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On this episode of the GIG Podcast, tune in to hear from fellow Canadian and golf industry icon Jim McLaughlin of Troon as he discusses his time in the golf industry and shares with the audience several valuable lessons that he has learned along the way.  We also talk about Troon, his role there, and how the professional golf club management powerhouse believes that creativity, planning, and flexibility all remain imperative for hospitality management as we move forward.

Troon started as one facility in 1990 and has since grown to become the world’s largest professional club management company. They provide services to 585+ locations and 630+ golf courses, while also managing various amenities, such as tennis, aquatics, fitness, food & beverage, lodging and more.

In order to successfully operate the clubs and facilities we all manage, Troon believes that during these trying times we as club owners and managers need to focus on these three key points.

1. Deliver a valuable experience despite restrictions.
2. Instill trust in health and safety.
3. Utilize the power of technology to enable connection.

About Jim McLaughlin

Jim McLaughlin is a Canadian PGA member who launched his career at the prestigious Shaughnessy Golf Club in Vancouver under the tutelage of his father – Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Jack McLaughlin.

After high profile professional positions at East Sussex National in England and Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, Canada, he moved to Phoenix in 2002 as a regional VP with Intrawest Golf. Jim rose within Intrawest Golf to become Senior Vice President responsible for operations of 38 facilities within its North American portfolio.

In 2006 McLaughlin moved over to Troon to oversee the private club division, Troon Privé, which grew from a handful of clubs to over 70 facilities during Jim’s tenure. Today, Jim is the President of True Club Solutions and brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the private golf club market, operations and 40 plus years of experience in the club and golf industry to Troon’s Advisory Services clients.

Highlights of this episode that you won’t want to miss:

• 11:51 – How Troon views the state of the industry today versus before the COVID-19 pandemic began, and what Troon’s response has been to the impacts that have been felt.
• 18:42 – The messages that Jim would give to club owners and operators to ensure that they make the most of the opportunities that the pandemic has presented us with.
• 23:10 – What the formula to follow is when trying to improve the guest experience at your club and what the elements to focus on are.
• 27:37 – Jim’s thoughts on motivating and leading team members today versus before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and how that relates to creating a great culture in a club.
• 33:25 – The qualities that Jim believes have helped him the most in being so successful in this industry.

Jim brings with him a vast knowledge of the industry which allows him to make an immediate and positive impact as a guest on this episode and we guarantee there will be some excellent takeaways for everyone who listens to the episode.

Enjoy!

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.