The 44-year-old Scot, who savoured stints at Arabian Ranches and The Address Montgomerie, Dubai between 2008-2014, is back in the UAE as Group General Manager of Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
So why the decision to move back to the UAE at the end of last year after devoting so much effort to the Jose Maria Olazabal golf project in Qatar?
I have a lot of fond memories of the UAE, having lived in Dubai previously. Abu Dhabi has also established itself as a major contender as a golf destination and host of some of the finest events on any tour. Qatar was a fascinating experience. I got to work with a visionary ownership group and one of the legends of the sport and we achieved a considerable amount, working with an incredible team and turning a barren piece of desert into one of the most amazing golf developments I have ever had the fortune to be involved with. While construction was ongoing, we managed to introduce the game of golf to over 10,000 junior golfers through an innovative integrated schools program. However, time flies in our industry and when the opportunity arose to return to the UAE and join the Troon teams at Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach, I jumped at the chance and have greatly enjoyed the first few months being back.
You must be pleased to be back working with Troon Golf after a four-year break?
Very much so. Troon is the benchmark in delivering quality service and golf management expertise. To return to cover two top-class properties was a prospect I was very much looking forward to, and the first five months have been fantastic collaborating with a great group of associates both on a property and corporate level.
You’ve had a little trouble with the greens at Abu Dhabi Golf Club but things are coming right now we hear?
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