Meet The Team

Ed Bartlett - Director

Ed is a director and shareholder and is based at South Essex Golf Club to oversee the running of the business. 

Ed’s father Russell built the course over 25 years ago, and since First Golf took over from Crown Golf in 2020, Ed is actively involved with the program of improvements currently underway. 

Ed is a keen golfer and plays off 2 handicap.

Mark Davis - Director of Golf

Mark is a former European Tour player with a distinguished  playing career, and is responsible for golf operations at South Essex Golf Club. Mark won the English Amateur Open Stroke play Championship in 1984 and represented England at youth, junior and senior Level.

Mark turned professional in 1986 and played on the European Tour for over 20 years, finishing in the top one hundred Order of Merit eight times, with a best of 31st in 1994. Mark won The Austrian Open in 1991 and 1994, and subsequently played on the Seniors Tour winning the Scottish Open in 2014.

Book A Lesson with Mark

Umesh Sewnundun - Head of Hospitality

Umesh has over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry most notably 15 years at Le Talbooth, Dedham, Essex as General Manager and Associate Director. Umesh was the 2001 award winner of the Moet & Chandon Premier Front of House Manager, and has received recognition from Dom Perignon.

Umesh is passionate about service and excellence and is in charge of all hospitality including the set up of the new function and events room opening in Spring 2021.

 Steve Cipa - Head PGA Professional

Steve’s association with South Essex Golf Club has spanned a period of over 25 years having originally joined the club in 1994.

Over the period Steve also pursued  a career in tournament golf, being a regular on the European Seniors Tour and achieving three top 10 finishes. 

Steve is now back at South Essex Golf Club working with the team in golf services, and is attached to the club as our PGA Professional. Steve is also available for on course lessons.

Sam Brennan - Head Greenkeeper

Sam joined the greenkeeping team as Head Greenkeeper in 2021.

Sam is highly qualified and has 17 years of greenkeeping experience, including working at Walton Heath preparing for a US Open qualifer and an internship at Pinehurst in the USA in 2008-2009.

Daniel Mitchell - Marketing Manager 

Daniel joined the team in July 2022 and manages all marketing aspects for the golf club and events business.

Daniel has experience in both marketing agencies and as a marketing manager for a local yacht broker. 

Sarah Dellaperall - Office Manager 

Sarah is responsible for the day to day running of the office and administration.

Sarah addresses customer sales enquiries and works closely with the management team on the issuing of new memberships and renewals.

Paula Ryman - Events Manager

Paula joined the team in Spring 2020 after her 28 year stint in Soho.

Paula is now responsible for the co-ordinating of all of our social events and functions from beginning to end ensuring the day goes smoothly and everything runs accordingly