Troon

Meet Jack Darling, Golf Course Manager Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai one of our Genuinely Meticulous team members at Troon International.

"From a young age I was always on the golf course with my father and Grandfather, religiously trying to improve my game so I could beat them whenever we played. When out on the course, I would always see Greenkeepers doing different tasks and would stand and watch wondering what they were doing – it interested me how they fine-tuned and detailed every aspect of the course. This then resulted in my immediate decision that I determined that there could be no better than when your involved with golf, outdoors in the nature of it all and seeing the impact your role has on a course and being proud everyday of what you have achieved because you can physically see it."

We asked Jack what he does to help share the business and career opportunities of agronomy and golf with others. "I think communication is the most important thing to utilize. Explaining and making sure associates understand the reasoning of performing certain tasks and what benefit they will have keeps them informed and feel included in decision making. Another major factor would be social media. Using platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram where people share their golf courses and the practices to tell their story. Seeing what other folks do is intriguing and you can take ideas and thoughts from this to use or test at your own facility. I do, however, believe that inspiration must come from within to make a career within Agronomy. The early starts and long days and constant attention to detail is not for the faint-hearted. You can inspire someone to a certain extent, but you must be driven, determined and have your own inspiration to make this your career."

What is one interesting fact about turf/agronomy that not many people know about: "Turf helps purify water entering the ground because the root mass and microbes act as filters and capture and breakdown many pollutants – making it one of nature’s best filters."

For more about Jack, visit ---> https://ow.ly/nLLF50TjAt1

Meet Jeremy Feister, Superintendent at Magnolia Green Golf Club, Moseley VA.

"I started working at Magnolia Green when it opened in 2010 as a 9-hole facility. I began when I was 15, washing carts, and getting rides back and forth to work from my parents and older brother. Throughout high school, I worked year-round, after school and on weekends as a cart attendant. I attended Virginia Tech in 2012 and ended up dropping out after a few weeks in ROTC. Jay and Chad hired me for maintenance and gave me a little more money. I enjoyed it but was not sure I wanted to pursue a career in turf management.

I went back to VA Tech in Spring 2012 to work on a degree in Forestry. I got a part time job at Blacksburg Country Club while in school and continued working summers at Magnolia Green. I was part of a 9-hole construction project in 2015, which completed Magnolia Greens 18 holes. I graduated VA Tech in 2016, and Jay (Superintendent) hired me as an Assistant Superintendent immediately upon graduation. I worked as an Assistant for about eight years until Jay accepted a new job in April 2024. I was then promoted to Head Superintendent shortly after. In total, I have been at Magnolia Green for over 14 years and have seen it being built from the ground up, it has been a great experience."

When we asked Jeremy about what he does to share the career opportunities in agronomy he said, "I really enjoy talking to the high schoolers who play golf out here or those that just work summers at the club. A lot of them ask what we are doing that day, so I give them a little rundown, so they know a little bit of the agronomy side of things. It reminds me of what I used to be like when I was their age, not really knowing what I wanted to do."

What was something that most people not in the industry might know? "Having a degree in forestry, I worked mostly with trees. What a lot of people don’t know is how similar trees and turf grass are. They have the same pests, same diseases, similar treatments, and require the same managements plans to grow successfully."

For more about Jeremy and his story visit the link in bio to our DE&I page or link out --> https://www.troon.com/relentlessly-dedicated-with-jeremy-feister/

A shout out to Andrew Small, Environmental Technician at BallenIsles East Course, Palm Beach, FL. As we continue to highlight some of our agronomy associates, we sat down with Andrew and discussed how he got into the field.

"When I was young, I mowed my parent’s lawn because it was a good way to zone out and appreciate the environment. I liked exploring the outdoors because I’ve always been curious about nature and keeping it looking great." He continued, "I got my first agronomy job at a youth baseball complex near my house in Aberdeen, MD. I took care of the natural turf fields and a few synthetic fields. The complex also had a minor league team that I did an internship with for a season in the summer. This is where I got my first experience with fertilizers and mixing a sprayer."

