If you ever want to learn about life from an early age, take up caddieing. As a 10 or 11-year-old, the stuff you will hear, it will open your eyes to the big world out there like no other way. It is an experience money can’t buy, listening to men talk about things going on in their lives and discovering words you didn’t know existed!”

Those are the words of advice from a man who should know. 

Troon Executive Vice President Mark Chapleski will retire at the end of July, following 24 years with the golf and club management leader. Chapleski has led the Troon International division since 2017, growing the company’s international portfolio to 40-plus facilities in 20 countries.

Mark Chapleski has been immersed in the world of golf for as long as he can remember and now — after a long and eventful journey that has taken him around the globe from the United States to Japan and then the UAE — the Troon Executive Vice President will retire at the end of July following 24 years with the golf and club management team. 

It can be strange sometimes when you set out on one path, with a plan in mind, and you end up somewhere completely different. Mark explains this is exactly what happened after his academic career and a faltering attempt at life on the pro tours. 

“I got pretty good in junior year in college,” he tells Golf Digest Middle East at The Els Club in Dubai. “I was an honorable All-American, and was planning to be All-American first or second team the following year, but my senior year didn’t pan out as planned. I didn’t play as well, putt as well, as I hoped, and that was pretty much my career done right there. There was another guy on my team who went on to play professionally for 10 years, but for me it never worked out. I played a few events on the PGA Tour, and I tried other tours like in South America, but my pro career was pretty much over before it began.

Playing golf in Hawaii with Michael Jordan in 1995

“I never thought I was going to be in the golf industry. I figured if I didn’t make it, I would become a stock broker or do something in the investment world, but I just kinda fell into it.” 

So as it was, Mark hung up his spikes. Then an opportunity arose at just the right time for him to prolong his time in the golfing realm. 

“After I got out of college, I met a guy who happened to be called Don King — not that one,” the now-62-year-old laughs. “I grew up in Michigan and other than travelling to play golf, I hadn’t been about. Don said there was an opportunity in Arizona at Yuma Country Club, if I wanted to come out. It’s a place that never rains and plenty of great weather. So I just up and left. The rest is history.”

And it is quite a history.

Chapleski with Bill Clinton

“I actually got my game back for about eight months while I was out there,” he adds with a shake of the head. “I had forgotten about this. My clubs got stolen and it was right after that I found something in my game. It’s not like today with all the technology to help you — if your clubs got stolen, you started changing stuff, because you had had the old ones so long anything else is unfamiliar.” 

With a shrug, he adds: “Anyway, I still couldn’t putt worth a damn so I never would have made much money on the tour.

“Yeah, so I decided to get into the industry and joined the PGA of America Programme as an apprentice at Yuma, I was in the golf shop, or doing whatever needed doing as an assistant pro.”

Troon Golf with Colin Montgomerie (left to right) ~ Mark Chapleski, Robin Evans, Colin Montgomerie, Jeff Spangler, Ken Kosak, Christo Diamandopoulos, Bruce Glasco

Following three or four years serving at the country club in the Southern California Desert, the next chapter in Chapleski’s journey began and it led to one of his bucket-list destinations.

“I knew I had to make a move or I could end up stuck there at Yuma forever, so I upped and went to Palm Springs in California and got a job working at Marriott Desert Springs, then the high-end Vintage Club. I was only there for six months when someone told me that a very well-known pro Craig Williamson, the man behind Kapalua on Maui, was opening a new club — in Hawaii.” 

Ko Olina Golf Club was the place where Mark would call home for the next 10 years, and he remembers it fondly. 

“Hawaii had always been on my radar since I was a kid, watching ‘Hawaii
Five-0’ with my dad, so I made the decision to head for O’ahu Island, and that is really where I cut my teeth on the business side of things in the industry. This was a start-up, so we were doing everything from scratch and I learnt a lot.”

While Mark was learning the basics, he was also part of a bit of sporting history — just one of his many fascinating tales.

“Craig came up with an idea — I guarantee you he was the first to do this — to put the Ko Olina ‘ladybug’ logo on the back of the shirts,” he explains. “Legend says that if a ladybug lands on your shoulder, you can blow it off and make a wish. This is 1990, no one had anything like this on their shirts, and I thought: ‘Hey that’s a bit weird.’ 

“But after the first year, the shirts with the logo on the back had gone from around 10 per cent of shirt sales to around 90 per cent… and now almost every sport has shirts with sponsors and things on the back shoulder. That was great to be part of.”

