Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Troon has appointed Simon Doyle as the organisation’s new Vice President of Agronomy for the International Division, effective immediately, following his promotion from Director of Agronomy, Troon International Europe Region. 

Doyle’s long-standing career of 20 years with Troon and his on-going and strong client relationships were key reasons for his promotion, along with his demonstrable impact in helping Troon International develop and improve its assets in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland.

As the new Vice President of Agronomy within Troon International, Doyle will be tasked with ensuring the organisation is aligned with as many golf courses as possible whom share similar beliefs and objectives, joining forces to create more golfing environments that are not only fantastic to play on but are also sustainable, using the best practices available today.

Boasting a rich history in the golf industry and agronomy, Doyle was educated at Reaseheath College, where he received a Higher National Diploma in Golf Course Management, progressing to Ohio State University in the US.

Following his education he took up posts at Major championship, Ryder Cup and PGA Tour venues, Westchester Country Club and Oak Hill Country Club in New York.

In 2000, Doyle moved to Japan where he worked as a Consulting Agronomist for US-based firm Environmental Turfgrass Systems.

In 2002 he joined Troon where he was seconded to Goldman Sachs in Japan as part of a team to oversee the management of Goldman’s golf company, Accordia Golf. This led to the position of Asset Manager for the same group of courses and subsequent acquisitions by Goldman.

Prior to his promotion, Doyle had been operating as Director of Agronomy for Troon in Europe, where he has been over-seeing the expanding portfolio of courses that Troon International has on its books.

Looking ahead to his new role at Troon International, Doyle said: “I am delighted to work for such a great company and alongside a talented group of individuals.

“I joined Troon 20 years ago because I knew their reputation for agronomy and wanted to be part of that. There is nothing more satisfying than being part of creating great golf course conditions.”

Commenting on his day-to-day role, Doyle said: “I spend the majority of my time at our partner facilities, where I review golf course conditions with each superintendent and support the team to ensure good planning and continued or even improved playing surfaces.

“Each golf course is unique. I enjoy having dynamic conversations with colleagues on the ground to help map out the road to success for that particular facility. Having the Troon toolbox and its agronomic best practices at my fingertips is a key factor to maximising course conditioning.

“My work not only involves diagnosing and resolving turfgrass problems but also helping to overcome management issues.”

Dave Nicholls, Troon’s Senior VP of Science and Agronomy, said: “I’m proud to support Simon and his promotion to the position of Vice President Science & Agronomy, of Troon’s International Division. 

“Simon’s 20 years of service in Asia and Europe helped Troon develop an industry-leading set of proprietary agronomic standards that are now applied all-over the world. His personality and work ethic make him a critical part of Troon’s global success. I look forward to watching Simon grow in his recently expanded role.”

One of the pillars of Troon International’s success is the outstanding playing surfaces of its courses. This commitment to agronomic excellence and environmental sustainability is a focus of Troon International’s proprietary agronomy standards.

An Executive member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, Troon International’s agronomy standards are among the most exacting and detailed in the golf industry. These programmes are based on a philosophy drawing upon complex scientific principles and a deep respect and understanding of the natural environment.