De Vere Oulton Hall has unveiled two new arrivals to its team with Neil Smith joining as Golf Course & Estates Manager and Robert Turner joining as the resorts new Golf Operations Manager. The new appointments underline De Vere’s on-going investment in its workforce, and bring a wealth of experience to the team at the award-winning facility.
Neil Smith arrives from an ex-Ryder Cup venue where he spent 13 years charged with preparing the resort for the European Tour, Ryder Cup and PGA events, whilst Turner boast impressive international experience having spent time at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi and Las Colinas Golf & Country Club in Spain.
The new appointments bolster the guest services and extensive course offering at De Vere Oulton Hall, from pre- and post-round guest services, to course preparation and conditioning. After managing thirty-four members of staff in his previous role, Neil Smith is well-armed to lead the development of the championship facilities at De Vere Oulton Hall. He began his career as a Trainee Greenkeeper in 1998 and has accumulated extensive experience having been responsible for three courses in his previous post. Smith was also tasked with day-to-day golf course management operations, course conditioning, renovation, and staff training and recruitment.
Oulton Hall’s new Golf Operations Manager, Robert Turner, joins having worked at one of the World’s Top-100 courses at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi and one of Europe’s Top-100 courses at Las Colinas G&CC, Spain. Turner was central to the successful launch of Las Colinas G&CC, seeing the resort establish itself as one of Europe’s most highly regarded new developments. As he moves into his role as Golf Operations Manager, Turner will be a key member in the continued success and management of day-to-day golf operations at the popular Yorkshire resort, which also includes the award-winning Nike Golf Academy.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Neil and Robert, who both have impressive track-records at some of the most respected venues in the UK, Europe and indeed the World,” commented Keith Pickard, Oulton Hall’s Golf & Leisure Director. “We are dedicated in achieving our goal of continued development of our golf courses and guest experiences, and both Neil and Robert will play an integral role in continuing to improve our overall offering. Course conditioning and golf operations are crucial roles, and their experience will be invaluable in establishing Oulton Hall as one of the leading venues in the UK.”
Oulton Hall offers golfers of all standards a testing layout in stunning surroundings. It sits alongside 10 other De Vere venues throughout the UK as part of the innovative De Vere Club membership. Offering golfers the chance to play year round golf at some of the UK’s best known courses, such as European Tour venues Slaley Hall and Wychwood Park, for just £295, the De Vere Club has welcomed almost 10,000 members since being launched in March 2010.
The De Vere Club visit www.thedevereclub.co.uk