Leo Barber

With over 30 years’ experience in the golf industry, Leo stared his journey as an 18-year-old undertaking an apprenticeship in turf management at the now defunct Whitby Golf Club near Wellington. Upon attaining his qualification Leo packed a suitcase for Australia where he successfully gained employment with the famed Royal Melbourne Golf Club – a career highlight being preparing the course for the 1998 Presidents Cup. Following a period of travel, he settled back in New Zealand where he firstly held the assistant’s role at Auckland’s North Shore Golf Club and then his first Superintendent position with the Mount Maunganui Golf Club. In 2006 Leo was appointed just the fourth superintendent at the Alex Russell designed Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, a position he still holds today, however, added to his responsibilities in 2008 was the general manager’s duties in a dual role which has given him a unique insight into both sides of the business.