Troon International: "Agronomy is the key!"
How long have you worked for Troon?
I have been with Troon for 23 years. I started my career working on a small golf course in Ireland before deciding to study golf course management and turfgrass science. This gave me the foundation in my field and resulted in having the opportunity to work across many roles around the world. My first role for Troon was in Japan, where I was seconded to Accordia Golf to help set up the agronomy platform there. After that, I relocated to Europe as Director of Agronomy and in 2022 I was promoted to my current position of VP of Agronomy for Troon International.
How would you describe the work that the agronomy team does every day?
We describe good agronomy as being the balance of Art, Science & Economics; it is the combination of these three elements that deliver great golf course conditions, that are sustainable. For a great team to evolve it requires camaraderie, honesty with each other, hard work and, very importantly, taking the time to recognize the individual contribution each person makes to the team. Yes, we are a team, but a team is made up of several different individuals that contribute something important, something that creates synergies.
How do you encourage new people into the industry of agronomy?
I try to describe the satisfaction of the job; being able to look at the results of our work and see guests get great enjoyment out of playing well-presented golf courses is very satisfying. It brings a great sense of accomplishment and purpose, which is very important for personal well-being.
What do you tell those entering the industry for the first time?
Golf is in a great place and looks set to continue that trajectory; there are more demographics than ever playing the game, which suggests a diverse and strong future. If you enjoy the game, like being outdoors and interacting with people, it is a very rewarding career with a variety of jobs available. The management of a golf facility is very varied; if being out on the golf course is not your thing then there are other roles in sales and market, operations and food and beverage for example.
When traveling to diff facilities and countries, what is one thing you always try and do?
I think I try to make sure people understand why I am there, and that is to help and support in any way I can for the betterment of the facility and the people. I try to create constructive discussions and encourage everyone to voice their thoughts and opinions; this gives us all the best chance of learning something and progressing. I also try to take the time to recognize people’s hard work, we are always looking ahead but need to reflect and just say wow, you do that well!
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.