The Els Club Malaysia, managed by Troon International, have made two new senior appointments. The championship venue welcomes Steven Thielke as general manager of The Els Club Desaru Coast and Sean Kinsley as group director of agronomy across The Els Club Malaysia – Desaru Coast and Teluk Datai facilities. Thielke and Kinsley replace long term Troon veterans Stephen Havrilla and Terrance Mohamed who move onto new opportunities in the USA and South East Asia respectively.
Steven Thielke joins The Els Club Malaysia and Troon International with over 30 years of golf and hospitality industry experience. In 2019, he successfully completed his Club Managers’ Certification with the Club Management Association of America, and most recently, has spent the past eight years as CEO of TPC Kuala Lumpur, overseeing the club’s transformation process. Under the South African’s management, TPC Kuala Lumpur captured the golf world’s attention through staging PGA Tour, European Tour and LPGA events annually for over three consecutive years.
Thielke commented of the appointment: “It’s a true privilege to be associated with, fellow countryman, Ernie Els’ brand and to be part of the Troon International family. The natural beauty, wildlife and high-quality of golf on offer at The Els Club Desaru Coast is simply spectacular. I have yet to experience anything equal in the world of golf that offers such world-class facilities with uninterrupted views and a fresh sea breeze in an authentic tropical destination.
“I’m extremely excited to be part of team at The Els Club Desaru Coast and add value to the overall growth of the club and the destination, particularly in the recovery from the past year as we look to re-open borders and welcome golfers from outside Malaysia to Desaru Coast.”
