Golf Business News – Al Zorah announces two key hires
Al Zorah Golf Club in the UAE has further strengthened its senior staff with the appointment of two of the industry’s most respected names to its golf team.
Austin Cahill has been appointed as the new head of golf at the club in Ajman, Al Zorah City, and Freddie Price has been appointed as Al Zorah’s new golf professional.
A respected figure in the Middle East, Cahill has extensive experience in the golf industry in the region having previously worked at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and, before that, at the world-renowned Yas Links.
As Head of Golf, you will play a key role in enhancing the member and guest experience, overseeing all aspects of the golf operations department. This role includes leading the golfing team and ensuring that service standards within the club’s facilities – including the state-of-the-art clubhouse that will open in the fall – meet Al Zorah’s standards of luxury.
Cahill will also manage event coordination, membership engagement and guest services to create a seamless, memorable experience for every guest.
Cahill’s appointment will help ensure a smooth transition following the recent departure of golf manager Stephen Payne to pursue a career in the Middle East and he has made a strong start to his new role, traveling to Prague in his first week to support the team. sponsored members event.
Meanwhile, Price will bring his vast knowledge and passion for the sport to Al Zorah’s members and guests, making full use of the school’s state-of-the-art facilities to deliver world-class teaching.
In December 2023, the club presents a new 850m2 putting green to match the existing driving range, while further investment has included the latest installation of Trackman launch monitoring technology and new floodlights so training can take place day and night. In addition, an improved shop and changing facilities will be among the many features contained in the new clubhouse.
The position at Al Zorah is the first role in the UAE for Price, who taught at Royal Blackheath Golf Club in England for five years following his professional career, and golfers have been eager to request his services in his first few weeks on the job, with his teaching diary quickly filling up.
Phil Henderson, general manager of Al Zorah Golf Club, said: “We strive to attract the best talent in golf to match the standards of our course and facilities, and we are delighted to have done just that with these two appointments.
“Austin has done a fantastic job at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and knows the golf industry here very well. He is the perfect person to lead our golf offering as we enter an exciting new era for the club with a brand new clubhouse almost ready to open.
“We are also delighted to have found a golfer of Freddie’s caliber and look forward to helping him transfer his skills to his first role here in the United Arab Emirates.
Cahill and Price are the latest arrivals in a number of key appointments at Al Zorah Golf Club this year following the arrival of Terrace Mohamed, who returned to the position of golf course superintendent after nine years in the role.
The additions are further evidence of Al Zorah’s growing presence in the Middle East, as the club prepares to unveil its stunning new clubhouse and host two high-profile international events: the 43rd Pan Arab Golf Championship in November and the launch of the Al Zorah City Pro-Am. in February 2025.
Designed by iconic golfer Jack Nicklaus, Al Zorah Golf Club’s par-72 course opened in 2015 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best golf courses in the Middle East. It is part of the Al Zorah City development, which is also home to affluent residential, lifestyle and recreational areas and a large mangrove forest teeming with native and migratory wildlife.
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