We asked Andrew to tell us something that not many people may know about his job, "The technology I use to do my job effectively is using a moisture meter. It lets you know if the greens are too dry or too wet. This job can be complex trying to understand all the chemicals we use to keep diseases and weeds away, but I have realized this job is mostly dealing with people and building relationships. If you can influence people and gain their trust, then it makes your job a lot easier to get tasks done on time and done correctly."

For more about Andrew's story and other agronomists within the Troon family network, visit our Chronicles posts this month --> https://www.troon.com/genuinely-meticulous-with-andrew-small/

Here are your Updates!

Moresco finished with a T5 on the Epson Tour. Alex Fitzpatrick finishes 6th on DP World Tour. Its Silverado Week on the PGA TOUR, and Cheyenne Woods joins us in Chicago!

Make sure you tune in for the Amgen Irish Open and the Procore Championship at Silverado this week as takes the course!

Read More at: https://www.troon.com/moresco-with-a-t5-on-the-epson-tour-alex-fitzpatrick-finishes-6th-on-dp-world-tour/

Today, we pause to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We pay tribute to the bravery of first responders and the resilience of our nation in the face of tragedy.

Let us come together in remembrance, reflecting on the strength and unity that emerged from that day. We will never forget.

In honor of "Thank a Superintendent Day" we highlight Jordan Fairweather, Cluster Director of Agronomy managing five properties: four of which are in Dubai – The Montgomerie Dubai, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Hills Golf Club and Emaar South Golf Club with Amelkis Resort based in Morocco.

Jordan sat down with us and spoke about what he is passionate about at work, "Giving people the opportunity to learn a new skill or new technical knowledge is important to me. I find time to take one of the team aside to discuss or explain to them in more detail about a particular part of the job or process. I also never turn down the opportunity of an interview whether video or written as I think the best way to inspire and grow young professionals is to expose them to real life experiences.

Here in Dubai, we were the first club to host the Asian Golf Federations Greenkeeping Certification program, which runs in association with the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute and is funded by The R&A in St Andrews to grow and educate greenkeepers who have never had the opportunity of further education."

Jordan's career has taken him around the world, "I started my career in Scotland where I took a job as Projects Supervisor at Loch Lomond Golf Club, while having the opportunity to study at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Moving into golf construction I moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2008 to construct Yas Links and Dubai Golf City. Following that I held a construction superintendent’s position in Bulgaria in Eastern Europe then joined Troon as Director of Agronomy in Bahrain. I have now been with Troon for 12 years since starting in Bahrain then moving to Malaysia as Group Director of Agronomy for the 72-hole Els Club. Following that I was Construction Superintendent and Estates Manager during the construction and grow in of PGA National in the Czech Republic and now find myself back in Dubai managing 5 properties for Troon client Emaar."

When we asked him about a science fact to share, "Golf courses are constantly evaluating and testing materials to understand the soil profile to get more out of their applications. Soil nutrient, water analysis, organic matter content, water infiltration rates are all undertaken yearly. There is no more guess work for the agronomist. Knowing for example how much calcium sulphate (gypsum) to apply to your golf courses greens can save the club thousands in fertilizer and water by making the nutrients available and reducing the buildup of sodium."

For more about Jordan, visit --> https://www.troon.com/attentively-inclusive-with-jordan-fairweather/

Meet Jérôme Querrien, Relentlessly Dedicated Golf Course Superintendent at Al Houara Golf Club, Tangier Morocco.

We asked Jérôme how he got into the agronomy business, "My grandfather was a greenskeeper and my father a pro on the European circuit and later, technical director of a golf course on the Ivory Coast. I was naturally on a golf course from my very first steps. During the summer vacations, when I was round 12 and 13, I did various jobs on the golf course (inventory of spare parts, pruning of coffee trees, etc."

Jérôme spoke with us about his philosophy at work (and at home), "For several years now, I’ve been trying to offer quality golf, with minimum chemical inputs, good quality for guests to play, and good for nature (which translates into very good for budget).

Since then, I’ve been sharing with the maintenance team, a few people I mentor and my pro network, the various projects we’ve set up aim to be more respectful of the surrounding environment.

