Greenkeeper profile: David Fraser

By Alistair November 4, 2018 11:41 Updated

Dunston Hall’s new greenkeeper, David Fraser, can boast a number of big-name venues on his CV.

Irvine-born Fraser started his career in 2002 at Millport GC, on the Isle of Cumbrae, before his odyssey took in venues as diverse and well regarded as Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina; Loch Lomond GC; Verdura Resort, in Sicily; and The Wisley, in Surrey.

And, during that time the 33-year-old has continued his training and education, gaining invaluable experience of all aspects of greenkeeping management. He has also benefited from preparing courses for the likes of the Scottish Open and US Women’s Open.

His appointment at Dunston Hall is his first head greenkeeper role in the UK and he feels the experience he has gained during the past 16 years will serve him well in his new role.

He explained: “It’s an exciting move for me. It’s more responsibility and a move to a part of the world which is new to me. But Dunston Hall is a great venue with a growing reputation and I believe I can bring the knowledge I have gained to bear on the course and team here. There are no big fixes required, but I’m hoping different perspectives and techniques from around the world will help us continue to grow our reputation – and keep our members happy.”

Welcoming Fraser to Dunston Hall, the resort’s general manager, Andrew Blyth, said: “David is an impressive individual and has already made his presence felt in a good way. Maintaining a resort golf course in top condition is not an easy task, but it is one he has taken to with relish.”

Off the course, Fraser, who has recently become a father for the first time, is a keen sports fan and watches football at Carrow Road and Ibrox Park whenever he can. To keep fit, he plays football on a weekly basis, and goes for long walks with his family.

Managed by RBH, the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, Dunston Hall’s Elizabethan-style mansion, dating from 1859, has been lovingly restored to all its former glory as a four-star hotel. Built against 150 acres of stunning wooded Norfolk parkland, and with a 6,275-yard, par-71, USGA-rated golf course, the setting is just as unique as its history.

As the largest golf resort operator in the UK, RBH manages eight championship and tournament golf courses across the UK, hosting events from the European Tour, European Seniors Tour, Ladies European Tour and the PGA.