Parnell Reilly is stepping down after 33 years at Bradley Park.

Although the 65-year-old is not leaving until October 31, his retirement was announced this week.

Over his three decades, Parnell has developed the course and golf complex to create one of the finest municipal facilities in the UK.

He has earned the respect and admiration of golfers around Huddersfield for his dedication to the job – in the late 1980s he even re-mortgaged his house to invest in Bradley Park.

And he leaves with the knowledge that he is handing over the reins to an extremely capable pair of hands in Tom Wild whom he describes as “the most qualified professional I have ever employed”.

Tom joined Bradley Park nine years ago, having been one of graduates on the first-ever Applied Golf Management Studies degree course in Birmingham.

He emerged with a BA, joined Bradley Park and has never looked back.

Tom said: “I am very excited about the opportunity to take on the role, which is seen as one of the top jobs in the area. There is nowhere else I would rather work and it has been a privilege to work alongside Parnell.”

John Fletcher, of Kirklees parks and gardens, who has been responsible for the golf course for the last 28 years paid tribute to Parnell.

“As we approach the end of a successful business relationship which has lasted 33 years, it is fair to say that the council and its wonderful golf course at Bradley Park owe Parnell a great debt for his personal dedication, knowledge, enthusiasm and drive, qualities which have formed the keystone of the operation to change the facility from its humble beginnings to one firmly established as amongst the best in the country.

“Parnell has seen many thousands of golfers welcomed to the game and helped players of all abilities to enjoy their golf.

“Above all he ensured the smooth running of the business and on behalf of the council I wish him all the best in his retirement and extend our sincere thanks for a job so very well done.”

For his part, Parnell is happy to step down, he feels the time is right for young blood to take over and is confident that Tom is the man to take things forward, along with his young and enthusiastic team of three professionals and two shop staff.

Last month the facility the council handed the golf complex over to KAL – Kirklees Active Leisure – who intend to develop Bradley Park further in 2015.

Parnell will still have an input as a KAL board member.

He will continue in his roles as a PGA committee member and board member of buying group TGI Golf. He is also a member at Fixby and Marsden and intends to play more social golf.

He said: “I have seen massive changes, we started with a cabin 33 years ago and I would like to say a huge thank you to the members of Bradley Park for supporting me over the years, especially Richard Kaye who has been the backbone of the club.

“My only regret is that KAL will be bringing in some major improvements and I’m sorry I won’t be a part of them, although I will have some involvement on the KAL board.”

Tom added that the new stewards Colin and Sue Geeson have increased the number of functions in the clubhouse and he is looking forward to working with them in the future.

He also coaches the Union juniors and is hoping to re-establish a junior academy at Bradley Park.

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