Tag Archive for: Troon

Toro supporting Royal Troon

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Toro supporting Royal Troon: Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland has signed an exclusive partnership deal with Reesink Turfcare and Toro machinery ahead of hosting The Open 2024 for the tenth time.

The deal has provided Billy McLachlan, who’s been at the helm of the world-famous golf course for 31 years and Course Manager for four of The Open tournaments, and his team with a range of world-class equipment, including the latest electric mowers, for the greatest golf championship in the world.

Toro supporting Royal Troon

Toro supporting Royal Troon

Preparations have been well underway for years; starting as the club came out of the 2016 tournament with drainage work and then the installation of a “revolutionary” new Toro irrigation system.

“To have the reassurance of an irrigation system which allows us to be proactive and reactive depending on weather conditions; targeted and effective with our water usage and to have an entirely different level of precision and control throughout the tournament will be revolutionary,” Billy says. “It will take a lot of stress away.”

Billy who has been using Toro machinery for years felt the timing was right to make the commitment with Reesink, especially in the run-up to and over the tournament. Plus, he had his eye on sustainable mowing options: “We have a focus on using electric machinery and were extremely impressed with the Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 ride-on and Greensmaster e1021 pedestrian mowers, which will be taking care of the greens.

“Having all-electric turfcare machinery is a new addition to our fleet at The Open and I’m looking forward to the huge benefits that will bring. For one, they will allow us to get out to any areas we need to without disturbing viewers or the flow of play and we know we can work all hours needed, because they are so quiet.”

Jon Cole, divisional business manager at Reesink Turfcare, comments: “For electric power to play such a key role in yet another Open tournament sends a fantastic message. Just like diesel machines, battery operated mowers can also cope with the demands of producing the quality of cut and level of work demanded by a global event.”

The club has a core fleet of Toro machines and included new versions of the Toro Reelmaster 3575 and Groundsmaster 4300 mowers for fairways and roughs respectively as well as mid and heavy-duty utility vehicles in the last delivery. There’s a Toro ProCore 648s which will be instrumental in post-event recovery work.

Billy continues: “To have the support of Reesink throughout the tournament will be vital. We will have additional models of the same machines we’ve been using coming in and extra technicians, which provides great peace of mind.”

So, what can players and viewers expect from The Open 2024? Billy says it will certainly be bigger than ever: “We have the longest hole in Open history and, just two holes after that, the shortest hole in the championship’s history – our iconic par-three eighth, also known as the ‘Postage Stamp’.

“There are nine new tees too which lengthened the overall course – I think we’re sitting just 36 yards fewer than the record at Carnoustie in 2007 – and the event has sold out, ensuring a record attendance of 250,000, an increase of more than 70,000 people from the last time we hosted it in 2016. The grandstands, catering facilities, temporary buildings, services, everything is bigger to accommodate the increase in numbers.”

With the team, the years of planning, and Reesink and Toro by its side, it’s safe to say Royal Troon Golf Club is in a good position to deliver a tournament to remember.

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Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

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Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade: Royal Troon Golf Club has upgraded its greenkeepers compound, incorporating state-of-the-art locker rooms, ahead of this summer’s 152nd Open.

The 145-year-old club, based in South Ayrshire, Scotland, has made a large investment in a new welfare block, which includes offices, a staff room, a kitchen, wet and dry changing facilities, showers and toilets.

Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

The changing rooms feature 28 modern lockers and benches to cater for the dedicated team responsible for maintaining the club’s pristine courses.

The investment aims to support the 20 greenkeeping staff preparing to host the Championship in July.

Locit, the manufacturer of the Pure Lockers brand, partnered with distributor Nationwide Lockers to deliver the slate grey steel lockers to the specifications of contractor Fleming Build.

Stephen Anthony, Club Secretary at Royal Troon Golf Club, said: “The club is delighted with the new facilities, including the lockers, for our 20 greenkeepers. 

“The move to personal lockers provides a secure space for our team’s belongings. 

“The club is committed to the well-being of every employee and this upgrade speaks volumes about the value the club places on our dedicated team of greenkeepers and their integral role in maintaining our course’s international standards.”

John Burns, Project lead and Site Manager for Fleming Build, based in Glasgow, said: “The recent enhancement to the greenkeepers’ compound underscores Royal Troon’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for its dedicated employees.

