Global Edition

Troon makes its mark in The Middle East

8.22am 28th September 2012 - Corporate

Bruce Glasco, Managing Director, Troon International Operations, with Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa al Khalifa

Troon Golf, the leader in upscale golf course management and development, has underlined its growing impact on golf in the Middle East after being selected as the management team at Royal Golf Club, Bahrain’s first and only golf destination.

Although originally opened in 1999, the course was expertly re-designed by golf legend and 8-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie in association with European Golf Design. The par-72 championship course and its extensive clubhouse facilities were then re-opened in 2009 to rich acclaim from both the world’s media and its leading players.

Its rapid development was immediately recognised by the European Tour just one year later when the venue was selected as host course of the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions tournament won byEngland’s Paul Casey. Despite its already stellar reputation, the expertise of industry leaders, Troon, renowned for producing quality services and playing surfaces, will solidify Royal Golf Club’s position as the Kingdom’s leading leisure facility.

“Royal Golf Club has long been recognized as both a premiere club and integral part of one of the region’s best golf developments. In recent times it has become more well-known through its hosting of a European Tour event,” noted Bruce Glasco, Managing Director, Troon International Operations. “The owners have made a substantial commitment to furthering its reputation and increasing its service standards, thus further elevating the club experience for its many members and visitors.  Given Troon’s vast experience in the region and proven track record of success we’re delighted that they’ve sought the services of Troon to help reach those objectives.”

At 7,243 yards from the back tees, the championship course is undoubtedly a stern test to challenge the world’s best players, however an array of teeing options make it playable for golfers of all ability. Supplementing the championship course is the ‘Wee Monty’ nine-hole par-three course, which has been designed as an introductory level course for the country’s burgeoning number of golfers. A scaled down version of the main course, holes range from 40 to 160 yards, with many demanding similar shape shots to that of the championship layout.

Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa al Khalifa, commented, “We’ve had a fantastic beginning to our history and in order to facilitate the next part of our development, we will be looking to maximise the opportunity to grow golf amongst the people ofBahrain, as well as widen our appeal with an international audience. The calibre of courses in Troon’s existing portfolio is evidence of their proven track-record in these respects; their expertise will become invaluable moving forward.”

Royal Golf Club joins a plethora of renowned championship courses under the watchful eye of market-leaders Troon in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi Golf Club – host venue for the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, The Els Club,Dubai, and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club,Abu Dhabi.

Troon’s increased presence in the region highlights their position as golf’s voice of authority in the Middle East; a reputation born from working with some of the world’s most revered courses, including Indian Wells in California, Kapalua, Hawaii, The Grove, England, and Turnberry in Scotland.

Headquartered inGeneva,Switzerland, Troon Golf EMEA is committed to developing Troon Golf’s presence in Europe, Middle East andAfrica. This rapidly expanding division now oversees operations at 38 courses in 14 countries includingDubai,England,Russia, andSpainwith further expansion planned across all regions.

Royal Golf Club, Bahrain http://theroyalgolfclub.com

Troon Golf www.troon-golf.com

In related news...

GolfBusinessNews.com (GBN) is for the many thousands of people who work in the golf business all around the world.

We cover the full range of topics both on and off the course. We aim to supply essential information both quickly and accurately in a format which is easy to use. We are independent of all special interest groups.

Subscribe

Click here to sign up for our free twice weekly golf industry news summary

View the latest newsletter here