Raymond James Monument’s Gary Fawcett shares stories from the course, his favourite places to play, and the three people who would make up his dream fourball
For Gary Fawcett, there are few better places to do business than the golf course. A chartered wealth manager and branch principal at Raymond James Monument, Gary has a great passion for the game which has taken him to some of the best courses in the world since he first picked up a club 12 years ago. When he’s not advising people on managing their finances or spending time with his family, you may find him on the course – where we joined him…
How much golf do you get to play?
I used to play a lot more, but after launching the practice in June 2023 I’ve struggled to get out regularly. While business is good and we’re growing rapidly, my golf game is going in the other direction and my handicap is on the rise. I would rather have it that way though! Ideally, it would be nice to get out once or twice a week.
How did you get into golf?
I got into it very late, having gotten sick of passing up opportunities to take part in golf days. I got some lessons with Tim Cockill at Close House 12 years ago and haven’t looked back. For business, it’s been fantastic to spend time with people sharing a passion, and I hope my kids take it up a lot sooner than I did.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
Close House, where we’re corporate members, is very close to my heart. Starting out here was perfect – it totally demystified the game and the, often wrongly held, assumptions of stuffiness and elitism. That said, I play my best golf on links courses, so I have to add in Dunstanburgh Castle as well.
And further afield?
I’ve been fortunate to play some lovely courses – from Trump International, which is a marvel, to the likes of Turnberry, Kingsbarns, Royal Birkdale and Portstewart. I love the experience of playing at The Renaissance, and I really enjoyed playing Monte Rei in Portugal.
What’s your best score?
Playing in a charity day at Rockliffe Hall, I had 45 points off a handicap of 20. That was brilliant golf for me and certainly by best round… so far!
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
I like playing as a team and one of my favourite memories was taking part in the Doddie Weir charity events at Renaissance. Our team won two years in a row and the Scots weren’t too happy that the Geordies went home victorious!
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
There have been a few! My golf attire wasn’t the best in the early days and I was photographed in some questionable jumpers. My first proper round of golf was a Have a Heart charity day and Steve Stone was our celebrity golfer. I warned my playing partners that I was just starting out, but they were all so supportive and got me through it… just. Several years later, I gave the guys building the hospitality around a par three for the Scottish Open at Renaissance a scare when I hooked one into the stands – the noise echoed around the whole course! I’m also not a big fan of clubhouses that are too close to 18th greens.
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
I always put my left shoe on first and three is my favourite number, but I lose the odd ball so I can’t be too strict with that one.
What are your strengths on the course?
I accept where I am on the golfing ladder and these days I play much more for fun. I had my eldest son with me on the course a few years ago and was getting frustrated, but he put the game into perspective when he said, ‘I thought you did this for fun?’.
And your weaknesses?
Not putting time into arranging lessons and practising. I have a tendency to want to just play golf, but I really should invest time into lessons and work on being more consistent.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
None of them are my favourites at the minute! I tend to feel a bit more comfortable with the shorter irons as I can’t get myself into too much trouble with those.
Who is your best golfing friend?
James Carrick, who helped set up the practice. I’ve worked with James since he started out in the industry and we’ve played a lot of golf together over the years. He has improved so much and although he’s now a much better golfer than me, it’s great to play together. He’s also a great teammate – he knows my golf very well. We can make quite a formidable pairs team at times too, and recently won the Corporate Knockout at The Northumberland.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in wealth management?
I was never very sporty, though being a professional golfer would have been great! Pragmatically, I probably would have been an architect – I really enjoyed technical drawing at school and find the whole idea of building something from scratch quite remarkable.
Who is your favourite golfer?
As I’ve grown to understand golf more, I’ve started to relate to different players. I like to see Europeans doing well and I’d like to see Viktor Hovland win more. I like Tyrrell Hatton’s fiery nature too – we all have a bit of that on the course from time to time.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
I’ve loved attending the British Masters and Scottish Open – there’s nothing like being on the course watching amazing players. I’d love to go to The Open in the future, and maybe even a Ryder Cup.
Who do you admire?
First, my parents. I’m an only child and they worked hard to give me whatever opportunities they could. They never put a ceiling on what I could achieve and I hope to do that for my children as they grow up. That is probably where my can-do attitude comes from, and I would encourage anyone to pursue their ambitions. Second, Mike Lyons, my old boss at Wise Speke in Newcastle. He was a brilliant mentor who would give you space to learn and make your own mistakes, while being there to back you up when needed. I have always tried to work in the same way.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
This is a tough question and my answer is probably a bit cliché, but I can’t think of anything better than playing golf with my three children – Elliot, Aidan and Abigail. I’m sure my wife, Andrea, would be happy cheering us on with a piña colada at the clubhouse too.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
I don’t have regrets in business and I fear my golf isn’t good enough to do better, even with a second chance! I would, however, take back any time I’ve been frustrated at my kids – parenting isn’t easy, but we learn as we go through it.