“The decision to work with Nationwide as a locker supplier was influenced by price, a quick lead time, colour customisation and fast installation. Pure Lockers were the best buy and ensured a seamless delivery process for Royal Troon. Collaborating with Locit and Nationwide Lockers reinforced our commitment to quality project delivery.”

Pure Lockers are the world’s first carbon-neutral steel lockers. Each product is PAS 2060 certified, the internationally recognised specification for carbon neutrality published by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Locit manufactures from a state-of-the-art digital manufacturing facility in Deeside using 3D CAD/CAM software solutions that enable the design of products with minimum waste materials. The factory also uses an innovative curing process at a lower temperature than the industry standard to guarantee the highest quality and 40% energy savings.

Kevin Elliott, Business Development Manager, at Locit said: “At Locit, we take pride in our commitment to delivering excellence to our clients. We understand that each client has unique requirements, and our approach is collaborative. We work closely with our clients to tailor Pure Lockers to their needs, ensuring that every detail aligns with their vision.”

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Troon promotes Simon Doyle

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Troon promotes Simon Doyle: Troon®, the leader in club management, development, and marketing is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Doyle as the organisation’s new Vice President of Agronomy for the international division, effective immediately, following his promotion from Director of Agronomy, Troon International Europe Region. 

Troon International is passionate about sustainable golf course maintenance and committed to collaborating with its clients to achieve these objectives. Simon’s longstanding career of 20 years with Troon and his ongoing and strong client relationships were a key reason for his promotion along with his demonstrable impact in helping Troon International develop and improve its assets in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. As the new Vice President of Agronomy within Troon International, Simon will be tasked with ensuring that the organisation is aligned with as many golf courses as possible whom share similar beliefs and objectives, joining forces to create more great golfing environments that are not only fantastic to play on but are also sustainable using the best practices available today.

Troon promotes Simon Doyle

Troon promotes Simon Doyle

Simon has a rich history in the golf industry and agronomy. Prior to joining Troon, Doyle was educated at the highly regarded Reaseheath College, where he received a Higher National Diploma in Golf Course Management, progressing to Ohio State University in the US. Following his education he took up posts at Major, Ryder Cup and PGA Tour venues, Westchester CC and Oak Hill CC in New York. In 2000, Doyle moved to Japan where he worked as a consulting Agronomist for US based firm Environmental Turfgrass Systems.

In 2002 he joined Troon where he was seconded to Goldman Sachs in Japan as part of a team to oversee the management of Goldman’s golf company, Accordia Golf. This then led to the position of Asset Manager for the same group of courses and subsequent acquisitions by Goldman. Doyle, who prior to his promotion has been operating as Director of Agronomy for Troon in Europe, where he has been overseeing the expanding portfolio of courses that Troon International has on its books.

Looking ahead to his new role within Troon International, Doyle said: “I am delighted to work for such a great company and alongside a talented group of individuals. I joined Troon 20 years ago because I knew their reputation for agronomy and wanted to be part of that. There is nothing more satisfying than being part of creating great golf course conditions.”

Commenting on his day-to-day role, Doyle said: “I spend the majority of my time at our partner facilities, where I review  golf course conditions with each superintendent and support the team to ensure good planning and continued or even improved playing surfaces. Each golf course is unique. I enjoy having dynamic conversations with colleagues on the ground to help map out the road to success for that particular facility. Having the Troon toolbox and it’s agronomic best practices at my fingertips is a key factor to maximizing course conditioning. My work not only involves  diagnosing and resolving turfgrass problems but also helping to overcome management issues.”

Speaking about Simon Doyle’s promotion was Dave Nicholls, Senior VP of Science and Agronomy, who said: “I’m proud to support Simon and his promotion to the position of Vice President Science & Agronomy, of Troon’s International Division.  Simon’s 20 years of service in Asia and Europe helped Troon develop an industry leading set of proprietary agronomic standards that are now applied all-over the world.  His personality and work ethic, make him a critical part of Troon’s global success, and I look forward to watching Simon grow in his recently expanded role.”

One of the pillars of Troon International’s success is the superior playing surfaces of its courses. This commitment to agronomic superiority and environmental sustainability is a focus of Troon International’s proprietary Agronomy Standards. Troon International’s Agronomy Standards are the most exacting and detailed standards in the golf industry. These programmes are based on a philosophy drawing upon complex scientific principles and a deep respect and understanding of the natural environment.

