Al Zorah Golf Club in the UAE has strengthened its senior staff by welcoming two distinguished industry professionals to its golf team. Austin Cahill has been appointed as the new head of golf at the club in Ajman, Al Zorah City, while Freddie Price will assume the role of golf professional.
Cahill, a highly respected figure in the Middle East golf scene, brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the internationally acclaimed Yas Links. As head of golf, he will play a crucial role in enhancing the member and guest experience, overseeing all aspects of the golf operations department. This includes leading the golf operations team and ensuring that service standards within the club’s facilities—including the soon-to-open state-of-the-art new clubhouse—meet Al Zorah’s luxury standards. Cahill will also manage event coordination, membership engagement, and guest services to create a seamless, memorable experience for every visitor.
Cahill’s appointment comes as a strategic move following the recent departure of golf operations manager Stephen Payne to pursue his career in the Middle East. Payne has already made a strong start in his new role, traveling to Prague in his first week to support a sponsored members event.
Meanwhile, Price will bring his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport to Al Zorah’s members and guests, utilizing the venue’s state-of-the-art academy facilities to deliver world-class teaching. In December 2023, the club unveiled a new 850m2 putting green to complement the existing driving range, along with the installation of the latest Trackman launch monitor technology and new floodlights to enable coaching day and night. Additionally, an upgraded pro shop and changing facilities will be among the many features of the new clubhouse.
This position at Al Zorah marks Price’s first role in the UAE, having previously taught at Royal Blackheath Golf Club in England for five years following a stint on the professional circuit. Golfers have eagerly sought his services in his first few weeks on the job, with his teaching diary quickly filling up.
Phil Henderson, General Manager of Al Zorah Golf Club, stated: “We aim to attract the best talent in golf to match the standards of our course and facilities, and we are thrilled to have achieved that with these two appointments. Austin has done outstanding work at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and knows the golf industry here very well. He’s the ideal person to lead our golf offering as we enter an exciting new era for the club with the new clubhouse nearly ready to open. We are also delighted to secure a golf professional of Freddie’s caliber and look forward to helping him transfer his skills to his first role here in the UAE.”
Cahill and Price are among several key appointments at Al Zorah Golf Club this year, following the return of Terrace Mohamed to the position of golf Course Superintendent, a role he previously held nine years ago. These additions further underscore Al Zorah’s growing prestige in the Middle East, as the club prepares to unveil its elegant new clubhouse and host two high-profile international events: the 43rd Pan Arab Golf Championship in November and the inaugural Al Zorah City Pro-Am in February 2025.
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