Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Vattanac Golf Resort has announced the promotion of James Durkin to Director of Golf – underlining Troon International’s commitment to nurturing top talent from within its global portfolio.

Durkin has been a valued part of the Troon network for nearly a decade, having held senior retail roles across several prestigious clubs in the Middle East and golf operations at Troon facilities in the United Arab Emirates.

Since joining Vattanac Golf Resort in 2022, Durkin has been instrumental in elevating operations and enhancing guest experiences, strengthening the resort’s reputation as one of Asia’s premier golfing destinations. His leadership and commitment to excellence have been central to the resort’s continued growth, highlighted most recently by his nomination for 59club Global Manager of the Year.

In his new role, Durkin will oversee all aspects of golf operations, with a continued focus on delivering world-class service to advance Vattanac Golf Resort’s position as a leading name in international golf tourism.

“James has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership and vision during his time with us,” said Damian McHugh, General Manager at Vattanac Golf Resort. “We are confident that, as Director of Golf, he will continue to elevate our standards of excellence and strengthen our reputation on the global stage.”

Durkin said: “It’s an honour to be appointed Director of Golf at Vattanac Golf Resort. I am grateful for the trust and support of our team, and I look forward to building on the remarkable progress we’ve made. Our ambition is to not only deliver exceptional experiences for our guests but also to showcase Cambodia as one of the most exciting emerging destinations in golf.”

Durkin’s promotion reflects Troon International’s broader talent strategy, which includes structured development pathways, highlighted by Durkin’s graduation from Troon’s LEADer programme in 2024 and mobility between facilities.

The success at Vattanac Golf Resort reinforces Troon International’s ability to attract, retain and elevate high-performing leaders in both mature and emerging golf markets.

*Troon and Vattanac Golf Resort are members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.