At opening of Velaa Private Island in the Maldives Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal with VP of Agronomy Robin Evans (left) and Troon COO Bruce Glasco (right)

Mark climbed his way to Director of Golf Operations at Ko Olina when news came through in 1999 that the club was being sold to Marriott. Mark was on the move again — and this time ended up on Troon’s doorstep.

“I knew [Troon COO] Bruce Glasco from my days in Michigan on the amateur golf scene,” he says. “I think he was VP at Troon at this point, so I sent in my CV — they were expanding pretty fast — got hired and moved to Scottsdale, back in Arizona. 

“That’s when the call came in that a team from Troon was needed to go to do due-diligence on six golf courses in Japan. So a team including myself and Bruce went over there, and soon after [then part owner] Goldman Sachs said we need to open an office in Japan, because there was a lot of work to be done.

“We started the office in Japan with a team of four or five people. What was meant to be a short due-diligence trip turned into four years — four interesting years — working with bankers like Goldman, Morgan Stanley, all these guys. We were there to analyse and value their golf courses.” 

The culture of golf was quite different to in Japan, so it was a challenge to know just what was required and Mark was learning as he went along. 

“Golf in Japan was a day-long event back then,” he says. “The guys would go out in the morning, play nine holes then stop for lunch. Mandatory. You go in, get drinks, food, the lot, and then get back out for the back nine. By the time you add in transport, post-round bath and everything else, the whole day was gone.    

“However, we could see that was changing. The younger generation didn’t want all this. They wanted to get a round done in four hours as they had other things to do. So, we helped create what is now the second largest golf company in the world.”

Chapleski speaks to the Jazzy Golfer at Address Montgomerie 2019

Mark’s next stop would finally see him settle — the UAE in August 2004, and since then he certainly has seen some changes both to the golfing scene and the city of Dubai as a whole. 

“They were looking for someone to run the opening of Montgomerie,” he says. “I recall my first visit here from Tokyo. I think there were maybe five clubs at the time — Abu Dhabi, AD City, Nad Al Sheba, Creek and Emirates Golf Club. But the Montgomerie was being built and that’s what we were brought in to oversee.

“It has been quite a transformation since then. We went from one golf course at the Montgomerie, then the second one came up at the Els Club — there was no Sports City or anything, complete green field out there at the time. 

Chapleski at Asia Pacific Golf Conference 2019

“It is completely different now as a city and even the golfing scene is much more mature — and I feel Troon coming in helped create what we have today. The teaching and academy side has gone through the roof, too. From having the Butch Harmon Academy with us, and what that brought to the region, meant it really raised the standard of coaching across the board, Jumeirah Golf Estates raised their game, Pete Cowan came in, and you can really see it in the quality of the players we are producing in the UAE now. To get to where we are today has been an amazing trip.”

As Mark gets ready to step away from the coalface — and wind down the air miles — what is next for the Troon legacy in the UAE now that the likes of Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach and Yas Acres have joined the Viya portfolio? 

“There are still more courses that are being talked about and being planned, so I think the UAE will continue to be our home base,” he says confidently. “It is such a central location and has a great air lift with Emirates. We are still bullish about what this region holds for golf in the future. I believe there is a big opening for golf tourism in this country and it is something that we are definitely working on.” 

Whomever comes in next certainly has some big shoes to fill, and hopefully they will have just as many tales to tell.

Troon is a global leader in club management and development, with more than 770-plus facilities in 30-plus countries.

The post The Journey Man: Troon International’s Mark Chapleski is retiring after a well-travelled and intriguing journey across the globe, and he has a few tales to tell… appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

DJ Khaled reveals his passion for golf, while Mark Chapleski gets set for the easy life in retirement.

Abdullah Al Naboodah takes us through his new role with the European Tour Group, while Lucas Herbert gives tips on mastering the greens.

Golf Digest Middle East’s Play & Stay is back, and we are inviting you to join us at Yas Island’s top venues for a weekend to remember.

The Golf Digest Hot List also gets to grips with the best wedges on offer this year.

All this and much, much more in the June 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the June 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith
Construction work has commenced on the clubhouse at Al Zorah Golf Club, with the aim of transforming it into the leading tourist and golfing destination in the northern Emirates.

The world-class clubhouse will complement the 18-hole championship course, set in the natural landscape and mangroves of Ajman. The clubhouse at the Troon-managed course will offer full leisure facilities, including a gym, golf shop, tennis courts and swimming pool, plus food and beverage outlets will offer visitors a choice to dine, socialise and relax within the club.

