PRESS 2000

PRESS RELEASE
30 August 2000

NEW APPOINTMENT AT ST ANDREWS LINKS

Niall Flanagan has been appointed for the newly-created post of Golf Services Manager at St Andrews Links Trust. He was selected from over 400 applicants.

Coming from a golfing background, Niall Flanagan, 33, has worked for the PGA (UK) as a tournament director, at Wentworth as club administrator and at Celtic Manor as director of golf. His most recent post was general manager at the Dubai Golf and Racing Club, recently renamed the Nad Al Sheba Club, where he has worked since 1997.

At St Andrews Links Trust, Mr Flanagan will be responsible for a number of areas including reservations, caddies, orderlies, rangers, starters and both clubhouses on the Links. He will have over 100 staff reporting to him at peak times.

"Quality of service is a high priority for the Trust and this new appointment demonstrates our determination to deliver a first-class service to golfers," said Alan McGregor, general manager. "Mr Flanagan has worked in prestigious golf clubs of international standing and brings with him experience of developing customer service to the highest level. He will be a great asset to the Trust in its drive to become a world centre of excellence."

The Trust has made major investments in its facilities and services over the last decade and as a result has grown significantly since the last organisational change in 1992. In addition to maintaining six public courses, the Trust manages two clubhouses, three shops and an extensive practice centre. It now employs over 200 people in the high season. The number of rounds played over all the courses every year exceeds 200,000 and demand is expected to rise in the future.

A keen golfer with a handicap of six, Mr Flanagan is married with two sons.

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