Spotlight on … Troon International

1. What is your organisation best known for and what does the company do which might not be well known?

Troon International is best know for golf course management; we are part of Troon, the world’s leading golf management company providing services at 900-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses.

What might not be so understood is that golf management services can look different in different parts of the world and in the international division, we tailor our work to suit the client, creating an authentic relationship which aims to deliver on the individual goals of the ownership and club.

2. What are the biggest challenges your organisation has faced in the last ten years, and how have they been overcome?

Our biggest challenges came during Covid when we had to quickly adapt and find new ways of working. A lot of our team travel to spend time with owners and stakeholders and partners, visits clubs and meet associates; developing ways to maintain connection during that time was integral for us. Quickly adopting technology and developing new ways to deliver the best golfer experience and maintain the golf course was also essential and thanks to the huge network the Troon International division is part of, we were able to do that.

Continually developing people to be ready for the right roles can also be challenging; with such a vast international network there is movement, but with that comes opportunities for a varied career. Part of our focus is about nurturing associates across all areas of the business, different countries, cultures to feel confident in their positions, have the skills they need to progress and push the business further. The Troon LEADer Program is a great example of how we identify and support the development of individuals in their careers.

3. What advice do you have for golf course architects when it comes to selecting your organisation for their projects?

At the earliest stages of planning and construction we can assist the architect will all aspects of agronomy; from grassing to material selection to irrigation design. From grow-in to opening and beyond we can ensure that the golf course is maintained to the standard required and within budget, all the while ensuring the architects vision is executed. We have a huge team of experts with a vast array of experience in golf course development and importantly troubleshooting

4. What interesting environmental initiatives have your organisation been involved with, or seen installed, on a golf course?

Responsible environmental management is a key component of our ethos, and championing sustainable practices at our facilities is important. Environmental stewardship covers all areas of the golf club but when it specifically comes to the golf course, utilizing technology is important. Troon employs OnCourse®, an advanced online platform helps facilities evaluate, develop and report their sustainability actions. The program also leads facilities towards golf’s accredited international label of environmental and social excellence, GEO Certified®. Clubs including Costa Navarino, Al Zorah Golf Club and PGA National Czech Republic all hold GEO Certification. Supporting clubs with their agronomic goals and achieving GEO Certification or Audubon Certification is a key part of the work our agronomy leaders. At a club level there are lots of interesting sustainability initiatives; Al Mouj Golf in Oman actively conserves six nesting areas for the 173 bird species that make use of the golf course for nesting, resting and migrating. Costa Navarino spearheads Europe’s groundbreaking olive tree transplantation program, and Salgados Golf Club in Portugal is a natural home for migratory birds and flamingos thanks to the thriving local ecosystem. Perhaps one of the most unique initiatives is the coral restoration program that is in effect at Velaa Private Island in the Maldives which has seen more than 4,200 nursery grown corals transplanted with a survival rate of over 80%.

5. What new or recent developments by your organisation should EIGCA members be aware of?

Due to our broad depth of experience and number of individuals in our organisation we are very aware of what products, materials or methods are reliable and working well in golf course construction; be that bunker liners, soil amendments or irrigation technology for example. Our team continues to develop our own in-house construction and renovation methods that ensure the most cost effective and site-specific methods can be undertaken. We know what ‘by the book’ methods should be adopted and those that should not be, this can be of great value to any sensible and economical decisions that need to be made.