Mark Chapleski, Executive Vice-President, Troon International, said: “We are extremely excited about this next phase of the Al Zorah golf journey. It will be a huge step forward with this new state-of-the-art clubhouse sitting right above the 18th green.”

BE AT 1 SERIES:
Tame ‘Sea View’, stroke index 1 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at The Els Club Dubai
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Tower Links Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Tame the 7th, stroke index 1, at Dubai Hills Golf Club
Tame the 12th, stroke index 1, at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club
Tame the 13th, stroke index 1, at Al Zorah Golf Club
Tame the 10th, stroke index 1, at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Arabian Ranches Golf Club

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The Middle East’s 18 favourite holes
The Middle East’s best par 3s
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The post QUICKSHOT: Al Zorah Golf Club Clubhouse appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

That’s because they overcame visiting Madinaty Golf Club in the inaugural Egypt Troon Cup, a special match held on the opening day of the recent Ryder Cup.

In what Troon International are promising to be the first of many planned events between the two Troon-managed clubs, hosts Allegria triumphed with a tight 1.5 point advantage after 20 players represented each club.

A rematch has already been scheduled but Madinaty Golf Club will still have to wait until March for their shot at revenge.

“All of us at Madinaty Golf Club are extremely excited about our collaboration with The Allegria,” said Josh North, General Manager of Madinaty Golf Club.

“It is great to see two Troon managed golf clubs come together and put on unique events like this for our memberships. It was fantastic to see friendly rivalry on and off the golf course and we look forward to bringing the cup home to Madinaty in March!”.

Troon International Executive Vice-President Mark Chapleski was on hand to present the silverware.

“We have been involved with The Allegria since the start, 13 years ago and it was fantastic to see this event come to fruition with our wonderful new addition Madinaty Golf Club,” Chapleski said. “Egypt is a superb golf destination and Troon look forward to continuing to deliver superior playing surfaces and service at these two premier golf facilities”.

Troon International’s Mark Chapleski.

Throughout the year, members of Madinaty Golf Club and The Allegria can benefit from Troon Advantage rates to enjoy a secondary Troon course. The Allegria is located close to the Great Pyramids of Giza while Madinaty Golf Club lies to the east of Cairo, in close proximity to the Cairo International Airport. For those looking to combine luxurious Egyptian hospitality with golf at the Robert Trent Jones Jnr course, Madinaty Golf Club have teamed up with the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo.

Madinaty Golf club, which opened in late 2020, is already playing a very active role on the Egyptian Golf scene having hosted the prestigious Egyptian Amateur Championship.

The post Inaugural Egypt Troon Cup hailed ‘huge success’ appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
Former British and Irish Lions rugby representative Mike Phillips has lent his celebrity, and golfing skills, to the ambitious new Emirates Amateur Golf League (EAGL).

The most capped scrumhalf in Welsh rugby history with 94 caps, Phillips will lead the European Seves in the EAGL’s Mini-Series on June 20.

To be staged on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the one-day event will showcase the pro-level experience the EAGL is promising when the franchise-based league proper launches in November. That includes a two-hour live broadcast, initially to social media channels.

RELATED: Three-time Asian Tour winner Shiv Kapur unveiled as EAGL ambassador

Phillips’ European Seves will face the Abu Dhabi Roars, to be captained by Abu Dhabi Golf Club owner Khalfan Al Kaabi, in their EAGL Mini-Series showdown.

“I’m excited to be part of what promises to be a fantastic event. The EAGL is going provide a huge boost for amateur golf in the region,” said Phillips, now 38.

Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
Phillips playing for Scarlets during a Guinness Pro14 match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, South Africa in 2017.

EAGL Tournament Director Nick Tarratt has explained the format for Fire which will include 9-hole matches.

“The EAGL Mini-Series has eight four-player teams whereas the EAGL tournament proper will have eight 12-player teams, so it’s a more condensed version,” Tarratt said

“The unique match play format is player versus player with matches within each four-ball over nine holes and the winner earning two points.

“If the match is won prior to the ninth green, there will be a ‘Press match’ [option] and if the loser wins the Press, one point is claimed back with a net one point to the original winner. If the winner also wins the Press they can win no more than two points and a halved match over nine holes sees one point to awarded to each team.

“This will encourage all matches to go to the final green and encourage a tournament buzz around the last hole.”

In addition to a gala dinner and prize-giving, the evening programme on June 20 will also feature a special UAE Golf Industry Forum which will bring together some of the game’s leading decision-makers to discuss the current state of the game in the UAE. Dubai Golf CEO Chris May (who doubles as captain of the Dubai Tigers), Troon International President Mark Chapleski, Falcon & Associates Executive Tournament Director Simon Corkill, Abu Dhabi Golf Club owner Khalfan Al Kaabi and Tarratt are among the confirmed participants.

