Industry Legend Leaves Yamba Bowling Club in Safe Hands

Such was Phil’s reputation and respect from both his peers and locals alike, he was even recognised in Parliament last November by Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson.

“Under Phil's leadership, Yamba Bowlo has not only been revitalised, but it has flourished,” Mr Williamson told the legislative assembly on 15 November. 

“During Phil’s time at the Club, many changes took place including the introduction of the very popular family Leisure Centre, inclusive of 10-pin bowling and mini golf. 

“Phil's efforts and considerable achievements have earned him a well-deserved place in the Club Managers’ Association Hall of Fame, which is a testament to his dedication. I send my best wishes to Phil, who plans to spend some time travelling the country with his wife and dog.”

 When ClubLIFE caught up with Phil in early January, he had just returned from a morning of fishing. But when it comes to the perfect catch, the successor to the CEO role believes Phil is the best there is.

“If you look on the CMA’s website, there aren’t many in the hall of fame, and the club industry has been around since 1956 ,” says Greg Targett, the new CEO of Yamba Bowling Club.

“So, for him to be inducted is a big deal and shows just how good he is.

“I’ve been around and worked in hotels for many years, and worked in many states and territories, and I have seen a lot. He’s the best I’ve come across. I say that unreservedly.

“What Phil and the Board have done here is amazing. They've got a great business model. There's money in the bank and a great platform to do great things in the future.”

Despite great praises from inside the Club and from the local community, Phil himself is too humble to point out any of his individual successes.  When asked about his fondest achievements during his time at Yamba Bowling Club, it was the collaborative achievements that came to his mind first.

“Just probably the cooperation between the Management Team and the Board over the last 14 years,” Phil says.

“We walked in there and it certainly needed some help, and through a cooperative team effort, we were able to turn the Club around and turn it into a profitable community premises. I'm really proud of that.

“It was one of the original clubs to put in a family leisure centre with things like climbing walls, 18 holes of mini golf and 10-pin bowling. The Club has become much more family friendly and that has been a sort of key to our success — changing the image of what a bowling club might look like.

“We took a bit of a risk, and it came off.”

Before joining Yamba Bowling Club in December 2010, Phil spent seven years at Culburra Beach Bowlo. Before that, he spent 15 years at Woonona Bulli RSL.

Although he spent around 36 years of his career in the club industry, his original intention was to work in schools.

“When I finished school, I was going to go to university to be a PE teacher,” Phil says.

“But Woonona wanted to open a health club, and I was working there casually. I was offered the position of gym manager.”

From there, his love of the industry grew, and remains today.

Phil plans to spend his retirement relaxing and enjoying the beautiful North Coast lifestyle, fishing whenever he can and spending more time with his granddaughter.

Greg has now officially taken over the reins of the Club as it moves into the future — a much easier task thanks to Phil, he says.