David Mullan is a man of the people and is always keen to put his hand up to help. He’s the ideal person to be the club development officer for the North Golf Association. Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton sat down with him to chat about his love for the game, his brilliant work on social media and how he aims to make a difference for golf clubs across the Northland region.

“I love golf because it brings people together”

Dave, as a club development officer, what does your role involve?

Caption: David Mullan of the North Golf Association, which is an amalgamation of North Harbour and Northland. Mullan recommends that clubs “Look through the windscreen more than in the rearview mirror.”

My role focuses on supporting our member clubs to grow, strengthen their operations and better engage with their communities. That includes working closely with club committees, managers and volunteers to improve governance, develop strategic plans, grow membership and enhance their junior and community engagement.

I also play a key role in helping clubs access funding, run events and implement regional initiatives that align with North Golf’s priorities. Essentially, I act as a connector and facilitator — making sure clubs have the resources, support and guidance they need to thrive now and into the future.”

Northland has a wide variety of golf courses, what do you love about your role?

Every day is different. I love working with passionate people that want to support the growth of the game. For me personally, golf supports my overall wellbeing physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Few sports encompass the full circle of health whilst immersed in nature's beauty.

What are some of the challenges in terms of supporting clubs’ different needs?

Northland has a large disparity in the type of golf club on offer. From Te Arai Links and Kauri Cliffs to the rural nine-hole courses boasting a membership no higher than 50 people. The challenge lies within adapting to the needs of these courses and everything in between. For example, we run bi-monthly workshops to support clubs to improve their capability and we must adapt these to cater to all the different challenges the array of golf clubs face, all while focusing on a similar outcome.

What advice do you offer to Northland golf clubs?

Look through the windscreen more than in the rearview mirror. Clubs can typically get caught up in the past and aren’t focusing energy to generate a tangible plan for the future of the game. The way golf is being played is changing and clubs should seek the ``voice of the participant'' so they can adapt and succeed with the future generation of golf.

What makes Northland a good spot for a golf trip? Any favourite holes that people must play?

The diversity of what is on offer with 24 unique golf clubs in Northland ranging from Wellsford to Houhora from links to parklands to rural hidden gems there is so much on offer. Golf courses have ample availability across the region and at most clubs you can play all year round.

That’s a tough question as there is so many! But here are a my top 10 “iconic” holes I would recommend:

- #16 at Kauri Cliffs

- #17 at Te Arai South

- #11 at Waitangi

- #13 at Waipu

- #11 at Northern Wairoa

- #5 at 90 Mile Beach Links

- #11 at The Pines

- #13 at Kerikeri

- #15 at Carrington

- #2 at Mangawhai

If you want to check out a bit more about golf in Northland, there’s some cool stuff here: https://www.northlandnz.com/visit/experiences/golf-and-other-sport/

Caption: With the lads -- Shaun Johnson, Tallan Egan, Brenden Soloman, Nathan Stockman, Robbie Johnson and David Mullan.

You also run the boldmangolf page on Instagram, what do you enjoy about making that content?

I have always thrived off creativity and found this was a great platform to channel my energy and addiction for the game of golf. I love showing people that you can play golf in a way that brings joy to you in whatever way you have the most fun. Check it out and give me a follow if you enjoy what you see!.

You play regularly with former All Black Carlos Spencer and his son, and others, what have been some of the highlights?

I’m very privileged in my role where the network and relationships are a key aspect which connects me with people from all walks of life. I have met and played with many professional athletes including Shaun Johnson, Carlos Spencer and his son, Lou Vincent and many more. I just enjoy playing golf with good people and these people are just that. The best part of playing with high performing athletes is that they are ``subtly'' competitive, yet they love a good bit of banter and a laugh. I have immense gratitude for where this job and my Instagram channel have and continue to take me.

What do you love about the game of golf?

I can play it with my son, my friends, my wife, my grandparents, anyone who wants to play and we can all be on an equal playing field. I am also playing against myself every time I play, whether it is my last round or playing against my own mind, which is one of golf’s best challenges. I love that golf brings people together and that there is a such an obsessive community that love the game as much as I do!