With a multi-million-pound renovation underway, Align Partners, on behalf of Dutco, continues the repositioning of Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort into a luxury five-star Scottish destination with the appointment of a new Head Greenkeeper and Head of Golf.
New Head Greenkeeper Andrew Eckford brings 13 years of experience in greenkeeping at Cameron House and countless tournament credentials to Mar Hall. His most notable tournaments include the World Corporate Golf Final and International Pairs at The Carrick, Cameron House and the R&A Senior Open Championship at Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course.
Meanwhile, PGA Professional Christopher McQueen joins as Head of Golf following his extensive experience at Gleddoch Resort and Spa and Trump Turnberry Resort. Christopher has held key roles across golf operations, retail, coaching, custom fitting, and luxury customer service. He will continue to operate his coaching business from his new base at Mar Hall.
Speaking about his new role, McQueen said: “Joining the Mar Hall team amidst a period of extensive investment offers an exciting opportunity for me, the wider team and golf enthusiasts. We want to put Mar Hall back on Scotland’s map as the home of golf. The new facilities are sure to attract a vibrant club membership while we also prepare for corporate bookings from local and international businesses.”
Alongside the new senior hires, significant investment and improvements to the golf course are underway. All bunkers have been repaired with a total sand replacement, while the greens have undergone an aeration process, which will be continuously top-dressed throughout the year along with the fairways.
Other upgrades include a new automated irrigation system and a new fertilisation and disease control process to protect the grounds, while 12 new golf buggies have been purchased, and the team will continue to be expanded to ensure a five-star guest experience in line with corporate and golf society events.
David Webster, operations director at Align Partners, the investment and asset management team leading the transformation of the hotel, said: “While we seek planning permission to achieve the complete redevelopment across the resort, we are significantly investing in both our product and people to ensure the guest experience is elevated to a five-star luxury hospitality experience.
“In appointing Christopher and Andrew and investing in our course, we are truly demonstrating our high aspirations for the golf offering at the resort. They will both help us to deliver our vision for Mar Hall as a world-class destination resort, and we are incredibly excited for guests to experience the new proposition.”
The golf appointments form part of a string of new senior hires of industry experts across the resort, which include a new Head Concierge, Executive Head Chef and Head Pastry Chef.