Exciting Additions to the Team at Al Badia Golf Club Dubai

Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City proudly announces two new additions to its golf management team — Golf Course Superintendent, Mark Hooker and Head Golf Professional, Simon Grunwell.

Mark Hooker hails from New Zealand and joins Al Badia Golf Club from Royal Golf Club, Bahrain which he developed into one of the finest courses in the region.

Coming from a background that includes 11 years practical greenkeeping and over eight years as a sports turf consultant working throughout Asia and the Pacific, Mark has developed a range of core skills in the turf industry which include design and production of golf course turf management, operational procedures and budgeting, golf course development, and laboratory analysis interpretation.

Simon Grunwell originated from Yorkshire, England where he became a fully qualified British PGA Professional. He has furthered his expertise over the years by gaining extensive international experience in the golf industry. Most recently Simon was the Head Golf Professional for four years at Macau Golf and Country Club, Macau, China and was responsible for its golf operation department. During his time working in Macau, a highlight of his great work was his involvement in the running of the Macau Open Professional Golf Tournament, which formed part of the Asian Tour. Simon also previously worked in France as the Head Instructor at Golf Chateau de Preisch.

James Shippey, Club Manager of Al Badia Golf Club, said: “It’s a very exciting time for us right now as we work towards a new season and I am confident that both Mark and Simon will be huge assets to Al Badia Golf Club. I wish them both great success as we continually strive to exceed members’ and guests’ expectations throughout the Club.”

For more information on Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City, please contact +971 (0) 4 601 01 11 or email: albadiagolf@ichdfc.ae
Picture: Golf Course Superintendent, Mark Hooker and Head Golf Professional, Simon Grunwell.