant with many years’ experience at a variety of senior and executive positions in Finance. I have worked in the electricity, defence and aerospace, power generation and latterly in music publishing industries as well as being self-employed for a few years. I am a keen sports fan and lesser able player who joined Seckford Golf Club around 10 years ago and want the Club to thrive and flourish for the long term.

Tony Pennock - Director & General Manager

Fully Qualified Class A-T (Advanced) PGA Golf Professional for 44 years. I have a wealth of experience in every aspect of golf. An accomplished player, Manager, retailer, club repairer and highly respected coach. Lead coach of the Lee Westwood residential golf schools and PGA coach at the Ryder Cup (Belfry) Benson & Hedges International (The Oxfordshire) Weetabix Ladies British Open (Woburn) and many more. Captain of the East Region PGA 1994. I was the first Professional at Seckford Golf Club in the early 90’s and my goal since my return is to lead Seckford to a sustainable future and a club we can all be proud of.

Simon Jay - Director of Golf & Membership

I started working at Seckford Golf Club when it opened in 1991. Trained to become a PGA Professional, qualifying in 1998. Within my role as a PGA Professional, I have spent many years developing and promoting all areas of the golf club for all ages and abilities whilst teaching all levels at the club and also externally with County and schools coaching.
Over the years my role has evolved and I have also hosted many social events including our very popular quiz nights for the club members and visitors/Charities.
More recently my role has been centred around golf and membership, to guide new and all members on how best to maximise their membership and in turn their enjoyment in the playing of golf.
As an operational director I have a good knowledge of the day-to-day running’s of the club including long-standing relationships with members.

Keith Linard- Director

I’m married and have one son and we have lived in Kesgrave for 33 years. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser and spent my working career primarily as an in house Corporation Tax specialist in the insurance sector but also spent time as a more general tax adviser in the agricultural foods industry. Outside work I was Treasurer for a local youth football team for about 10 years from its inception, helping it to achieve FA Charter Standard. I’ve come late to golf starting to play about 3 years ago and joining Seckford shortly after. I look forward to working with the Board and wider Seckford team to maintain and progress our friendly golf club.

Kurt Goddard - Director

I am a recently retired solicitor having spent the last 35 years in private practice firstly as a partner in a London firm and for the last 25 years as a partner at a large regional practice based in Essex. My practice area was always real estate both residential and commercial. I was born and raised in Ipswich (still supporting the Town) and for the last 17 years have been a resident of Woodbridge. Following retirement in 2023 I started to take golf a little more seriously and have greatly enjoyed life in the very active senior section at Seckford. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the Board of Seckford Golf Club and hope that I can contribute to the continued success and improvement of the club.

Jamie Lawton -Director

Born in Cambridge, and having graduated with a degree in Economics, I moved to Kesgrave in 2001. Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Advisor with a Big Four accountancy firm I have worked across many industries, including insurance, retail, and most recently, the renewable energy sector. In my current role of Group Finance Director for a large renewable energy company I oversee all financial reporting and compliance for a portfolio of owned and managed assets as well as a focus on the financial aspects of the Group’s long-term strategy. Whilst very much a social player, Seckford Golf Club has always presented me with the opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family both on and off the course. I look forward to working alongside the Members, Management Team, and fellow Board Members in delivering ongoing success to the Club.

John Taylor - Director

Born and raised in the picturesque county of Suffolk, I have always had a deep connection to the countryside. My agricultural upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic and a love for the land. At the age of 18, I embarked on a military career with the Royal Artillery, where I honed my skills and discipline. Following my military service, I pursued a successful career with the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service. During this time, I expanded my expertise by studying as an Arborist, which paved the way for a career in land management. This path allowed me to continue my passion for the countryside and led me to my current role with Anglian Water, where I manage their recreational estates and projects. My diverse skill set includes land management, project management, CDM Construction Design Management, Health & Safety compliance, and catering retail. These skills have been instrumental in my professional journey and have enabled me to contribute effectively to various projects and initiatives. Outside of my professional life, I have a wide range of hobbies that keep me engaged and fulfilled. Golf has been a significant part of my life for the past 35 years. While the first 30 years were filled with the usual frustrations of the game, the last 5 years have been about enjoying the experience and the beauty of the course. In addition to golf, I enjoy fishing, shooting, gardening, and watching all manner of sports. When I'm not doing any of the above, I'm enjoying countryside walks on the beautiful Shotley peninsula with family and four-legged friends.

Dennis Wilson - Director

I started my career in the brewing industry. I became national convenor for England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, working and resolving problems with the global board of directors. I also served three terms on unite the union's executive council. I still sit on both the national and regional committees, and I am the chairman of the FDA (Food, Drink & Agriculture). I love most sports, for my sins. I support West Ham United (no laughing please!), and play golf quite badly! I am honored to become a director at Seckford Golf Club. I look forward to working with the team to constantly improve an already great golf course, whilst welcoming old and new members alike.

Louise Brown - Director

I Graduated Sheffield Hallam University and then after a variety of roles completed a post graduate certificate in education. I taught in several schools living, working in various countries and cultures. I developed a passion for working with children who learn differently and I am currently teaching and Head of Learning Support at Woodbridge School Prep. I’m married to Simon and we have three children. We moved to Suffolk in 2017 and I joined Seckford in 2020. It’s a lovely, friendly club.

Simon Brown - Director

Born in Yorkshire, I graduated with a BA Hons in Business. After a successful career in the shipping, ports and logistics sectors covering senior roles working and living in Africa, Asia, North America and Europe we moved to Suffolk in 2017. Married to Louise with three (grown up) children we joined the club in 2020. We found it to be the perfect place to play a challenging round and meet lovely people. I recently became a lecturer in Business at a local college and I am delighted to join the Board. I look forward to working with the Members, Management Team and fellow Board Team as we continue the journey of a thriving, diverse and sustainable members golf club.