In my day-to-day life, I apply the same values, remaining respectful of the environment, and I share this passion with my sons, my wife and my friends (organic vegetable garden, etc.) so the same goals apply both at home and at work."

Jérôme left us with this quote when we asked him to share some insight into the world of agronomy, "The soil is alive, and it gives back to us what we give it." Love this! 🌳🌻

For his full interview, visit --> https://www.troon.com/relentlessly-dedicated-with-jerome-querrien/

Relentlessly Dedicated is what comes to mind when we think of VP of Agronomy, Simon Doyle. Covering Troon International, Simon comments on his career progression:

"I started my career working on a small golf course in Ireland before deciding to study golf course management and turfgrass science. This gave me the foundation in my field and resulted in having the opportunity to work across many roles around the world. My first role for Troon was actually in Japan, where I was asked to help set up the agronomy platform for another management company. After that, I relocated to Europe as Director of Agronomy in 2002, and in 2022 I was promoted to my current position of VP of Agronomy for Troon International."

When asked about how to describe what his teams accomplish every day, Doyle said, "We describe good agronomy as being the balance of Art, Science & Economics; it is the combination of these three elements that deliver great golf course conditions, which are sustainable. For a great team to evolve it requires camaraderie, honesty with each other, hard work and, very importantly, taking the time to recognize the individual contribution each person makes to the team. Yes, we are a team, but a team is made up of a number of different individuals that contribute something important, something that creates synergies."

For more about Doyle and his story, visit the link --> https://ow.ly/csg750TgVtG

Savor the last days of summer and welcome fall in Central Oregon with Juniper Preserve’s Summer’s End Unlimited Golf Special. Enjoy a free round on the Tom Fazio Championship Course and unlimited play on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Book your stay between September 1st and October 31st, 2024, and experience one of the Pacific Northwest's top golf destinations!

Offer Expires 10/31/2024

Learn More at: https://juniperpreserve.com/golf/

Experience the best of summer at Raritan Valley Country Club, where families come together to create lasting memories. With plenty of sunny days still ahead, our diverse membership enjoys golf, racquet sports, a newly renovated pool, youth programs, exquisite dining, and a full calendar of social events. Take advantage of pro-rated membership fees for 2024, including $2,500 off the Golf Initiation Fee with an additional $2,500 Club Credit, $1,500 off the Social Initiation Fee with an additional $1,500 Club Credit, and a New Member Perks Pack valued at over $500, including lessons, guest passes, and more. Schedule your tour to learn more about 2024 membership options!

Learn More at: https://www.rvcc1911.org/

We honor our Agronomy Specialists across the globe this month, the unsung heroes who work with their teams to create amazing surfaces for us to enjoy this great game of golf. We spoke with Michael Poindexter, Asst. Superintendent of BallenIsles about how he got into the business:

"In 1987 a friend asked me if I wanted a job working at a golf course. I had been working the night shift at Dunkin Donuts and needed a change so I said sure! When I got to the JDM Country Club (now called BallenIsles), the manager that hired me took me over to the East Course where Willie Roger was Superintendent. The first thing they did was put me on the trap rake and learn how to rake a trap. The rest is history."

With his own staff now Michael says, "I manage the crew and do my best at trying to allow them to do their best job they can each day. I make sure we train them on operating a piece of new equipment or the correct way to rake a trap just like I learned. I try and instill in them the more you learn, the better off you will be, because you can never have enough knowledge – always strive to be better."

For the full story on Michael visit the link in bio to our Chronicles page --> https://www.troon.com/humbly-prosperous-with-michael-poindexter/

This fall, golfers and food enthusiasts alike are invited to experience Kestrel, the newest dining destination at Indian Wells Golf Resort. Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Kestrel—A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge—offers a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the rich heritage of Indian Wells. Under the culinary vision of renowned chef and TV personality Richard Blais, Kestrel presents a modern take on American classics. The menu features expertly crafted signature cuts and coastal catches, all inspired by the beauty of California's landscape. Whether you're finishing a round of golf or seeking a memorable meal, Kestrel promises an exceptional dining experience in a setting that reflects the stunning surroundings of Indian Wells.

