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Tim Schantz: “I’m still living that dream with Troon!”  

VietnamGOLF has exclusive chat with Tim Schantz, CEO and President of Troon about the passion in golf and how to be great leader.
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How long have you worked for Troon? 

I’m in my 27th year.  I was fortuitously introduced to the founder of Troon, Dana Garmany, and the rest of the early Troon team by a friend as I transitioned from my role as in-house counsel at Doubletree Hotels. Dana and I bonded over lunch at a local restaurant in Phoenix long since closed. Like many people, I came away from that lunch mesmerized by Dana’s charisma and vision of the future of Troon. As the company was getting ready to grow, Troon was searching for somebody with my legal skill set and I was in the proverbial right place at the right time. I already loved the hospitality industry because of my stint at Doubletree Hotels, and to now be able to join a company that was focused on golf was literally a dream. I’m still living that dream.

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Mr.Tim Schantz has been at Troon for 27 years.

Looking back at the No 1 in Most Powerful People in golf, how do you feel? 

I have a lot of respect for Golf Inc. and am appreciative of the honor. To be honest it feels a little bit misplaced, as the "award" is really being given to Troon, which is made up of a lot of people beyond me — most importantly the men and women who work every day at the locations at which we are so lucky to be involved.

Being a good leader is not easy, what is the secret of your success? 

It pays to be nice. I learned from somebody I respect immensely that mantra. Our industry is small, and people like to do business with people they like. “Nice” does not mean you do not compete vigorously and always acquiesce. It means, among other things, treating people with respect and doing what you say. Also, don’t discuss confidentiality matters in bathrooms or elevators.

In my life, whatever success I have enjoyed has come from a combination of hard work and good fortune. Some of that good fortune comes from not "shutting doors" along the way in life, which is something my parents instilled in my brother and me. They always said to do all you can to keep as many doors open as possible, so that you can make choices and so that good fortune and opportunity can find you.

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"In my life, whatever success I have enjoyed has come from a combination of hard work and good fortune." - Mr.Tim Schantz 

What are your memorable memories at Troon until now? 

I joined Troon when we had 15 locations and a corporate staff of 25 or so.  The memories from then to today are many.  I would say what I cherish most is the friendships I have made that transcend business. I’ve basically spent half of my life with the Troon family.  It’s my family, really.  I love seeing the family grow and mature, and all for the great things that have happened.  It was amazing, and fantastic and very rewarding.

Back to golf, when did you play golf and why do you love golf? 

I was born in Arizona and grew up primarily in Colorado and Kansas, spending every summer of my youth in a small town in Kansas. There was a 9-hole golf course at the local country club, and I was fortunate enough to be within walking distance and have grandparents that belonged to the club. Once I caught the golf bug, it became the thing I liked to do every summer and the passion for golf never stopped. I’ve played golf now for almost 50 years.

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He has played golf now for almost 50 years and the passion for golf never stopped.

What is your favorite golf course and what is your current handicap? 

I love all the Troon-affiliated courses I have been fortunate enough to play. Obviously, Troon North Golf Club is my favorite. I love Merion Golf Club, The Old Course and Pebble Beach. I am very fortunate in that I have been allowed to be a guest at some incredible golf courses. I am currently at a 6.9 index.

How does golf help your business?

Golf is a special sport, that provides something that almost no other sport provides. It combines a chance to compete with almost anybody on an even footing, with the opportunity to create a bond/build a relationship in a unique way and setting.  It’s cliché, but the chance to spend four hours with somebody in the environment that golf provides, especially as it relates to business, is unmatched. On the interpersonal side, it provides a window into people that is also unparalleled. 

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Troon North Golf Club ls his favourite golf course.

How did golf change your personality? 

Hmmmm, it changed me entirely, from start to finish.  Learning the game helped to expose me to challenge, perseverance, humility, truthfulness, and I could go on and on. As I moved through life, golf changed from something I very much enjoyed doing to literally becoming my livelihood and forever ingrained in who I am.  It’s a profound part of me and I am very grateful for the game.

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 Quick chat

Favorite food? Pizza

Favorite book? The Emerald Mile

Tennis and Bicycling

Hobbies? Hiking and Reading

Strengths and weaknesses in golf? Driving the golf ball and lag putting/chipping

Best golf performance? 73

What will you do without work? Read and hike, watch sports on TV, especially golf, and hang out with my wife.

Profile

Full name:  Tim Schantz

Position: President and CEO of Troon International

DOB:  October 1964

Handicap:  6.9 Index

About Troon International

Our Troon International division operates 50+ courses in 23+ countries under the Troon Golf and Troon Privé brands. Over the past 10 or so years, we have had significant investment, which has led us to becoming the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company; we currently provide services at 875-plus locations in 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. Rory McIroy’s Symphony Ventures invested into the company in partnership with TPG Capital in 2021, joining existing investor Leonard Green & Partners. We now provide homeowner association management, have an award-winning food & beverage division, provide caddie services and technology as well as being the largest operator of racquet courts through Cliff Drysdale Tennis and Peter Burwash International.

Visit: troon.com for further details.

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