Dubai, United Arab Emirates: For Dindy Macatlang, a golf course superintendent based in Ras Al Khaimah, February was a hectic month, hosting back-to-back DP World Tour events at Al Hamra Golf Club, a Troon facility.

Supported ably by both DP World Tour and Clinton Southorn, Troon International’s Director of Construction and Agronomy, Macatlang was well positioned to oversee the delivery of both the Ras Al Khaimah Classic and the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital.

A veteran of the turf industry for more than 25 years, Macatlang has lived in the UAE for over a generation, joining Troon in 2006.

He’s worked at numerous Troon facilities, including Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, The Track Meydan Golf and now at Al Hamra Golf Club, a Facility member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Starting out as an Agronomy Assistant, Macatlang worked on the first-ever Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship before rising through the ranks to become superintendent.

Commenting on the huge undertaking of overseeing two tournaments in a 10-day period, Macatlang said: “We had a lot of help from the DP World Tour and the head agronomist, so we altered the plan. We also have had a lot of help from Troon and other industry colleagues to make sure we met the required standards for both back-to-back events. 

“I’ve been in the turf industry for over 25 years and have gained a lot of experience. So, this tournament was very special to me because it was my first time as a Superintendent overseeing these sorts of events.

“To young associates coming up through the ranks, I would offer the following advice: stick with Troon, if they have the necessary education, enthusiasm, and passion for golf or greenkeeping and want to advance their career. Troon has everything they require to advance and succeed in the industry.”

Thanks to the work of Macatlang and his team, there was some superb golfing action across both weeks with Danish teenager Nicolai Hojgaard coming up trumps with a 24-under-par overall score to win the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital. 

The following weekend it was the turn of New Zealand’s Ryan Fox who sealed his second win on Tour when he scooped the Ras Al Khaimah Classic with an overall score of 22-under.

Southorn was effusive in his praise of Macatlang, saying: “Dindy is a tremendous asset to Troon and is an excellent employee and role model to so many within our organisation and within the industry: where hard work, loyalty, energy and talent can achieve a career success story.

“Dindy has been very influential in establishing tremendous relationships with the club ownership at Al Hamra Group, including Chris Hewitt, Vice-President of Al Hamra Real Estate, and Paul Booth, General Manager of Al Hamra, as well as all the DP World Tour guys over the last few weeks and months, preparing for these two events.

“Dindy has done a tremendous job in helping to educate and manage expectations for all the stakeholders at Al Hamra as well as internally within the Troon-managed golf club. He should be rightly proud of what he and his team have delivered. We at Troon are very proud of Dindy and his team.”

Troon is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.