Troon names Morgan, Williamson, Holland and others to key posts

Golf Course News, Oct 2001

MANAGEMENT

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Though 2001 has shown a slowing economy, especially in the golf and hospitality industries, Troon Golf is continuing its strong forward drive. With the firm now representing nearly 90 golf courses located in 18 states and nine countries, it has announced a slew of top-level promotions to help it keep pace with rapid growth.

* Less than a year after joining the company, Darrell Morgan has moved from area managing director for Northern California to Troon Golf vice president for North American operations. Morgan has over 18 years experience, including 13 years with Marriott Golf, and is one of six regional vice presidents reporting to John Easterbrook, Jr., executive vice president for operations.

Relocating from Scotland to assume duties as director of marketing, Rachel Williamson moved from her position as director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Scotland. Her properties included Turnberry Hotel, Golf Courses& Spa, a Westin Resort; and the Sheraton Grand Hotel Edinburgh. In her new role, Williamson's primary focus will be to oversee the marketing of the company's international properties

* In the Australia/Pacific division, Mark Holland has taken over as operations director. The majority of his experience in golf course management has been in the southern hemisphere, including multiple stints in the role of general manager.

* John Gasper has been appointed as the director of agronomy for the Japan division.

Gasper received his M.S. in agronomy from Ohio State, and has held prominent positions as the superintendent at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J.; Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y.; Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond, Okla.; and most recently with the Country Club of the Desert in La Quinta, Calif.

* Jay McGrath has been hired as vice president and senior corporate counsel. McGrath brings an extensive background in business acquisition and real estate law. He attended the University of Kansas as an undergraduate and received his law degree from U.KI's school of law. In his previous position with Foulston & Siefkin in Wichita, Kan., he was involved with over 90 real estate transactions for a major hotel chain.

Troon Golf chairman and CEO Dana Garmany said the lackluster economy comes as "a signal to sharpen our focus" and to deliver the best quality and financial results. "We're pleased that our continued growth allows new employment opportunities and career advancement for our associates," he said.