Through a focused and proactive approach to recruitment, retention and development, Troon International has successfully placed 21 senior leaders across operations, agronomy, and marketing disciplines within the last 12 months – further strengthening Troon’s international division of high-performing facilities.
With an ever-changing hospitality landscape, access to high-performing leadership is a competitive advantage. Troon International’s in-house recruitment capability is a built-in service for clients, helping reduce time-to-hire, increase quality-of-hire, and most importantly, drive operational excellence.
This milestone year marks just the beginning of a longer-term commitment from Troon International to support its partners in building and retaining world-class teams.
“Hiring the right people is one of, if not the most important decision in any business,” said DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International. “Our clients don’t just get access to operational expertise – they benefit from a robust leadership recruitment pipeline that is proven to deliver results. We don’t just help clubs find the right people – we help them grow, evolve, and succeed long into the future. That’s the Troon difference and it’s what sets our client partnerships apart.”
In the past year, Troon International has supported leadership recruitment for a diverse portfolio of facilities across Europe, the Middle East and Australia, including roles Al Mouj Golf, LA VIE Club, Al Houara Golf Club, Salgados Golf Club, The Track Meydan Golf, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Velaa Private Island, The Els Club Desaru Coast, Vattanac Golf Resort, LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort and The Brisbane Golf Club.
These placements span key leadership positions focusing on enhancing course conditions and elevating guest experiences. The commitment to talent goes beyond recruitment as clients benefit from a comprehensive talent strategy, including onboarding support, succession planning, performance development and retention programmes.
Scott McCaw was appointed general manager at Al Mouj in Oman last year
Scott McCaw, who continued his lengthy Troon career switching from Australia to Oman, became General Manager at Al Mouj Golf in mid-2024 emphasised Troon’s unique advantage in providing global mobility and high-calibre staffing solutions.
“The experienced candidates that Troon can offer an owner is a significant market advantage. Troon managed facilities are all very well connected. Similarities and parallels can be drawn from the Troon network to help provide greater support than being an individual operator.”
Tim O’Sullivan, who has been with Troon for five years and took up the post of Troon Superintendent at Salgados Golf Club, Portugal, last year, said: “The ability to have opportunities to develop and grow within Troon is incredible and can land you in pretty much any part of the world. Being involved early in the renovation project of Salgados over the winter of 2024 and spring 2025 allowed me to work closely with Troon Executives, Highgate leadership and our contractors, aligning my efforts with the facility’s immediate and long-term goals.”
The strength of a recruitment philosophy lies not only in selecting individuals aligned with each facility’s needs, but in preparing them to make an impact from day one.
Nithin Balakrishnan, the former Assistant Golf Course Manager at Dubai Hills, is now working at another Troon-managed facility at Velaa Private Island in the Maldives
“The onboarding experience was exceptionally well-organised – so seamless,” noted Nithin Balakrishnan, who joined Dubai Hills Golf Club, UAE in 2020. “The first day can be filled with uncertainty for any new associate, and it takes thoughtful planning and effort to ensure a smooth transition. The team’s attention to detail and professionalism made the process both welcoming and efficient, setting a strong foundation for success from day one.”
Cameron Procter joined Troon in early 2025 as Director of Golf at Al Houara Golf Club in Morocco and echoed this sentiment, emphasising how Troon’s commitment to values-based leadership inspires accountability and performance.
“Being part of a Troon-managed facility means embodying a culture where core values are not just statement – they are actively demonstrated in daily operations, says Cameron. “Since joining the team, I’ve been deeply impressed by how these values consistently guide our work. To me, ownership means taking full responsibility for outcome – ensuring that every action I take is aligned with delivering meaningful results for the organisation.”
