Niall Flanagan has announced he is to leave Loch Lomond after four years working as President and CEO of the prestigious West of Scotland private members’ club which has hosted the Barclays Scottish Open since 1996.
The move comes a couple months after a Members-backed offer to acquire Loch Lomond was accepted.
Flanagan arrived at Loch Lomond in 2006 after spending six years as Director of Operations for the St Andrews Links Trust and has been responsible for stabilising the Club’s financial position while reinforcing its reputation as one of world’s finest private golf clubs.
His departure comes less than a year after one of America’s premier golf magazines voted Loch Lomond’s Tom Weiskopf golf course as the best parkland course in the world outside the USA. The club also features a luxurious clubhouse housed in an historic stately home, 43 luxury bedrooms and a world class Spa. It has a truly international membership from 42 different countries including royalty, high profile business figures, leading celebrities and sporting figures.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members and Club staff for all the support they have given me over the last few years,” said Flanagan.
“I am extremely proud to have been the President and CEO of such a wonderful Golf Club and believe that by working together we have been able safeguard its future while at the same time enhancing its reputation for providing world class service and facilities.
“It will be a wrench to leave but the time has come to move on to pastures new.”
“Niall has played an important role in managing the Club during the uncertainty of the past two years, and on behalf of all the Members I would like to thank him for all the hard work he has done on our behalf,” said Sir Nigel Rudd, who will become the Chairman of the Club following its acquisition by the Members. We wish him well for the future, and feel sure it won’t be long before he accepts another important role within the golf industry.”
Prior to taking up his position at St Andrews Niall’s CV includes time with Dubai Golf & Racing Club, Clubhaus Plc, UK, where he was responsible for running Dukes Dene and Nizels Golf Clubs, Celtic Manor Resort, Wentworth Club and the PGA.