Learn More at: https://www.kestrel.kitchen/

As the temperatures cool and colors change, Fall is unbeatable in the North Carolina Sandhills. Imagine your stay-and play experience starting each morning in the historic Stewart Cabin just off the picturesque par-3 14th green, followed by a day’s worth of golf on Mike Strantz’ mind-bending creation where fairways and greens roll through orange sand and towering pines — and exhilaration stares golfers in the face on every hole. With the days getting shorter, the months of September, October and early November are already filling up quickly — both for golf and premium lodging — so book your To***co Road experience today.

https://tobaccoroadgolf.com/

Secure Your Spot at Black Desert Championship October 9-13. Be part of the excitement at the with Grounds Passes or VIP experiences. Witness history at the first event in Utah in over 60 years as competition comes to a remarkable destination! Enjoy incredible views and top-notch hospitality.

Learn More at: https://blackdesertchampionshipmens.com/

Enjoy an Extra Night This Fall: Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night on Us! Experience the ultimate Caribbean golf getaway this Fall with our exclusive Troon package at Pristine Bay, Roatán! Immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of the Pete Dye-designed Black Pearl Golf Course, offering breathtaking views of the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Boasting 18 holes and a par of 72, this challenging course provides everything needed for a perfect round of golf, promising an unforgettable retreat in an idyllic setting. Enhance your stay with our special with a complimentary 4th night!

https://www.lasverandasroatan.com/book/dates-of-stay

You're invited to join us at The Battle for Palm Beach with our friends from Good Good and Fore Play at PGA National Resort!

3 Nights, 2 Rounds (one each on Fazio and the Champion Course - home of the Cognizant Classic, plus a practice round on the Staples Course) and much more.

Register now: https://on.lenos.com/troon/BattleforPalmBeach/Registration/Team/Captain

Happy Birthday to Team Troon Matt Fitzpatrick! 🎉

As he celebrates another year in his journey, we look forward to witnessing more amazing moments on the course!

We can't wait! See you in November at PGA National!

Good Good. Fore Play.

🌴THE BATTLE FOR PALM BEACH 🌴

50 teams. 36 holes. 1 winner. Register NOW: https://on.lenos.com/troon/BattleforPalmBeach/Registration/Team/Captain

We are pleased to announce that our first managed property in Canada is slated to arrive in 2027.

World renown Canadian golf course architect, Doug Carrick is transforming a historic course located in Nelson, British Columbia into a legendary, signature 18-hole course. Located on an irreplaceable 130 acre mid mountain plateau, The Dodger at Hallō Nelson will attract golfers from across North America as well as globally and will be positioned as one of the top courses in the Pacific Northwest.

The Dodger at Hallō Nelson Unveiled | Troon.com Nelson, BC (August 26, 2024) – Hallō Properties is proud to unveil “The Dodger” at Hallō Nelson soon-to-be Canada’s only Troon-managed golf course. Designed by Doug Carrick, the visionary behind Predator Ridge’s Ridge Course, Greywolf Golf Course, Muskoka Bay Golf Club, and Bigwin Island...

Meet Verbena McIlwaine, Food & Beverage Manager at the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Course, Mecklenburg, NC. We met with Verbena to talk with her about her own golf journey and the Butterfly Initiative.

"The Troon Value that most resonates with me is Genuinely Meticulous: attention to details. My personality and motto is about concentrating on the little things that enhance the experience in everything I do!

In addition to working at the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Course, I am a professional cosmetologist, and I have always loved to mentor others. I get self-gratification in helping and assisting other ladies. As a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher. Through the game of golf and my cosmetology work, I have been able to help educate and mentor others in both sectors. Both platforms keep me connected and engaged with the female community.

I was introduced to the game of golf at TPC Saw Grass – I was walking around the property and noted how beautiful it was. I noted a Hole in One contest on property and took advantage of the opportunity to hit some balls, and to my surprise I was making consistent contact, it was very exhilarating! One of the associates from the pro shop came out and saw me hitting balls and said, “Oh you play golf”? I said, “No sir, this is the first time”. He said, "Young lady, you should take some lessons, you’re a natural!"