The EAGL kits were unveiled at Tuesday’s official media briefing.

EAGL Mini-Series 2021

Abu Dhabi Roars
Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Captain: Khalfan Al Kaabi

[divider] [/divider]

Dubai Tigers 
Sponsor: Dubai Sports Council
Captain: Chris May

[divider] [/divider]

English Roses
Sponsor: Gulf News
Captain: Mark Rix

[divider] [/divider]

Mena Golfers
Sponsor: Worldwide Golf
Captain: Rick Bevan*

[divider] [/divider]

Indian Lions
Sponsor: Khaleej Times
Captain: Rajeev Khanna*

[divider] [/divider]

Emirates Players
Sponsor: Emirates Golf Federation
Captain” Ismail Sharif* and Khalid Yousuf**

[divider] [/divider]

Asian Jumbos
Sponsor: ARN
Captain: Robbie Greenfield

[divider] [/divider]

European Seves
Sponsor: Dubai Sports TV
Captain: Mike Phillips

* Denotes non-playing captain, ** Denotes playing captain

[divider] [/divider]

EAGL Mini-Series draw – June 20
Indian Lions v Emirates Players
Dubai Tigers v English Roses
MENA Golfers v Asian Jumbos
European Seves v Abu Dhabi Roars

The post Former Wales scrumhalf Mike Phillips a big hit for EAGL’s Mini-Series showcase appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Dubai-based Troon International President Mark Chapleski discusses the impact of coronavirus on club golf in the region and how the disruption has presented unforeseen opportunities for the game

With Kent Gray

We suspect you won’t have experienced anything in business quite as challenging as the COVID-19 pandemic?
Coronavirus has impacted all of our properties across the world in a variety of manners. At one stage we only had two courses open in our International Division (in Australia) as we adhered to local Governmental and Golf Federation regulations. All of our courses are now open with the exception of The Allegria in Egypt and we were pleased to see Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Saudi Arabia open on June 21. The data tells us that COVID-19 may have a more dramatic overall impact on the world than 9/11 and the Financial Crisis of 2008.  However, we believe that the golf industry is in a unique position to come out of this in a stronger position than before the crisis started. It has certainly been one of the positive green shoots, due to the inherent nature of how golf is played and operated, in almost every region of the world, as places are emerging from lockdowns. As a game, golf is naturally a social distanced sport and offers families a sport that they can enjoy together outside in the fresh air.

How challenging, from a staff welfare and financial standpoint, was the immediate shutdown period for the clubs under Troon International’s umbrella?
As a company, our priorities always centre on protecting our associates (staff), financial performance and the assets of our owners. We were able to ensure our agronomy teams maintained the golf courses with precautions such as split teams (to ensure work continues even if one team member gets infected) and re-housing associates on-site (including at The Track Meydan Golf in Dubai). Our Regional Corporate Agronomy leaders have been assisting our superintendents with best practices on maintaining our golf courses during these difficult times, when there are various limitations, not only on staffing but also the delivery of materials for example. We were also quick to minimise our costs to reduce the impact on our P&Ls whilst doing everything in our power to protect our associates, who do a phenomenal job day in, day out.

Our property leaders also did a phenomenal job in keeping our associates engaged throughout the lockdown periods, regularly providing updates and training and ensuring regular communication with them was maintained to keep them motivated.  It was a really tough time during the lockdown for us all and we are thankful for technology which has allowed us to keep connected throughout.

Al Zorah Golf Club (UAE)

Yas Links Golf Club (UAE)

What measures were put in place to assist clubs as lockdowns were announced, and then when partial re-openings were rolled out?
We currently operate in 33 countries and to take a positive from this crisis, we have been able to follow the migration of COVID-19 and continuously work with our property leaders and teams to share the lessons learned, best practices and relaunch strategies.

Ironically, the shutdowns that COVID-19 created worldwide, created an opportunity for our corporate office and our executives at the facilities to communicate in a manner that we had not fully utilised prior. We began over-communicating to our property leaders with guidance, global trends, motivation and proven best practices whilst engaging with them on a personal level to help guide them through the crisis. Video calls twice a week, with up to 20 properties at a time, became the norm. It was fantastic to see the engagement from the field, but also for our senior associates to be engaged with one another on a regular basis in that much more personal video-call setting.

