Paul Marks – General Manager and Director of Golf

Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate

What led you to becoming a PGA Professional?	The Game has so many options but essentially playing on tour was my first call
How long have you been in your current position?	4.5 years
What does your job entail?	I oversee the entire Estates operations these include, Security, operations, Food and Beverage, Golf, Equestrian, legal and compliance, marketing, Property sales, Finances, team management, report to the Board, sit on 13 committees amongst the estate
Do you have any environmental or sustainability goals that you have met and would like to share?	I have created a Blair Atholl River forum whereby we invite our neighbours and interested and effected parties to discuss the quality of the Crocodile river that runs through the estate. Projects like cleaning of the river banks and removal of invasive species are coordinated through me on the estate. Our Golf course water management project due to effective management has reduced water consumption by 15% in the past 2 years
Please give us a brief outline of the path you took to lead you to your current position	From Woodhill after 9 years as DOG I needed something new and invigorating ,the BA opportunity came with a very black past as the legal battle between owners and the developer was at its peak , I started as DOG and after 6 months of hard work and settling into my tasks the Board offered me the job as GM for the estate .
Why do you feel that you would be a good candidate to win this award?	It’s hard to say why as I am not sure of my colleagues in this category, my thoughts would be that I have placed BA back in the limelight but this time for the right reasons !!