Turnberry comes calling for Clark

Dan Clark believes he has joined “the number one leisure resort in the UK” after his appointment at Turnberry.

The 39-year-old has taken up the position of account director after more than five years at Gleneagles and has been tasked with bringing his expertise and experience to the role with a view to capitalising on what is already a thriving MICE business.

With its host of world-class facilities – ranging from the magnificent 500-seat ballroom to more intimate settings – Turnberry is already a compelling choice for meetings, conferences and events at a spectacular location and with a wealth of activities to choose from.

Clark said: “It’s a huge source of pride for me – I can’t wait to get started and to bring all of my experience to the role.

“Predominantly, it will be MICE-focused, working with groups, the direct corporate and agency market. But I will also be working with the luxury leisure operators and golf tour operators.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to progress my career at a resort which I believe is the number one in the UK. It’s got so much going for it in terms of golf, activities, service standards and facilities for all types of visitors and especially the incentive market.

“The location and views are spectacular and there so much more on offer, as well as the extra prestige of the golf courses at Turnberry.”

Clark, who has also previously held roles with Elite Hotels, Radisson Edwardian Hotels and Gleneagles, has noted a shift in customer requirements in the wake of the pandemic but is starting to notice more green shoots appearing with more group requests as the Ayrshire resort prepares to welcome increasing numbers of UK guests during the peak summer months again this year.

He said: “COVID safety is vital to everyone and at Turnberry, that is taken extremely seriously. There is definitely still huge appetite out there and it’s a real opportunity to make an impact at a world-class resort.”

The five-star experience is an unforgettable one at Turnberry. The new Turnberry Spa has undergone a £4m transformation, while 800 acres of Scotland’s inspiring landscape awaits for visitors who can try their hands at archery, air rifles, clay shooting, kayaking, kite surfing, quad biking or mountain biking to get the heart pumping and to create some unforgettable memories for adults and children alike.

Alongside Turnberry’s two exceptional 18-hole golf courses – the Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce – there is also the outstanding nine-hole Arran course and also an opportunity for beginners to try their hand at the sport for the first time with pitch and putt or a round on the putting green.

Five memorable dining experiences all add to the attraction with local Scottish produce in the dining venues, from the signature restaurant 1906, a unique Chef’s Table experience, the elegant Grand Tea Lounge and Bar serving a tantalising Afternoon Tea and the Duel in the Sun restaurant.

Situated an hour from Glasgow, 90 minutes from Edinburgh, there is plenty of accommodation options too with its five-star hotel, cosy self-catering cottages and spacious eight-bedroom villas.

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