This situation is new to the world and there is no magic wand. However, by doing the right thing and being kind, we are highly confident our properties will come out of this in a positive manner.

What role did Troon International play in lobbying governments to begin re-opening courses?
Our International office is based here in Dubai and we have been in the region since our engagement with The Address Montgomerie in 2001. As we manage 10 of the golf clubs here, this allows us to provide a voice from a large portion of the golf industry. I have to thank our industry counterpart, Chris May, for all of his efforts to work with government entities as well. From our long tenure we have a strong relationship with the Emirates Golf Federation who did a great job in communicating to all the UAE golf clubs since mid-March, and continue to do so. We must thank Sheikh Fahim, Adel Zarouni and Robert Fiala for their continuous support to the industry. In regards to other regions, Troon had several comprehensive documents gathered from resources around the globe that were also used by our teams in Australia, Cyprus, Spain, Bahrain, Malaysia and India to lobby the local governments in an effort to get golf facilities open as soon as possible.  We shared these documents with other non-Troon facilities too, as we saw it as an industry initiative as well as being the right thing to do given the circumstances.

What is Troon’s role in the future direction of the game given the ‘new norm’ in which golf now operates?
We are blessed to be partners with 475+ golf courses in 33 countries through our family of brands and companies under Troon. This provides us the opportunity to continue to grow the game of golf on a global scale, encouraging participation through our Troon Programs such as TroonFit, Troon Family Golf, and Troon Values Your Time.

Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (Saudi Arabia)

The Royal Golf Club (Bahrain)

What strategies are you most proud of to help get clubs back up and running?
Even during the pandemic, the wheels were in motion to make sure we are prepared for the now but also for tomorrow. Part of the now was the creation and global launch of our Moments Matter initiative. This content-led resource for our clubs, associates, members, and guests was a key tool and one that helped to educate, inspire, and entertain along the way. We have had Q&A’s, Live Golf Clinics and Messages of Hope from Team Troon members including Justin Thomas and Cheyenne Woods. We have also shared many other resources internally to our property leaders including ‘Relaunch Strategies’ and ‘Crisis Revenue Management’. Our technology partner has been advancing our Troon International App to reduce the physical touchpoints a golfer has when he visits a Troon facility in the region. We are continuously working hard on corporate led initiatives to assist our properties through the COVID-19 epidemic while working with each club on their relaunch strategy. The Troon Executive Card is a perfect example in this region; Our frequent player program provides cardholders with the best green fee rates at our facilities and many more benefits. In response to COVID-19, we launched the TEC Summer Pass with added value from our partners at Callaway. Again, best practices coming from our leaders around the globe are a key tool for each of our clubs to implement at their local level.

Has there been any unforeseen upsides to the temporary closures brought about by the pandemic?
Golf is in a great place due to it being seen as a safe sport compared to many other activities or sports. In golf, you have natural social distancing. Since the easing up of lockdowns, we have definitely seen an increase in participation. We did foresee this happening here in the UAE following trends in other re-opened markets and therefore our clubs here limited the first stage of re-opening to members only. Our clubs also stayed away from the popular ‘summer pass or full summer memberships’ to protect our members who, due to the restrictions in travel, will be spending more time in the UAE than past summers. The Track, Meydan Golf and Royal Golf Club Bahrain have seen a huge spike in participation from people coming back to and taking up the game. This is great news and we must welcome people who unfortunately are unable to play their usual sports in a bid to keep them in our great game for the long-term.

How big has the financial impact been for clubs in the middle east?
There has been revenue impact, but due to the necessary precautions being taken in expense management, this impact has been mitigated at the bottom line. We have seen average dollar per round strengthen after re-opening as we were cautious to do any “reactionary” discounting. Our thought was that there would be a lot of golfers in the region wanting to play golf as it was safer. Also, we felt it was irresponsible to fill the golf course up with discount golf when our members, who would typically leave during the summer months, remained here.

How many lost rounds have you estimated during the lockdown and due to the restricted tee times since the partial re-openings?
The National Golf Foundation estimate 20 million rounds were lost to the virus in the US alone. Our facilities experienced anything from 10-day closures to 95-day closure periods!  So to answer the question more specifically, if one facility was closed for 30 days during April in the UAE, we would have lost 4,000+ rounds.

