Get to Know: Stephen Payne, Director of Golf at The Track Meydan Golf

GULF NEWS: Stephen, how long have you been in Dubai and at which golf facilities? Tell us about your career history in the UAE and wider afield?

Stephen: Having arrived in the UAE in 2013 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, I have continued to progress in the golf industry over the last nine years with the support of Troon every step of the way. This has seen me be a part of five incredible Troon managed facilities throughout the UK and the UAE including Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Abu Dhabi Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, The Grove in the UK and Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai and my now current role as Director of Golf at The Track, Meydan Golf in Dubai. It has been a great experience working in the golf industry at all these facilities, this has given me the opportunity to work with many amazing, forward-thinking ownerships which will continue to see the golf industry grow from strength to strength in this region.

GULF NEWS: Congratulations on your recent appointment at The Track, Meydan Dubai. What are your thoughts on this unique facility in the heart of the horse racetrack? What is your role as Director of Golf at The Track, Meydan?

Stephen: Many thanks for the congratulations, and a huge thanks to Meydan ownership for giving me the trust and responsibility to lead this amazing property. Unique, is a perfect way to sum up The Track, Meydan Golf as it is certainly not your typical golf club. My thoughts have remained the same for the last three years, when in 2019, I played my first social round here. I quickly realised that this is one of the coolest and most fun places to play golf in the world. We are open to all and offer golf at affordable prices. We are proud to be doing our part to help grow the game of golf in the heart of Dubai.

My role as the Director here is to oversee the entire Golf department including, Agronomy, Golf Operations, and the Academy by Troon. We have an incredibly talented and passionate team here already on board at Meydan and it excites me to be a part of this team now and keep driving the facility and the business forwards. Here at The Track, Meydan Golf, we do not offer Membership so the focus for us is daily fee golfers. A key area for us is ensuring our guests have the best experience possible throughout their journey and leave the club wanting to return.

GULF NEWS: What is the potential and your vision for the facility at The Track, Meydan?

Stephen: My vision for the club is ensuring we are accessible to all and placing the fun back into golf. This will be achieved by creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the game from introduction to golf lessons, 9 holes before work, 9 holes at night under the lights, your weekend 18-hole round or just hitting balls on the range, we want it as laid back as possible where golfers of all abilities feel comfortable in environment they are in. And remember, #wedontcarewhatyouwear