Gavin Stocker has been appointed general manager at Skipton Golf Club as the club looks to underpin and cement its future growth and development.
Gav, 40, already has solid connections with the club he first joined some 25 years ago – notably as a player, winning multiple titles and retaining the long-time course record of 67.
Originally from nearby Barnoldswick, he first took up golf at the age of 10 at Ghyll Golf Club. He studied Golf & Leisure Management at the University of Central Lancashire before becoming an assistant PGA professional in Blackburn for two years. He was previously branch manager at Skipton Self Drive.
Gav remains a member of the scratch and Harrogate Union teams at Skipton, and has also served as greens committee chairman. He will work closely with Karen Chapman, golf manager since 2021, professional Peter Robinson, one of the longest-serving club professionals in the country, and officials and members.
Gav said: “The position is designed to move Skipton forward with both five- and 10-year development plans catering for every level of golfer.”
Meanwhile, 2026 captains Barry Rawlinson and Helen Gatenby have driven into office at Skipton. Barry also began his golf career as a junior at Ghyll Golf Club. He owns and runs Trawden-based companies Northwest Render and Vertex Render Supplies, which sponsor the club’s first team, and has plans to further support the junior section. Helen joined Skipton in 2023 after moving to Ilkley from Barkisland in Calderdale. She is a former member of Elland Golf Club, serving as ladies captain there in 2018, and has already been handicap secretary at Skipton. Barry and Helen have chosen Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association as their joint charities for 2026.
Finally, outgoing men’s and women’s captains, Jonathan Smith and Sarah Howes, raised £6,111 during their year in office in aid of Dementia Forward.