Asia Pacific Golf Summit 2019

What are the immediate, short and long-term challenges facing golf in the “post” COVID-19 era?
Until there is a vaccine, it is anticipated that some of the COVID-19 restrictions will stay in place, along with social distancing guidelines. I do think that through this time, we will see leveraging of technology and this will remain after COVID-19.  For example, we are asking for rounds to be booked through the Troon International App, to keep our associates safe from being exposed to potential cross-contamination of answering the phones. Now that people are using the app more frequently, I don’t see them looking to make phone reservations in the future. It is just too easy to use. We are also not far from having auto check-in once a pre-paid golfer comes thru a geo-fence area, then he will simply need to scan a barcode when he comes into the golf shop.

There is evidence of an uptick in junior interest globally. are you seeing this in the middle east?
Yes. With other sports having a tougher time adjusting to the potential cross-contamination challenges that COVID-19 presents, golf is definitely seeing an increase in uptake as parents see the inherent safety of the game. Hopefully, golf also gets a boost within the physical education/gym programs at schools.  It has never been a focus of school PE programs in the past, but it should be, for multiple reasons.

What can clubs do to future proof their businesses in light of the lessons learned from the outbreak?
Embrace technology, ensure cleanliness is paramount to what they do, and continue to train and develop their associates.

In what way do you think the pandemic will reshape the game, from the casual player, to club golf and up to the professional level?
Although many parents are excited for the return of school following this long period of home-schooling, I know I am, I truly believe golfing families will become a core part of the golf club communities moving forwards. We have cherished this extra time spent together and this will be held in high regard. Golf is one of the only sports where you can play as a family, or even as three generations together. The golf industry must continue to embrace and welcome new players to the game. With this comes new customer desires and we will be as flexible with our strategies as ever. The new generation of golfers enjoy relaxed dress codes, on-course entertainment systems and quick rounds of golf. The Track, Meydan Golf has incorporated all of these – you can play in two hours listening to your favourite tunes from your golf cart in relaxed attire. This is great for the game and needed for us to continue to develop with the times.

Allegria Golf Club (Egypt)

Vattanac Golf Resort (Cambodia)

What impact will COVID have on new course builds /major course renovations?
New builds have certainly slowed down and have been slower worldwide over the past five years.  However, some areas are actually ramping up for several new projects, such as The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Some of the major hotel companies have gone on record as stating that they don’t see the tourism numbers returning to pre-COVID-19 numbers until mid-2022. I am not that pessimistic and believe that the tourism realm will be in a very good place by next year with pent up demand, in perfect time for the Dubai World Expo opening.

What benefits do you think clubs and members of Troon clubs have been lucky to experience during the pandemic?
I hope that they are appreciative of the professionalism that our associates bring to the club. In times like these, having strategies and the ability to implement them quickly and correctly are extremely important. The Moments Matter content certainly gave us the opportunity to continue to communicate with our members and guests during the pandemic. There have been daily Live Golf Clinics throughout April and May so hopefully our members picked up some tips. We have also been fortunate to have direct communications for our members through recorded video or live video from Team Troon Members Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas, Gary Woodland, Matt Kuchar, and Cheyenne Woods. Ultimately, we are somewhat blessed to play and be involved in the game of golf as it is a passion with Troon.  As Simon Sinek says “know your Why”. Why? Because we love the game and all that it stands for.

The post SPECIAL REPORT: Business <del>as</del> (un)usual for club golf in the Middle East appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Group Director of European Tour venue Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Ladies European Tour stop Saadiyat Beach Golf Club since May 2018, de Lancastre David has just been promoted to Cluster General Manager of the three Abu Dhabi clubs owned by Aldar Investments.

“I am extremely excited with the opportunity that our ownership group and Troon have extended to me,” de Lancastre David said. “I understand the responsibility that this role carries, and I am looking forward to delivering the vision that we have set for all three clubs.”

The addition of Yas Links – rated No. 44 in Golf Digest’s most recent Top 100 courses ranking – takes Troon International’s Middle East portfolio to 17 venues. Globally-honed expertise in areas such as course conditioning, food and beverage and recruitment will help de Lancastre David lead the push to sell the trio of Abu Dhabi courses to a wider audience.

RELATED: Troon International to manage Middle East “flagship venue” Yas Links

“Our main short-term goal is to consolidate operations at all three clubs and ensure that members and guests start benefiting straight away from the synergies created by this,” he said.

The 9th at Yas Links is framed by the club’s stunning clubhouse

“Longer-term we want to increase the visibility that golf in Abu Dhabi has on the international stage and drive up visitor numbers, by providing extraordinary guest and member experiences and by having a passionate dedication to quality, financial performance and development of our associates.”

