Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, has announced six strategic appointments of associates at their international properties.
Last month, Troon was selected to manage luxury venue Vattanac Golf Resort in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
With this news, Troon International is delighted to share the appointments of Karl Whitehead as General Manager and Marcus Hartup as Director of Agronomy. Karl moves to Vattanac Golf Resort from The Els Club Dubai where he spent four years as General Manager. Working with Troon for eight years, Karl has been able to achieve a long-term goal by transitioning his career to Asia.
Looking forward to his new role at Vattanac Golf Resort, Karl said: “I’m extremely excited about this new venture, Asia is a highly progressive destination within the golf industry whereby the only step is forward. Troon has a wealth of resources, knowledge, support and talent to draw from, allowing you to progress within your career journey and this is exactly what I have been able to do.”
Marcus Hartup joins Karl at Vattanac Golf Resort from Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club, Queensland, Australia, bringing 20 years of Troon experience and knowledge to elevate the resort to a must play destination with superior agronomy conditions.
In Australia, Troon welcomes Jane Bell back to the family as she enters the role of General Manager of Brookwater Golf & Country Club. Jane started her journey with Troon over 20 years ago at Yarra Yarra Golf Club in Australia and has continually sought to diversify her areas of responsibility, taking her to clubs all around the world, including Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, Fiji and Address Montgomerie, Dubai.
Speaking about her new appointment, Jane said: “I am delighted to be taking up the new role as General Manager at Brookwater Golf & Country Club. With over 20 years’ experience I feel I will be able to put all that knowledge along with the skills acquired over the years, together, to drive new business to the club. Having this global network through Troon allows me to access the numerous resources and tools to enhance my skill set and professional growth.”
Another prominent movement is Thomas Rourke, who has been appointed General Manager at The Els Club Dubai. Thomas decided to make his move from The Track, Meydan Golf in Dubai to take his career within Troon to the next level. The Els Club Dubai is opening a brand-new leisure, swimming and fitness facility in late 2020, adding a new element to Thomas’ role and allowing him to showcase the knowledge and skills he has gained and developed in the past seven and a half years with Troon.
Thomas is joining his former colleague Hammad Hafeez who moved to The Els Club Dubai in January 2020. Hammad moved into the role of Assistant Manager, Sales & Marketing, with four years of Troon experience and will be instrumental in the sales and marketing of the new leisure facilities.
Also entering a new Sales & Marketing role is Daniel Wright, who has moved from Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah to Cluster Senior Sales & Marketing Manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Daniel brings to the role years of experience working in Inbound Golf Tourism to give a great understanding of tour operators and their guests alike. Daniel succeeds Clinton Norris who began his new role as Director of Sales & Marketing for the Troon International corporate office on January 1st.
Commenting on the new appointments, President of Troon International, Mark Chapleski, said: “Firstly, I’d like to recognise the incredible work that all our associates have done during the difficult times that 2020 has presented; on numerous occasions our associates have risen to the challenge showcasing the adaptive nature of our team. Excitingly, with many safety measures naturally implemented in the game already, golf has seen a renewed interest in recent months, a trend we hope to see continue.
“Despite the circumstances, we have been able to expand and refresh the Troon family in recent months, and we are once again reminded of the wonderful growth opportunities that are available to associates worldwide. We wish all of our associates entering new positions success and enjoyment for the challenge ahead.”
In addition to the permanent appointments, Troon has continued to encourage seasonal placements; each year associates have the opportunity to travel and work at other facilities during their club’s quieter season.
Broadening their experiences this year are Al Hamra Golf Club Teaching Professional, Marc Arnold, who is spending the summer at prestigious UK venue, Centurion Club. Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Teaching Professionals, Danny Jakubowski and Kieran Pratt, travelled to Saudi Arabia; and Federico Alba, Teaching Professional at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, is travelling to multiple facilities this summer in Europe, including Costa Navarino.