The Gleneagles Hotel has appointed three new professionals to strengthen its golf offering, including Golf Operations Manager David Blackadder – who previously looked after golf operations at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai.
The three new recruits will boost the golf team’s delivery of exceptional customer service and bespoke golf tuition, enhancing the golfer’s experience at Gleneagles.
David Blackadder, who brings with him great knowledge of the luxury golf destination market, will head up a 30-strong team and oversee the running of golfers’ facilities.
Originally from Glasgow, David launched his golf career at Loch Lomond Golf Club in 2005, before moving to Kingsbarns Golf Links where he worked as a PGA Professional until 2010.
In 2011, he moved to Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, to oversee the day-to-day golf operations on the renowned Fire and Earth courses – a position he held for over five years.
A highlight in this role was his contribution to the smooth delivery of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, the pinnacle of the European Tour Race to Dubai.
He said: “Gleneagles has everything – close proximity to Scotland’s airports, five-star accommodation and facilities, Michelin-starred dining, unrivalled pursuits and activities – and then, of course, there’s the breath-taking rural scenery.
“All of this makes Gleneagles unique and delivers that sought-after feeling of escapism that all golfers want to feel when they play.”
He added: “An ambitious vision has been set by the golf team in terms of enhancing what is already a world-class golfing destination. I’m delighted to be here and looking forward to contributing to Gleneagles’ success.”
David is joined by fellow new recruit, PGA professional Calum Lawson, whose CV includes teaching positions at Blairgowrie, Wellsgreen and Elmwood golf clubs.
Calum, whose main responsibilities at Gleneagles include coaching and custom fitting within the PGA National Golf Academy, is looking forward to providing golfers with a highly personalised service. He said: “I’m joining a very strong team that prides itself on providing an outstanding golf experience.
“These are exciting times for the Academy, with the recent capital investment in the new Pro shop and custom fitting room – developments which have attracted a range of new suppliers and led to a big spike in tuition bookings.
“I hope my passion for the delivery of exceptional service and bespoke tuition will help strengthen this golf offering and echo the first-class service Gleneagles provides to guests across the hotel and estate.”
The trio is made up by PGA assistant Nicola Taylor, who joins the team from Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, where she managed golf retail.
Nicola started her golf career at The Belfry Hotel where she gained experience in sales, events, operations and retail. Joining the Gleneagles team in her new coaching role will enable her to add another string to her bow.
She said: “Working in golf tuition is a great opportunity because it will enable me to build on my coaching experience to gain my PGA degree. It’s also great to be joining the team at such an important time, with preparations to host two major competitions – the 2018 European Championships and the 2019 Solheim Cup – already in progress.”
Gary Silcock, Director of Golf at Gleneagles, said: “We had a long recruitment process and received hundreds of applications from talented and experienced professionals based all over the globe, so David, Calum and Nicola should be proud of their success.
“Their collective experience – nationally, internationally, and across a range of prestigious golf clubs – will greatly enhance the Gleneagles golf offering.
“The three will assist us in the delivery of our vision to provide a world-class golfing experience through impeccable customer service, unrivalled facilities and tuition, and outstanding courses.”
The Gleneagles Hotel www.gleneagles.com