Las Colinas Course Management
"Unique, auspicious, integrated and' awe inspiring...I honestly believe Las Colinas will raise the bar or the standard of golf on the east coast of Spain."
Interview with Bruce Glasco - Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Troon Golf for Europe, Middle East and Africa
How and why did you start working in the golf industry?
I started out as an assistant at Binder Park Golf Club, Michigan, a municipal course where playing the I8 holes cost the very affordable price of about 7 dollars. I was an accomplished golfer in my youth and even won the state junior championship. I turned professional during my college years so I could compete for money to continue to fund my education. It was during my time working at local golf courses that I learned more about the operational side of things and realised I wasn't going to emulate my hero Arnold Palmer on the course. I did however learn a lot from him during my time at Bay Hill. He is an inspiration to so many and a truly phenomenal man.
I pursued my interest in golf course management by specialising in operations at several of the world's leading golf facilities.The list includes such properties as Pine Valley Golf Club, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club, the Kapalua Golf Club and Resort, and the exclusive Maroon Creek Club. The experiences I gained here gave a solid grounding in what it takes in achieving excellence at a world-class level. It is hard to avoid getting caught up in the pleasure that such facilities bring to golfers on a daily basis.
The pursuit of excellence is something I have always admired and wanted to be part of. Golf courses gave me an outlet to impart what I felt were some fairly sound views of my own on how things could best be run. This is where my passion really grew for my line of work. I followed my passion into golf course management and joined Hines. I later joined Troon in 1999 as Vice President of Operations, and was promoted to Senior Vice President of the company's Australia Pacific division in 2001. I was later appointed Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Company's Europe, Middle East and Africa operations in 2006 where I still am today.
In your opinion, what makes a golf course exceptional?
One that leaves you with a lasting impression, I would say. A course of which you remember each hole distinctly. The Troon Golf ethos is one that focuses on delivering an unrivalled and unique golf experience. Attention to detail that enhances the guest's enjoyment of their time. On the face of it, Troon Golf delivers the "bells and whistles" that make our front of house service the envy of the industry. But at the heart of it is the delivery of quality surfaces and conditions and, as importantly, a structure that allows for positively impacting on the course profitability.
Some of the most outstanding venues in the world are those that set the standard from the moment you set foot in the Club House to the time you stand on the first tee to finishing your round. These details are the final part of a bigger picture. So beyond the natural beauty, spectacular views and strategic bunkering, I look at how the course performs on a front-of-house level. The better this is, the better the entire structure tends to be. Each Club has its methods and you can tell from the moment you arrive what type of experience you are set for.
What does it mean for Troon Golf to manage Las Colinas Golf & Country Club?
There has been much anticipation surrounding Las Colinas golf course in Europe. We have been delighted to add the golf course to our growing portfolio in Europe, Middle East and Africa, especially when you consider how some regions have been struggling. Spain has been one of the pioneers in golf. It is true that the road has been tough the last couple of years, but when you see the vision and commitment of the owners at Las Colinas -Gmp- you cannot help but feel inspired about the future of golf. Las Colinas will quickly establish itself as one of the premium European destinations. It is a great privilege to have Las Colinas Golf & Country Club form part of the Troon Golf portfolio.
Can you define for us the Las Colinas golf course in your own words?
Unique, auspicious, integrated and awe-inspiring. From the moment you drive through the canyon-style entrance that leads to Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, the impact of the resort catches you straight away. The golf course is set amidst hills, Mediterranean woods, orange and lemon groves, giving a beautifully traditional sense to playing golf here. The course works its way seamlessly through the natural topography and is without doubt championship in standard. I honestly believe Las Colinas Golf & Country Club will raise the bar for the standard of golf on the east coast of Spain.
STRICTLY PERSONAL:
- On his day is a very accomplished golfer, but has a suspect short game.
- Has been involved with over 100 golf courses in 25 countries around the world.
- Is based in Geneva Switzerland, with his wife and two daughters.
- Is an avid cyclist.
- Collects mechanical watches.