Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, has named Kendall Murphy as the company’s first Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In this new position, Murphy will help lead and manage the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, while working with Troon’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Troon associates, as well as members and guests of Troon-affiliated facilities, to accomplish DE&I goals and objectives.
Murphy has more than a dozen years of golf industry experience, most recently serving as a PGA career consultant for the PGA of America supporting the Northern California PGA Section, while also working as an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Harrah College of Hospitality. From 2012 through May of 2021, Murphy was the assistant director and program coordinator of UNLV’s PGA Golf Management University Program. Originally from Oakland, Calif., Murphy has a diverse background in golf, working as a head golf professional at Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland and as the assistant men’s golf coach at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, Calif. He is a member of the PGA of America and is a two-time winner of Southern Nevada Chapter of the PGA’s Golf Professional of the Year award (2018 and 2019). Murphy is also the co-founder/co-chair of the Black PGA Professionals Caucus and currently serves on the PGA National Education Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation with a concentration in Professional Golf Management from UNLV, and a Master of Arts in Kinesiology/Sport Management from Saint Mary’s College of California.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kendall to Troon as we continue take action and make the golf industry more reflective of the diversity of our broader society,” said Tim Schantz, president and CEO, Troon. “The strength of Troon has always been our people. We operate in more than 30 countries where many cultures and associates of differing racial, ethnic and social backgrounds come together for the greater good. We believe that diversity of thought and talent strengthens our company and by facilitating the consideration of different perspectives helps us solve challenges faced by the company, our clients and associates.”
In 2020, Troon proactively formed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, made up of talented associates from around the world from different backgrounds, genders and ethnicities. The DE&I Council established three key pillars – Talent Acquisition and Retention, Mentor and Advocate, and Education and Communication. These pillars serve as the foundation to specific initiatives to make immediate impacts for associates, members and guests, clients and in the communities in which Troon manages or owns facilities.
“Our world is in an unprecedented time for transformation through intentional action,” said Murphy. “Troon has always been a revolutionary leader in the golf industry, allowing their early vision of upscale experiences to transcend into other industries, both nationally and internationally. This has allowed, to an extent, cultural diffusion within the ‘Troon Experience.’ However, during the shifts of 2020, Troon leaders saw an opportunity to continue to uphold, and expand, their belief in excellence. The future of excellence is one that paves the way for diversity, equity, and inclusion with ease. I am honored to be a part of growing the Troon Experience of excellence with my new position and being part of this visionary team. Our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will enhance the Troon Experience, internally and externally. As we continue to grow this experience, I am dedicated to creating the industry blue print for others to follow.”
For more information on Troon’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, visit www.troon.com/about-troon/diversity-and-inclusion.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 590-plus locations around the globe, including managing 640-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 610-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Indigo Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. Troon-affiliated properties include Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, California; Yas Links Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; The Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Georgia; and Lake of Isles in North Stonington, Connecticut. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