To find out more about Troon International, please visit: www.Troon.com/troon-international

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Troon International appoints Clinton Southorn

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Troon International appoints Clinton Southorn: Troon International, the international division of Troon, is pleased to announce the appointment of Clinton Southorn as the organisation’s new Director of Construction & Agronomy, effective from the beginning of October when he will take over from industry and 20-year Troon veteran Robin Evans.

Mark Chapleski, Executive Vice President, Troon International’s commented “While we are extremely sad to see Robin leave the office, we are delighted for him and his retirement which will see him return to Australia with wife Jan. Clinton has been a rockstar for us in the field for many years and we look forward to him transitioning into the corporate office and supporting our talented agronomists and ownerships across our regions.”

Troon International appoints Clinton Southorn

Troon International appoints Clinton Southorn

Clinton has over 20 years’ worth of experience in the golf and turf industry, 18 of which have been with Troon; from Brookwater Golf & Country Club in his native Australia, moving to Fiji and the Azores, to growing in Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Agalarov Golf Estates, The Els Club Dubai, and lastly being the Cluster Director of Agronomy across Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

Looking ahead to his new role within Troon International, Clinton said: “I am very proud and excited to start the new role of Director of Construction & Agronomy, Troon International. We are extremely fortunate to have some exceptionally talented team members working within the Agronomy portfolio. The importance and focus will be to continue working closely with the associates to support them at their respective facilities and help them grow, along with the reputations of the Troon International Facility portfolio. Showcasing the importance of working with our owners, partners, and team members, makes for a privileged position and one I’m truly excited about starting”.  

Clinton will start his new role in October, with Robin Evans on hand to impart his own invaluable expertise of 40+ years within the industry. Robin held Superintendent positions at the Whistler Golf Club, Canada, Sanctuary Cove Resort, Australia and Sutera Harbour Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where he oversaw the construction through to operations. Robin’s first role with Troon was to supervise the construction of the Greg Norman designed Brookwater Golf & Country Club, before relocating to Dubai in 2001 to take on the Superintendent role prior to the opening of the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai. Since moving into the corporate office, Robin has been involved in the development, construction, and agronomy services to over 30 projects across more than 10 countries including the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and India, where his experience has been instrumental in creating world class resorts.

Speaking about the influence Robin has had on the wider Troon International agronomy team, Mark commented: “Over the past 20 years, Robin has built up a strong, highly respected professional reputation in the region and has been successful in increasing the Troon portfolio of world class facilities through the Troon International division. Having the support of Robin and a close working relationship over the past 16 years, we say goodbye to a great friend and a true Troon rockstar.”

To find out more about Troon International, please visit: www.Troon.com/troon-international

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Troon Appointed By Gold Creek

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Troon Appointed By Gold Creek: Troon International presence expanded in Australia as Gold Creek becomes the latest addition to portfolio.

Troon International, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce its latest appointment; to provide full golf course management services to the semi-private Gold Creek Country Club, Canberra. Utilising Troon and its industry-leading expertise, the venue is set on increasing the quality of its offering, on and off course, to members and visitors.

Troon Appointed By Gold Creek

The 18 Hole Championship Course, designed by Australian legend Bruce Devlin, is ranked amongst the top five courses in the Canberra area – the most liveable city in the world. Renowned as one of the finest courses in inland Australia, Gold Creek continues to evolve, under the leadership of Course Superintendent, Simon Snedden with some of the best greens in the country.

Boasting some of the most premium facilities in the region, the championship course is complemented by a driving range and clubhouse with extensive catering facilities, swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasium and a child day care centre.

“This appointment presents an exciting opportunity for us to partner with an established club in a thriving region of the world,” commented Mark Chapleski, President – Troon International. “We are delighted to be working with the team at Gold Creek and to marry our expertise with the team’s knowledge and experience to enhance the development here in Canberra and offer new and existing members as well as visitors, an experience to rival the very best.”

Troon’s involvement will ensure the property delivers on its potential, in its offerings both on and off the golf course.

Mr John Konstantinou, Director and owner of Gold Creek has been vocal in his support of the Troon appointment. He said: “I believe Troon Golf can provide Gold Creek, together with its members, a golf facility that will further establish us as one of the best in the ACT, offering club members not only quality playing surfaces and superb course conditions but also the plethora of benefits that come with having Troon Golf on board.”

For more information, visit http://www.goldccc.com.au/

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