Arizona, United States: To say that Troon Golf management veteran Ken Kosak has been a world traveller would be an understatement. In less than 14 years, Kosak’s career has spanned three continents, with stops along the way in Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Puerto Rico.
Now, he returns to the United States as the new General Manager of The Clubs at St James Plantation in North Carolina, winner of Troon Golf’s ‘Facility of the Year’ in 2013.
Kosak, Troon Golf’s General Manager of the Year in 2010 will oversee four legendary golf courses in Southport: Members Club designed by Hale Irwin, Nicklaus Design Reserve Club, Founders Club created by PB Dye and the Players Club, designed by acclaimed local architect Tim Cate. It’s a total of 81 holes of golf in one of the countr’s most awe-inspiring landscapes for the sport.
“St James Plantation is a breathtaking community and offers members and their guests with an unsurpassed experience on the golf course and off,” said Kosak, who was also named Troon Golf’s Ambassador of the Year in 2007. “All of my years spent in the Middle East and beyond were magnificent and helped me immeasurably and to develop into the manager I am today.”
Designated in 2012 and currently holding the distinction as a ‘Platinum Club of America’, The Clubs at St James Plantation is recognised as one of the top 4% of the nation’s private clubs. All four of the courses at St James Plantation are certified ‘Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries’ by Audubon International.
Prior to his appointment at St James Plantation, Kosak was Group General Manager – Operations for The Els Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Designed by four-time Major champion Ernie Els, The Els Club consists of 63 holes and three high-end clubs spread over many miles.
An 18-hole layout on the island of Langkawi is set in one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world while a nine-hole design is adjacent to the South China Sea.
“The key to any new position is being open minded. This has been my philosophy in each of my assignments around the world. It’s all about having a positive attitude and not looking at how difficult things are but the potential opportunity that presents itself and how to make it work for you. The benefit I have is that I’m from North Carolina and that I’m familiar with the area,” added Kosak.
A three-year stint as Group General Manager – Operations in the United Arab Emirates from 2009-2012 enabled Kosak to oversee Saadiyat Golf Club and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home of the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship. Total rounds of play for both courses exceeded 120,000 a year.
Kosak was also General Manager of The Montgomerie in Dubai, UAE from 2004-2007.
“We are very pleased to add another top flight Troon General Manager to lead the on-site operations team at the Clubs of St James. With Ken’s leadership experience and his proven track record with Troon we expect a seamless transition for our associates and our membership,” said Jay Atkinson, representing the ownership group of St James Plantation.
The Clubs at St James Plantation is managed by Troon Privé, the private club division of Troon.