Waddell returns to roots to take up Dalmahoy post

Craig Waddell has returned to his golfing roots to become Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club's new director of golf and leisure.

The 41-year-old's appointment has been described by the management at the Kirknewton venue as a "real coup".

Waddell, who hails from Roslin and was a junior member at Glencorse, has racked up an impressive CV since starting with a part-time job at Braid Hills Golf Centre.

After qualifying as a PGA teaching pro, he had a spell in the UAE, firstly in Abu Dhabi then at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

A stint back home as golf operations and membership manager at The Duke's in St Andrews coincided with him becoming a dad before being enticed back to the UAE to help launch Trump International in Dubai along with fellow Lothians man Andrew Whitelaw.

Waddell then took on a final six-month project as director of golf operations back at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club but, after four years in the Middle East, he's happy to be back on home soil.

"Dalmahoy is a course and club I had played a lot as a young amateur and also visited the Solheim Cup as a kid with my father, as well as playing my final round as an amateur on the East Course," he said.

"The position is a fantastic challenge for me and its great to be part of a proactive and forward thinking team as well as a hotel which has such vision and passion for future golf and hospitality.

"Junior golf, female participation and membership are my big passions, and I aim to increase awareness, enjoyment and experience in all areas."  

Waddell secured his PGA qualification through the University of Birmingham following a 10-year stint working with some well-kent faces in golf at the Braid Hills Golf Centre.

"I was extremely fortunate as I worked alongside Ian Young, the owner and my former boss, as well as Colin Brooks and Sandy Stephen," he added.

"They are all ex-European Tour players and gave me a wonderful insight into life as a teaching professional and the golf industry in general.

"My father has probably been my biggest sporting influence, but spending time with Sandy, Ian and Colin really gave me a true insight into golf, in particular Ian, who highlighted golf as a business.

"Due to my fairly quiet amateur career and similar professional career, my long-term was always to get into golf management."

Waddell has moved to Dalmahoy to replace Sam Oliver, who has recently joined The Wisley in Surrey.

Dalmahoy's general manager Alistair Kinchin said: "We’re excited to see the path Craig will help take our resort. His vision will help cement our reputation as one of Scotland’s leading leisure and golf destination resorts.”

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