Mr Johnson said he was looking forward to working with the community.

"In many ways, my career feels like it has been a stepping stone in preparation to this position," he said.

"I've been a chef for 14 years, including front of house duties. I've also worked in finance and there has been an element of HR management in my previous roles."

Mr Johnson said he understood the important role the club played in Ararat, and how it brought together services within the establishment for the club to thrive.

"Golf membership fees don't cover all the expenses a club requires to keep operating," he said.

"To have the great bowls club here as well is a bonus. But we need all the areas of revenue and inflow to look after the members, the board, the staff and the community."

Mr Johnson said the club was a great community asset.

His vision is to build on established practises and work towards adding more opportunities for the members.

"In an environment of an ageing membership, the key is to keep the club dynamic and attractive for more youthful generations to be interested and active members and contributors," he said. 

"We have such a great asset - the views on some of the holes are just magnificent.

"We will be focused on very customer-centric practices on everything we do and why we do it - absolutely it will be for our members and community."

Mr Johnson, once a golfer, said he hadn't played the sport for years due to family commitments.

"I love both bowls and golf," he said.

"Fortunately, in my golf game, I excel at slice and hook - if they were an important part of the game, I would be a winner."

"As my children are getting older and being at the club, I now really have no excuse."

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