Troon International President Mark Chapleski said de Lancastre David’s success at Abu Dhabi G.C. and Saadiyat Beach G.C., and before that at venues including The Els Club, Dubai, led to the promotion to the newly created cluster role.

“The addition of Yas Links to our portfolio is a testament to the quality of work that Troon has done in Abu Dhabi in recent years. With three of the top clubs in the region now under one ownership group, our primary goal is to make sure they are running as efficiently as possible and at the same time work with Aldar’s hotels to create amazing golf packages that drive Abu Dhabi as a must play destination for golfers from around the world,” Chapleski said.

“In order to maximise productivity across the three clubs, we have promoted Francisco de Lancastre David to the role of Cluster General Manager due to his proven success at both Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and prior industry experience at clubs such as The Els Club Dubai and Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Spain.”

The post Francisco de Lancastre David promoted to manage Troon’s three Abu Dhabi clubs appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Yas Links will join Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club as Troon-managed venues in the UAE capital

By Kent Gray
Troon’s influence in the Middle East golf industry has just been underlined with the global course management giant adding celebrated Yas Links in Abu Dhabi to its regional portfolio.

The Kyle Phillips-designed desert links, ranked 44th in the most recent Golf Digest Top 100 global rankings, becomes the 10th club in the UAE and 17th in total across the Middle East to fall under the management umbrella of Troon’s Dubai-based International division.

Opened to instant acclaim in 2010, Yas Links is owned by Aldar Properties PJSC. The decision to commission Troon’s management, marketing and development expertise is a logical step after Aldar acquired the already Troon-managed Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in 2018.

RELATED: Parker happy to be back as Director of Instruction at Yas Links

The 9th at Yas Links is framed by the club’s stunning clubhouse

“Having seen the work that Troon has done with Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club over the years, we have been very impressed with their expertise in agronomy and general golf operations, which has developed these clubs into worldwide icons that feature on the Ladies’ and Men’s European Tours,” said Aldar Investments  CEO Jassem Saleh Busaibe.

“It was logical for us to move Yas Links under the same management umbrella as these other two world-class Abu Dhabi clubs, forming the best trio of golf courses anywhere in the Middle East region.  We look forward to growing our relationship with Troon International and seeing positive results.”

As well as the challenging 18-hole Championship course, Yas Links also boasts a nine-hole Par 3 academy course, floodlit practice facilities and luxurious clubhouse.

RELATED: Toptracer tech ups the ante for game improvement and family fun at Yas Links

“Yas Links is an exciting signing for us,” said Troon International President Mark Chapleski.

Yas Links’ imposing natural hazards are showcased on the 8th hole.

“As a flagship venue in the Middle East, we are delighted to be managing the property going forward and to promoting Abu Dhabi as a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.

“Our Troon associates around the globe have proven time and time again that they can produce results through their expertise in golf club management, and we are very optimistic about the future of these three facilities under one ownership group.  Our primary goal is to make sure that they are running to their maximum efficiency, with superior service standards.”

RELATED: UAE Special Olympians welcomed by Yas Links after World Games medal haul

Troon International’s Middle East portfolio

Bahrain
Royal Golf Club (Rifaa)

Egypt
The Allegria Golf Club (Cairo)
Madinaty Golf (Cairo)

Morocco
Golf Du Soleil (Agadir)

Saudi Arabia
Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (King Abdullah Economic City)

Oman
Jebel Sifah (As Sifah)
Ras Al Hamra Golf Club (Muscat)

UAE
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
The Address Montgomerie Dubai
Al Hamra Golf Club (Ras Al Khaimah)
Al Zorah Golf Club (Ajman)
Arabian Ranches Golf Club (Dubai)
Dubai Hills Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (Abu Dhabi)
The Els Club, Dubai
The Track, Meydan Golf (Dubai)
Yas Links (Abu Dhabi)

For more information on golf at Yas Links, click here

The post Troon International to manage Middle East ‘flagship venue’ Yas Links appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
One of Middle East golf’s better kept secrets is finally out with the Butch Harmon School of Golf at The Els Club Dubai set for a significant rebrand. But fans of the world renowned Harmon method of instruction needn’t fret.

From January 1, the academy will be overseen by Butch’s son Claude Harmon III and be known as the Claude Harmon ③ Performance Golf Academy Dubai.

The shake-up follows the departure of U.S.-bound Justin Parsons after he initially helped Claude open the BHSG Dubai 10 years ago. Parsons has been replaced as Director of Instruction by his deputy Jamie McConnell while Claude Harmon will spend at least a week at The Els Club annually hosting member only events, VIP clinics, Q&A’s and tournaments as well as working with his team of instructors.

