With his wealth of experience and years of overseas stints, it seems ironical when Brodie MacDonald says “I am here to learn as much as I want to give.”
But Tanah Merah Country Club’s new Director of Golf has age on his side (37 in November), so there is credence to what he says.
Having worked in seven countries since 2006 in various aspects of golf management, MacDonald can be considered (in horse racing parlance) a thoroughbred at administration.
And his biggest target is to raise the status of the premier club to a higher level with the support of the Club management, staff, members and, of course, the Club’s General Manager Elliott Gray.
The Scotsman, who has worked in the United States, England, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Thailand, Italy and Azerbaijan in various capacities, sees TMCC as a Club with high prestige.
“The two courses, Tampines and Garden, are already of a high standard for play and facilities, so elevating them further, leave alone maintaining, is a big challenge.
“This is where the support of the management and members comes in crucial, says MacDonald.
Here for just two months, MacDonald already feels the energy from a forward-looking management and an interested membership and staff with whom he seems to have struck a chemistry.
The PGA professional, who is in Singapore with his Kazakh wife Araisha (she works in a company that supplies luxury items) has managed to join a handful of members for a game at both Garden and Tampines courses.
“They are a joy to play; Garden is friendly but calls for accuracy and Tampines has some challenging holes so finding the right side is important. The courses complement each other in their own right, giving members a varied choice,” says MacDonald.
MacDonald picked up the game at age 11 at Kirkcaldy Golf Club in Fife, near his home. As a Pro, he had won a few regional tournaments, and among iconic golfers he had played with is the legendary Gary Player.
His favourite golfer is Rory McIlroy and his top three picks for courses are Kiawah Island in South Carolina, Kingsbarns in Scotland and Royal Birkdale in England.
MacDonald says that he has been thoroughly briefed about his duties, namely with the recent development of TMCC’s assets, he has to use his expertise and portfolio to elevate the club’s status as a premier club.
Club GM Elliott Gray says Brodie is an exceptional addition to TMCC, bringing with him a fervent love for the game and, most importantly, unparalleled knowledge in managing golf operations and a proven track record in working with members and guests.
And you can hardly miss his boyish smile permeating the air in the club with a welcome look.