Clinton Norris; 10 Years of Being Consciously Kind with Troon

Name: Clinton Norris

Title: Director, Sales & Marketing

Facility and location: Corporate Office, Dubai

Troon Value that resonates most with you

The Troon Value that resonates with me the most is “Consciously Kind”.

Q: What has been your favourite or most memorable cultural experience from your time living and work abroad?

A: Impacting people’s lives. Genuinely it is the most rewarding part of our work. From two fold:

Firstly, seeing local talent that we hire, train and support, develop over the years and help to deliver the Troon Experience in countries where golf, and especially third party management, is new.

Secondly, our approach of sustainable management through Troon Drives H.O.P.E. Aside from the incredible efforts our scientists do in agronomy, growing the game and making facilities / golf clubs more financially sustainable is very rewarding. Even in the 4.5 years I have been in the corporate office, we have turned around or made huge positive financial improvements at 10 facilities! This ultimately means these facilities are welcoming more golfers and are able to hire and provide more jobs to the local community.

Q: What/Who got you into the golf or hospitality industry and what was your first experience with the game/industry?

A: Typical answer, my father! He was also the one who was adamant I go to university. When he informed me there was a degree I could study Golf, I was sold! Through 3 placements at university I learnt I wanted to explore the world and that I was better placed in a sales environment, which led to my first role in Egypt at a 5* Golf Hotel.

Q: What has been your career progression at Troon and what countries have you lived in along the way?

A: I was very lucky to join Troon on 1st September 2013 at Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, as Sales Manager overseeing the Sales & Marketing department. My main focus was membership. I then moved to our Abu Dhabi portfolio and grew into Group Senior Sales Manager, with oversight of the marketing team but dedicated towards business development and golf tourism into the 3 clubs.

1st January 2020 I moved into the corporate office and was lucky enough that I just had a 1 hour relocation to Dubai. My corporate role has allowed me to travel to over 30 countries, thankfully easily now compared to my first year!

Q: What is one food from those countries that you would consider a ‘must eat’ recommendation for those visiting?

A: I have two favorite meals in two of my favorite countries that I visit. Firstly the Shuwa in Oman is a delight! And secondly the Dumplings in Czech Republic!

Q: What have you learned by traveling internationally and what advice do you have for others at Troon or within the hospitality industry about working internationally?

A: Some people do further education (which is great, and I am also looking at a course) but I have found traveling is the best education you can get. Not only for your mind but to help develop you as a person, ready to overcome any challenges that may come your way. Seeing what people achieve with so little, or learning new ways of accomplishing tasks, or just purely surrounding yourself with interesting and kind people.

The world is a small place with the ease of travel and it is stunning. Explore, and keep an open mind.