Claude and Butch Harmon with Justin Parsons at The Open.

It’s a coup in a region that already boasts the Peter Cowen academies at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Golf sister property Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the recently opened David Leadbetter academy at JA The Resort, more commonly known as Jebel Ali.

Claude Harmon, who was based in Dubai for several years before he made a move back to his native USA, has long since stepped out of the shadow of his famous pop with Dustin Johnson,  Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler among his stable of star players.

Jamie McConnell has succeeded Justin Parsons as Director of Instruction at the newly Claude Harmon academy.

McConnell has been mentored by Parsons during his near five years in Dubai and has already succeeded Parsons who starts a new role at prestigious Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island in Georgia in February.

Irishman McConnell is an AA PGA and TPI Level 2 professional and has helped the BHSG Dubai become a production line for top amateurs, along with a beacon for touring professionals. Toby Bishop, who just won the Faldo Series European Grand Final, was McConnell’s very first lesson when he joined the BHSC in 2013. 

An artists impression of the new leisure facilities at The Els Club Dubai.

Meanwhile, work on a new state-of-the-art leisure facility will begin at The Els Club Dubai, early next year. The Troon International managed facility is set to benefit from a gymnasium, large resort-style swimming pool, a swim-up pool bar, a children’s play area and an additional restaurant. It is hoped it will be operational by September 2019.

“We could not be more excited about this incredible development to our club and cannot wait for the changes to be made and for golfers to enjoy next year,” said Els Club general manager Karl Whitehead.

“This is a fantastic addition to the membership offering at The Els Club Dubai and we are confident of the success that it will bring to our property and the wider community.”

Mark Chapleski, the Dubai-based president of Troon International, applauded the developments at The Els Club Dubai.

“The Troon properties in the Middle East are of exceptional quality and we are delighted to be working alongside one of the region’s leading clubs on this expansion,” Chapleski said.

“It is a progressive move and one we wholeheartedly support. We are also delighted for Jamie, who has been exceptional over several years already. I’m confident he, and the new Claude Harmon ③ Performance Golf Academy Dubai, will thrive at The Els Club Dubai.”

The post From Butch to Claude III; The Els Club Dubai remains a Harmon haven for improvement hungry golfers appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

After a successful collegiate career that included earning All-American honours in his junior year at Miami University, Mark Chapleski gave professional golf his best shot.

He bounced around the mini tours in the U.S. for a couple of years in the mid 1980s and very nearly got a foothold in the big time via several starts on the PGA Tour. But like so many talented youngsters, the penny dropped when the putts simply wouldn’t.

“I decided that playing golf for a living was not profitable when you can’t putt well,” Chapleski admits.

Fortunately a detour into the business of golf has paid off handsomely for the now 56-year-old, Dubai-based Michigan native.

Chapleski was recently promoted to the role of President of Troon International, meaning his responsibility for the global golf course management company’s Asia-Pacific and Middle East-Africa regions has been extended to encompass Europe. It’s reward for 25 years of industry leadership and innovation, the last 17 of them with Troon split between Japan and the Middle East.

“I’ve got to see parts of the world that I would just never, ever have imagined 20 years ago when I was a manager of a golf course in Hawaii,” said Chapleski who started as an assistant pro at Yuma Country Club in Arizona before opportunities at the exclusive Vintage Club in Palm Desert and at Ko Olina GC in Hawaii put him on Troon’s radar.

Chapleski now wants to ensure golfers everywhere know all about the network of clubs he oversees, essentially everywhere outside of Troon’s Americas portfolio.

In the Middle East, it business as usual although he admits golf is operating in a challenging environment locally.

“As Troon we’re trying to do some things to combat that [downturn], make it easier for tour operators to book multiple golf courses for example. We’re also coming out with an app that’s going to be like an Uber booking so all your data is in the system and you’re just going to be able to book directly. It’s more of a local tool, but international folks could eventually tap into that.”

Chapleski has hailed the formation of Falcon Golf to sell Dubai to the world through the “lens of golf” and sees useful collaboration prospects with Troon’s portfolio of seven UAE clubs and four more around the region, including clubs coming on stream soon in Jeddah and Kazakhstan.

“Falcon Golf is fantastic for the region because the money behind promoting Dubai as a golf destination seemed to go one way a while back. No matter how good you are, you’ve still got to be out there marketing the destination and the region because people have short memories. It’s front of sight, front of mind stuff. I think with that impetus, it is going to be a huge plus.”

Photograph by Kristina Nabieva

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