Troon Golf® has further strengthened the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) team with some key additions and promotions. As the division continues to demonstrate impressive growth, Troon Golf has bolstered the team to manage the expansion efficiently and continue to deliver an effective service to the entire portfolio of courses.
Michael Lovett has been appointed as General Manager at Prince’s Golf Club on the south coast of England. Michael brings with him a fine pedigree of experience with over 40 years spent at all levels in the golf industry at some of the finest resorts in Europe. Michael’s knowledge and network in the industry are very well established and will be an integral part of Prince’s Golf Club and their plans for the future.
Saeed Elgazar has been appointed General Manager at The Allegria, Egypt. Saeed has moved from his previous role as Assistant General Manager / Director of Food & Beverage at Abu Dhabi Golf Club where he served since April 2007. Saeed has a fine background in the food & beverage service sector and has served with Troon Golf for the last 10 years. His experience also includes time at The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona where he was involved in a variety of food & beverage roles.
Martin Eastgate has taken the position as Sales & Marketing Director Golf at Las Colinas de Campoamor. Martin has a background in sales & marketing, with 18 years experience in the IT and telecommunication business. Martin moves to Las Colinas following a spell at The Grove in London where he has furthered his skills in golf operations and management. Martin will be responsible for developing the golf business during and beyond the launch phase of Las Colinas de Campoamor.
Harry Zervos has been appointed as Director of Golf at The Dunes Course at Costa Navarino in Greece. Harry is a multilingual PGA Professional who has developed experience at European golf venues and has an in depth knowledge of the golf industry. Harry’s appointment is a welcome addition to the team at Costa Navarino as they prepare for the launch of this new destination in May 2010.
John Gunn has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at the soon to open Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. John previously worked at The Montgomerie, Dubai for two years, and has spent almost 15 years in the food & beverage industry. John began his career in an alpine resort in New Zealand, before embarking on a career that took him to Australia and Qatar before arriving in Dubai in 2007. This included stops at the award winning Observatory Hotel in Sydney and the Ritz Carlton in Doha.
Lil Strika has taken the position as Sales & Marketing Manager at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. Lil has several years experience in the leisure and tourism industry and brings a fresh outlook to the team at Saadiyat Beach. Lil is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional who will play an important role in establishing Saadiyat as a flagship venue for golf in Abu Dhabi.
Tina Henderson has been appointed Membership Manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Tina has extensive marketing and public relations experience in the media and entertainment industry. In addition to Tina’s professionalism and dedication, her competencies in Spanish, Hindi, Gujarati and Arabic languages make her an asset to Troon Golf’s team in the UAE.
Kurtis Clement has been appointed as Assistant Professional at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Having spent many years living in Saudi Arabia, Kurtis has a great understanding of the Middle Eastern culture. He is an accomplished golfer and is skilled in the management of golf operations.
Callum Nicoll has taken the position of Retail Manager at The Els Club in Dubai. Callum will be responsible for all retail activity and further elevating the members experience at the club. This new addition to the team assists with the impending transition into the new clubhouse. Callum has over nine years experience within the golf industry and has held senior positions at several prestigious golf courses in Scotland, including this year’s Open venue, Turnberry. Callum has a proven track record with extensive operations experience and will make an immediate contribution to the success of The Els Club.
Cesar Burguiere has taken the position of Office Manager, Troon Golf EMEA. Cesar brings high levels of enthusiasm to the role as well as an impressive background in the tourism and golf industry. Cesar is a PGA professional with multi lingual skills and hands on experience in golf resort operations at many levels and is a graduate in Business Administration, from the University of Valencia, specializing in tourism.
“I am delighted to welcome all the new additions and congratulate those new appointments at our growing portfolio of Troon Golf managed facilities. I am certain that in these challenging economic times, our team of experienced and handpicked professionals will play a key role in seeing our managed facilities prosper. The global support networks we have and the attention to detail on all levels see us uniquely placed to deliver a wide array of world class professionals and an uncompromising service,” commented Bruce Glasco, Troon Golf’s Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Troon Golf EMEA is committed to developing Troon Golf’s presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa. This rapidly expanding division now oversees operations at 36 courses in 13 countries including Dubai, Portugal, Spain and England with further expansion planned across all regions.
Troon Golf www.troongolf.com