Relentlessly Dedicated With Simon Doyle

Name: Simon Doyle 

Title: VP of Agronomy

Location: Located in Switzerland covering Troon International

Troon Value: Relentlessly Dedicated

1. How long have you worked for Troon and what has been your career progression thus far?

I have been with Troon for a whopping 23 years. 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.

2. How would you describe the work that the agronomy team does every day to get the course ready and what makes a great team?

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.

3. How do you encourage new folks into the industry of agronomy?

I try to describe the satisfaction of the job; being able to look at the results of our work and see guests get great enjoyment out of playing well-presented golf courses is very satisfying. It brings a great sense of accomplishment and purpose, which is very important for personal well-being.

4. What do you tell those entering the industry for the first time about the opportunities in golf/hospitality?

Golf is in a great place and looks set to continue on that trajectory; there are more demographics than ever playing the game, which suggests a diverse and strong future. If you enjoy the game – being outdoors and interacting with people, it is a very rewarding career with a variety of jobs available. The management of a golf facility is very varied; if being out on the golf course is not your thing then there are other roles in sales and market, operations and food and beverage for example.

5. When you are traveling to diff facilities and countries, what is one thing you always try and do?

I think I try to make sure people understand why I am there, and that is to help and support in any way I can for the betterment of the facility and the people. I try to create constructive discussions and encourage everyone to voice their thoughts and opinions; this gives us all the best chance of learning something and progressing.  I also try to take the time to recognize people’s hard work, we are always looking ahead but need to reflect and just say wow, you do that really well!

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