Meet Captain Marvell – Northcliffe Golfing Society

FOR Joe Marvell, golf is about far more than just birdies and bogeys. As captain of the Northcliffe Golfing Society, he is eager to build on the proud legacy of the 116-year-old organisation while inspiring a new generation of golfers to get involved.

The DMGT Business Support Payables and Credit Manager is keen to champion the society’s unique role in bringing colleagues together, building lasting friendships and strengthening relationships across the business.

How did you get into golf?

The Masters 1996 was my earliest memory, watching Nick Faldo come back from six shots behind to chase down Greg Norman. I then started messing around with an old sand wedge we had in the garage. My first set of clubs were a Malibu starter set from Argos received the Christmas after.

What do you enjoy most about the sport?

On the course, it’s competing with myself, trying to stay focused and in the moment, while trying to forget bad shots. It’s a humbling sport so I’m quite prone to calling myself an idiot and then moving onto the next hole.

Off the course, it’s the lifelong friends I’ve made.

How much practice does it take to maintain your impressive 2.6 handicap?

I play two to three times a week. I’m not very good at practicing on the range so most of it is done on the course. I am often found in my living room with my PuttOut mat (other mats are available) rolling 6 footers into a cup.

Most memorable golfing experience?

I once beat a former Leicestershire County Amateur Champion in singles matchplay. He wasn’t a particularly nice guy either, so we’d be having a bit of needle throughout the game. He chipped in from 40 yards wide of the green for a par only to be absolutely devastated when I rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt to win the match. He didn’t talk to me after the game and sat on a different table for dinner!

Ever had a hole-in-one?

Lucky enough to have had two. The first was a scabby 8-iron that bounced off the back of a bunker before running 25 yards up the green and into the hole. The 2^nd was a proper golf shot, 9-iron from 136 yards, one bounce and it disappeared!

Ambitions for the society during your captaincy?

Getting the word out and seeing more people at the events, no one should be put off by their ability or nervousness. It’s a great way to meet new people from other parts of the business. Golf is such a great leveller and the beauty of handicap system means we’re all equal standing on that first tee.

Advice to colleagues thinking about taking up the game for the first time?

Just give it a go! It’s incredibly frustrating game at times but also provides some incredible highs. Once you get the golf bug, you’ll never look back.

What can members look forward to over the coming season?

As we move into the back end of the year, we’ve still got some great events left at North Foreland, Princes and then West Hill. We finish off the year with the Christmas fixture at the Berkshire which happens to have the best carvery lunch in the land! Thanks to Lord Rothermere, who is the President of the Northcliffe Golfing Society, we’re incredibly fortunate to play some of the best courses in the UK at subsidised rates.

Finally, in three words, sum up what the Northcliffe Golfing Society means you?

Competition, friendship and banter!