Industry Insights: Kiara Dutton, The Golf Groove

Kiara Dutton, the dynamic Business and Events Manager at The Golf Groove in Wimbledon, never imagined she would find herself in the golf industry. Born and raised in Mallorca, Spain, Kiara moved to the UK two years ago, where she joined The Golf Groove before it opened in 2023.

The Golf Groove, in the heart of Wimbledon, is a premier indoor golf facility that offers a unique blend of golfing and social experiences. This innovative venue features state-of-the-art simulators, allowing golfers of all skill levels to play on some of the world's most renowned courses. Beyond its cutting-edge technology, The Golf Groove boasts a stylish bar and restaurant, providing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for both golfers and non-golfers alike. With a commitment to inclusivity and community, The Golf Groove regularly hosts events, clinics, and social gatherings, making it a hub for golf enthusiasts and a popular destination for corporate events and private parties.

In only her second year working in the golf industry, for a business that is proving to be an essential part of the drive to increase female participation in golf, we wanted to find out more about Kiara’s role, her new found passion for golf and her dive to create a welcome and inclusive environment.

Educational and professional journey

Kiara's educational background is as diverse as her career path. In Mallorca, she pursued a double degree in Business Administration and Tourism. "I knew I liked numbers, talking to people, and didn't want to be confined to an office," she explains. This dual focus allowed her to keep her options open, reflecting the island's tourism-driven economy while indulging her interest in business.

However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges. With Mallorca under strict lockdown, Kiara completed her degree through an internship at her mother's property management business. This experience, though outside traditional business settings, honed her skills in administration and tourism management.

Post-graduation, Kiara worked as a mortgage broker. "I was getting tired of the nine-to-five routine and wanted to explore beyond Mallorca," she says. Then came the opportunity to move to London and join The Golf Groove, something that she describes as a leap of faith, especially since she had never held a golf club.

Joining The Golf Groove

Kiara joined The Golf Groove in November 2022, when it was still a construction site, where she helped to prepare for when they officially opened in May 2023. Initially hired as the Front of House Manager, her role quickly expanded. "Our general manager left shortly after we opened, and I had to adapt quickly, learning bar and restaurant management on the fly," she recalls. Despite the initial challenges, which also included a slow start to business due to opening in the summer months, Kiara's resilience and willingness to learn helped her transition into the role of Business and Events Manager which she holds today.

Passion for inclusivity and women's golf

One of Kiara's main focuses at The Golf Groove is to create an inclusive environment, especially for women. "The typical perception is that golf is a male-dominated sport, and women often feel unwelcome," she says. Determined to change this, Kiara has spearheaded several initiatives to encourage more women to take up golf.

"We started with a ladies' night, which was very successful. We also collaborated with Skratch Golf for events that combined golf with fashion shows and fitness sessions," she explains. These events have proved crucial in breaking down barriers and encouraging women to participate in the sport.

Future plans and personal goals

Looking ahead, Kiara is excited about further expanding the women’s golf community at The Golf Groove. With a new female golf professional, Lo Herman, on board, she plans to organise more lessons, events, and social gatherings aimed at women. "I want to create a space where women of all ages can come together, socialise, and enjoy golf," she says.

Despite her busy schedule, Kiara is eager to improve her own golf skills. "I had one lesson with our head pro, Jake, and it was a great experience. I want to get more involved in the clinics and coaching sessions we offer," she shares.

Under Kiara's leadership, The Golf Groove has already garnered recognition. The venue won the Best New Business Award in 2023 and has been nominated for the same award again this year. "We’ve only been open for a year, and being finalists for this award again is a great honour," she says.

Paving the way for more women in the sport

Kiara Dutton's journey from Mallorca to establishing herself as part of the golf industry has been a steep learning curve but something that she has clearly thrived in. She has shown that igniting a passion for golf doesn’t have to come from a lifetime playing the sport. Also dispelling the myth that you need to be an avid golfer to work in the industry,

Instead, in this case, it highlights the importance of passion, adaptability, and a commitment to inclusivity. As she continues to build a welcoming community at The Golf Groove, Kiara is not only transforming the perception of golf but also paving the way for more women to enjoy and excel in the sport.

Find out more about The Golf Groove here.