Assembling top talent at Troon

Troon International is one of the leading golf course and private club management companies in the world, operating 485-plus 18-hole courses in 31 countries including Dubai Hills Golf Club by Jumeirah, The Grove and Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

What makes Troon such an attractive company to work for and what makes PGA Professionals an important part of its continued success? We spoke to several of its employees to find out.

The company came into fruition thanks to US PGA Professional Dana Garmany and now Troon is one of the largest employers of PGA Professionals globally, with 50 PGA Members from the UK working in various roles across 13 countries.

DJ Flanders, Snr Vice President – Troon International, commented: “We have PGA Professionals running all aspects of the business from giving lessons, running golf operations, being general

managers at high-end private clubs to filling senior executive roles within our company.

“The PGA does an exemplary job of providing the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to produce professionals who can easily integrate into Troon’s high operational expectations. PGA Professionals are well rounded and have a full understanding of teaching the game, operating the golf, running the food and beverage, and an understanding of agronomic practices as well.”

ADAM DUTSON
Golf Operations Manager,
Dubai Hills Golf Club by Jumeriah

AGMS graduate Adam completed an internship at Saadiyat Beach Club in 2013 before being offered a full-time role within Troon International.

“I started my career with Troon during my time at university through summer placements. Upon graduating I returned to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to work in different departments for a month, from this I was offered the Senior Golf Operations Supervisor position at Address Montgomerie and started in September 2014. I then moved to Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and The Els Club Malaysia for a summer, this brings me to October 2018 when I moved to my current position at Dubai Hills Golf Club.

“I currently manage the golf operations on a day-to-day basis, and manage other departments including tenants, engineering, memberships, sales and marketing plans, reporting to the owners and to the Troon International corporate team.

“Working with Troon provides you with incredible opportunities and the practices in place are the best in the business. I am fortunate to have a lot of responsibilities as a 27-year-old from Newcastle, leading a team of over 54 associates at one of the best golf courses in the world.”

TOM ROURKE
General Manager
The Track, Meydan Golf, Dubai

Tom has more than 20 years’ experience in golf and has worked at numerous facilities managed by Troon International since joining in 2012.

“I had the ambition to join Troon for many years. This would enable me to continue to grow and develop, learn from the best in the industry and to be part of a company with a large portfolio of courses all around the world with global golf career opportunities.

“My role as a general manager is very diverse. From leading the day-to-day operation of a very busy facility, managing the expectations of the owner and Troon Golf, revenue and expense management, maintaining Troon global operational standards, leading a team of over 60 associates and benchmarking
and monitoring market trends and business development opportunities.

“Working for Troon is an incredible experience. From the exposure you have to the global golf industry, sharing ideas, collaborating with the Troon Head Office and fellow General Managers around the world. You really feel that you are part of a team and there is always someone within the Troon organisation that has been in the same situation and can offer advice and solutions to help your facility.

“The best part about my role is being empowered by Troon Golf and the faith shown by the owner to develop the facility for long term success.

“The advice I would give professionals wanting to join Troon Golf are: 1. Build a one-page template cv highlighting your experience, success, and ambition. 2. Gain lots of experience in your current role and understand all aspects of the business. 3. Understand the financials of the golf business 4. Visit Troon properties around the world and make an appointment to introduce yourself to the Director of Golf or GM.”

MATTHEW WATERS
Senior Golf Operations
Manager - Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Matthew joined Troon International on an initial nine-month internship programme in 2013.

“As an aspiring professional at the time, the Internship program provided me with a fantastic opportunity to work on my game, live in another country and ultimately experience what it was like to work at a world class Troon managed facility. Little did I know, these nine months would kick start a career that I never dreamt of leading nor did I even know existed.

“As the Senior Golf Operations Manager of the three Troon Abu Dhabi Golf Clubs, my role is to oversee all elements of
the golf department and successfully lead the team to deliver Troon’s promise of creating extraordinary guest and member experiences by delivering superior service, amenities and playing surfaces.

