St Andrews Links Trust has appointed Neil Coulson, latterly the general manager at the Wentworth Club, as its new chief executive.
Mr Coulson, a former PGA pro, has extensive experience in the worldwide golf industry in senior roles with KPMG and IMG. He will succeed Euan Loudon in December.
Mr Coulson’s wide-ranging career includes a spell in St Andrews working for Braemar Golf as a consultant for Europe and the Middle East. He has most recently been the public face of the prestigious Wentworth club. He was appointed a Director and Vice President of the club owners Reignwood Investment UK last year.
A member of the PGA, Mr Coulson started his professional playing career in Chester in 1993 before several years managing golf and resort properties in Asia.
Posts in golf industry all over the globe
Mr Coulson has worked in the golf industry managing a variety of businesses with differing commercial positioning and priorities. He spent a significant time across Asia, Europe and North America, in senior roles within KPMG and IMG.
In 2019 Mr Coulson relocated to the UK to take up the role as General Manager/Director of the Wentworth Club. The club is the annual host of the European Tour’s flagship event, The BMW PGA Championship.
In April 2020, Wentworth Club’s owners Reignwood Investments appointed Mr Coulson as Vice President, He was responsible for strategy and performance of all Reignwood UK’s operating assets.
Mr Coulson has been appointed by St Andrews Links Trustees following an extensive recruitment process supported by Odgers Berndtson.
‘Experience, ability and expertise’
Mark Dobell, chairman of Trustees, said: “We are delighted to have recruited someone with Neil’s experience, ability and expertise.
“The Trustees, Links Management Committee and Senior Leadership Team at the Trust look forward to working with Neil.
“We continue our preparations for hosting The 150th Open Championship on the Old Course. We also will deliver our post-pandemic recovery plan as we welcome golfers back to the Home of Golf.”
Mr Coulson said, “I am very excited to be joining the Trust as it looks to build on its proven track record of success and deliver on future ambitions.
“I believe there is a huge amount to look forward to. I can’t wait to join the brilliant team at the Home of Golf.”