I have enjoyed Troon’s & Troon International‘s trust almost since the start of Golf Business Monitor in 2009. Thanks to them, I got to know many golf industry best practices.
Adopting a ‘growth mindset’ is one of the most significant pieces of leadership success in today’s modern, fast-changing times.
The outgoing Mark Chapleski (Troon, Executive Vice President) has led the Troon International division since 2017, growing the company’s international portfolio to 40-plus facilities in 20 countries.
He will retire at the end of July, following 24 years with the golf and club management leader. Bruce Glasco, Troon’s Chief Operating Officer said:
“Mark’s passion for the game is surpassed only by his compassion for people and those providing first-class service to our many members and guests. While I am sad to see him retire, I know he will be making an impact in whichever community he settles in.”
Authentic leadership
His merit of being compassion for people shows that Mark Chapleski is an authentic leader. Such leaders see others as people, adjust their effort when needed, and measure the impact.
Maya Jaber says:
“Authentic leaders lead with heart, purpose, value, and principles as they cultivate long-term relationships and demonstrate excellence through self-discipline.”
I would only add to this that an authentic leader is a learning leader who stays on top of news and trends but are also aware of where they personally need to improve, grow, and learn.
Mark Chapleski career summary
Prior to joining the business side of the golf industry, Chapleski enjoyed a successful collegiate golf career at Miami University in Ohio, where he earned All-American honours during his junior year.
After a brief stint on the PGA TOUR in the mid-80s, the Michigan native hung up his golf spikes to pursue a career in club management.
He entered the PGA program while working at Yuma Country Club in Arizona and became a PGA of America member. After serving as an assistant golf professional at public and private facilities in the Southern California desert, Chapleski moved to Hawaii to work at Ko Olina Golf Club.
He would later be promoted to Director of Golf Operations at Ko Olina, working nearly 10 years at the property.
In 1999, Chapleski joined Troon as the Director of Operations in Asia as part of the company’s start-up team in Japan. Five years later in 2004, Chapleski was appointed Area Managing Director for Troon Middle East and relocated to Dubai.
In 2017, Chapleski became President of Troon International, a role in which he oversaw the division’s growth and helped expand golf and golf opportunities across the globe. He was promoted to his current position of Executive Vice President in July 2021.
Chapleski’s replacement at Troon International will be named in the coming months. I will let you know when Troon International found the most suitable person for this position.