“I thoroughly enjoy my current role for many different reasons but being able to work at three fantastic facilities, is definitely one of them. A few highlights have been; hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, a Rolex Series event on the European Tour; hosting three Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Opens, the first ever Ladies European Tour event in Abu Dhabi; hosting four Gary Player Invitational’s and finally creating two international Tournaments,

“Working for Troon not only provides you with a strong foundation for personal development and growth but also provides you with a huge amount of resources to help you lead a successful career. As the world’s leading Golf Management company, managing over 500 courses worldwide, Troon offers all associates the ability to work at a variety of different facilities in many different countries. Leading and developing associates is at the heart of Troon’s ethos and therefore if you are a professional looking to start or continue your career within the industry, a Troon managed property is the first place you should look.”

PAUL DENNIS
Director of Golf
PGA National Czech Republic, Oaks Prague

Paul has travelled across the world with Troon having worked at Address Montgomerie, The Els Club Malaysia and Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Saudi.

“I am responsible for the golf department during the development stage of the club. We have opened nine holes and will open nine more in a few months. As we have a small team I’m very much involved in daily operations which is great, and then in down time I am pleased to be part of the design and development of the future clubhouse and resort complex.

“Troon are the best management company in the world and being a part of its team is a great privilege. My mentors and leaders in the company are the best in the business and being exposed to their knowledge and experience is amazing for me and my growth. There is a lot of expectation put on you but being able to deliver the Troon Experience at some of the world’s best golf facilities is fantastic.

“If you are willing to work hard, and truly care about the hospitality side of the golf industry, then Troon is the family for you.”

MARTIN ROBINSON
Director of Instruction
Address Montgomerie, Dubai Hills and Arabian Ranches Golf Clubs

Martin began his career with Troon International in 2011 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

“The club’s prestige as a European Tour venue was a big attraction. The great thing about Troon is the strength of its course portfolio, every venue is unique and run to a high standard.

“I am currently the Director of Instruction overseeing three golf academies in Dubai: Montgomerie Golf Club, Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills. I do plenty of coaching, mainly at the Montgomerie and I run a fantastic team of PGA coaches spread across the three clubs.

“I am at my third Troon property and each job has offered a great challenge and career progression, being part of a global network is a wonderful asset when it comes to navigating your career.

“When it comes to working overseas if at all possible, I would recommend visiting first to see if you like it and arranging to meet with some fellow professionals already working there.”

KARL WHITEHEAD
General Manager, PGA
Fellow Professional, The Els Club Dubai

Karl’s impressive CV included stints at The Belfry and Celtic Manor before joining Troon International in 2012.

“I lead a team of over 130 associates, operate a diverse business model, run the Claude Harmon III Performance Academy, manage five F&B revenue centres and in my time here, experience a multi-million pound construction project.

“The primary drivers to pursuing a career with Troon were their ever increasing global portfolio and with that, the opportunity for progression on a global level; their reputation for exceptional leadership, of which brings with it a culture of elite learning and development; to be a part of the biggest and most successful golf management organisation in the world; work with and learn from many industry leaders.

“Do whatever it takes to get the foot in the door. Once the opportunity is presented, work hard, show commitment, think big picture and long term, be humble, keep an open mind, deliver every KPI set, network, become an asset of value, and look to improve yourself and business every single day.”

JOSH NORTH
General Manager
Madinaty Golf Club, Cairo, Egypt

Josh worked at numerous Troon venues since going the company in 2012 and is currently enjoying his second spell in Egypt at the Madinaty Golf Club.

"I first joined Troon in 2012 and seeing how they operate, the level of service and the quality of the product they manage, it became my long term golf to be involved in this management company that is at the forefront of the industry. Troon also offers exceptional opportunities for its associates, whether that is in training and coaching or in career opportunities at many world class facilities. I really wanted to be involved in a company that would offer me and my career the chance to develop through these opportunities.

"Currently my role sees me overseeing the pre-opening activities and operations of Madinaty Golf Club in Cairo, Egypt. The facility boasts a Robert Trent Jones Jnr 18-hole design, as well as a clubhouse that features three unique food & beverage options. There is also a gym, spa and swimming pools to accompany this making it a full-service clubhouse experiences for golfers and the residential community around us.

"Troon offers diverse roles and the chance to travel and work at some very unique venues and destinations, worldwide. If you are open to opportunities and demonstrate your abilities, the world is your oyster and I have been extremely fortunate to benefit from this exposure."

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