Arizona, United States: Troon has appointed DJ Flanders as Executive Vice President of its Troon International division.

Flanders moves from his position as Senior Vice President and takes over from Mark Chapleski, who retired from the company at the end of July.

A keynote speakers at the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Conference in Danang today, Flanders will oversee the company’s international portfolio of 40-plus facilities in 20 countries and offices in Switzerland, UAE and Australia.

“DJ was the natural successor to help steer our Troon International division. He is an outstanding leader, caring and detail oriented. His passion for not only the game of golf, but for Troon, is unmatched and we are very lucky to have him,” said Bruce Glasco, Chief Operating Officer at Troon, an Executive Member of the AGIF.

“We are extremely excited for this next chapter of Troon International. With DJ at the helm, we have no doubt our growth, but more importantly our continued delivery of excellence in our services to our clients, will continue and thrive,” added Glasco.

Flanders, a member of the PGA of America, joined Troon in 1999 and has more than 24 years of experience in the golf industry. During his tenure with Troon, he has successfully managed properties around the world including in the United States, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

His commitment to excellence has been recognised on multiple occasions, including Troon’s Facility of the Year (2000, 2013); Troon’s Most Improved Facility (2001, 2010), Troon’s Turnaround Facility of the Year (2007), Troon’s Ambassador Award (2006) and Troon’s General Manager of the Year (2007).

Flanders was also recognised by Golf Inc Magazine as one of the ‘Top 20 Most Admired Operators in Golf’ in 2008.

Flanders joined the Troon International corporate office as Director of Operations in February 2014, responsible for overseeing Troon’s operations at some of the top golf courses outside the Americas. Additional responsibilities came in overseeing marketing programmes, pre-opening activities, supporting the business development of the Troon brand, as well as recruitment and training for Troon facilities, their property leaders and associates.

Since 2019, Flanders has been serving as the Senior Vice President for Troon International. Over this time, he has led Troon’s expansion in numerous countries, including Solheim Cup host venue Finca Cortesin in Spain; relaunched the previously named Muscat Hills as LA VIE Club in Oman; and Vattanac Golf Resort in Cambodia, whose success has been noted with multiple accolades. Flanders is also a passionate Board member of Troon’s DE&I Council, working to make the game of golf more inclusive and accessible for all communities.

Commenting on his new role, and his vision for Troon International, Flanders said: “I am humbled to be extended the opportunity to oversee Troon’s International division and follow in the footsteps of Mark Chapleski, who led the International division for six years. 

“Mark did an exceptional job of growing the International division and I am confident that our International team will continue to build on these efforts.  “It is amazing to think that 24 years ago I joined Troon as an assistant professional in Texas and to see where I am today professionally. Troon’s founder Dana Garmany always said he wanted joining Troon to be a career and not a job. He sure was right.”