New courses manager for Trump Turnberry

By Alistair November 13, 2022 09:27

Trump Turnberry has consolidated its management team with the recruitment of greenkeeping expert Darren McLaughlan as golf courses manager.

The newly appointed McLaughlan will oversee the iconic Ailsa course, as well as Turnberry’s two other authentic links layouts. His arrival places him at the helm of the greens that have hosted four historic Open Championships and continues to be ranked among the best courses in the world.

The Ayr local joins from North Berwick Golf Club, having previously worked at prestigious clubs such as Wentworth and Montrose Golf Links, and has worked in the golf industry for more than 25 years.

After leaving La Gorce Country Club in Miami, he earned a position on the agronomy team for the 2015 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. He returned to his native Scotland with a move to the Machrihanish Golf Club the following year, where he was swiftly promoted from deputy to course manager.

McLaughlan can count a degree in agronomy and crop science from the University of Ohio among a comprehensive list of certifications, which also includes a HNC in golf course management. At Turnberry, he will combine his extensive knowledge of course maintenance with his experience in leading the greenkeeping team.

McLaughlan said: “I am so thrilled to be back home in Ayrshire and working at one of the best golf clubs anywhere in the world.

“Turnberry is such an iconic part of Scottish golf, with such a rich history, and I am looking forward to being part of the next chapter. I can’t wait to get to work on these brilliant courses.”

Ricky Hall, director of golf at Turnberry, said: “We always want to appoint the best new staff and Darren is no exception. He has proven his expertise at some prestigious golf clubs and will be a valuable new addition to the team here at Turnberry.”

Challenging golfers and delighting guests for over a century, Turnberry has long been a household name in the world of golf and travel. The renowned Ailsa course has staged a quartet of memorable Open Championships, including 1977’s dramatic ‘Duel in the Sun’, in which Tom Watson narrowly beat Jack Nicklaus to claim one of golf’s most famous victories.