I took lessons for about two years with a coach on weekends, mostly we focused on the short game. Then COVID hit and I really got the golf bug. I started playing on the course, mostly 9-holes and because I am so competitive, I had the motivation to get better.

I started traveling and playing golf – I played in Arizona, Hawaii, Mexico… all over. Other women would see me playing on my social platforms or hear me talking about golf at the salon and they’d ask me questions about getting into the game. I was able to utilize my experiences and things I learned along the way to help get them get started – tips on buying clubs, golf etiquette, you name it.

I got involved in Women on Course and became the Charlotte (NC) Market Leader - I hosted a lot of clinics. I saw the need for more cooperation and mentoring of women, and so I started the Butterfly Golf Initiative: “Supporting women on their golf journey.” I connect with a lot of beginners and intermediate players through the initiative. I volunteer with the US Girls Golf group and I sit on the Board for First Tee Charlotte.

I recently took the initiative to start my LPGA journey, and I am currently in Level 3, while still working in the pro shop, and doing my cosmetology on weekends.

Some of the biggest obstacles I hear from women are:
• I heard it was intimidating
• I heard it is expensive
• I heard most men do not want to play with women

Through the Butterfly Initiative, we meet once a month on Sundays and support each other in whatever obstacles we have in the game. Each clinic has a different topic: pre-routine setup, the putting stroke, etc. I have themes that can speak to both new and experienced players alike. We host the Women’s Golf Xplosion events twice a year: April, and the next one is Sunday October 13th at the Dr. Charles L Sifford Course. Participants can either play the 9-hole scramble or participate in a 3-station clinic. I work with a few other certified coaches to help with the day’s setup and events, and everyone has fun – we have prizes and awards.

My main focus for the women in our group is to start on the fundamentals, keep it fun and simple. We discuss the mental part of the game, the physical motions, and golf etiquette. We talk about what to expect the first time you call for a tee time or when they show up to the course, how do they check in, warm up, etc. I want the women to walk away feeling empowered, knowing they learned something new that day."

Editor’s note: Verbena has an unbelievable enthusiasm for both the game and empowering women. We look forward to great things from her and the Butterfly Golf Initiative and we can’t wait for her to achieve her LPGA status. Verbena left us with this “I like to think of myself as a butterfly who landed on golf.”

For more about Verbena follow her on Instagram at and you can find her !
https://butterflygolf.org/

During a recent interview with Jackie Riegle, PGA Director of Player Development & Marketing at Monarch Beach Golf Links she spoke with us about the recent partnership with PGA of America PGA Hope.

“Our commitment to supporting the military community has been a cornerstone of our efforts, evidenced by our nine-year (soon to be ten) history of hosting the Folds of Honor Fundraiser. As proud PGA Members, we saw becoming PGA HOPE certified as a natural extension of that commitment. It provided us with the incredible opportunity to work directly with our nation's heroes and help them through the game of golf. As PGA Professionals, we see it as our duty to be stewards of the game and to grow its reach, and PGA HOPE is an exceptional way for us to fulfill that mission.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a program designed for all veterans and active-duty military, regardless of whether they have physical or mental disabilities. The program is inclusive and welcomes anyone who has served or is currently serving our country, offering them an opportunity to learn and enjoy the game of golf. PGA HOPE provides a supportive environment where participants can experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of golf, helping to enhance their overall well-being, regardless of their background or current circumstances.

After Monarch Beach Golf Links’ six PGA coaches became PGA Hope certified, they hosted a 6-week session this spring that was a huge success. They are currently working on dates for the upcoming fall/winter session and into Spring/Summer of next year. The team plans to continue to host two to three PGA Hope sessions per year.

We asked Jackie what one takeaway for the onsite team was: “One of the biggest takeaways from our team during the PGA HOPE clinic was witnessing the incredible resilience and positivity of our veteran and active-duty participants. Despite the injuries and challenges some of them face that may make it difficult to play golf, there was no negativity around the learning environment — only pure joy for being out on the course, learning, and enjoying the camaraderie of their fellow participants. They were all incredibly appreciative. It was a powerful reminder for all of us to focus on the positive, something we can all strive to emulate.”

For more about this program, ask your home facility if they offer PGA Hope classes.