In the latest in our exclusive “Meet the Golf Pro” series we got to speak to a pro who works out of one of the most picturesque and respected courses in Scotland.
Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort in Bishopton is on a journey of transformation with a multi-million-pound renovation underway. Align Partners, on behalf of Dutco, continue to reposition the Resort into a luxury five-star Scottish destination and as such, appointed PGA Professional Christopher McQueen as Head of Golf in spring 2024.
Chris boasts extensive experience at Trump Turnberry and Gleddoch Resorts. An impressive PGA Professional, Chris has held key roles across golf operations, retail, coaching, custom fitting, and luxury customer service as he works towards the PGA Director of Golf qualification.
Chris aspires to put Mar Hall back on Scotland’s map as a luxury golf destination, as he grows and nurtures a vibrant club membership while attracting corporate bookings from local and international businesses. He also continues to operate his thriving coaching business from his new base at Mar Hall.
A typical day for Chris McQueen – Golf Pro at Mar Hall
Living locally in Paisley, Chris wakes at 6am each day and is onsite by 7am with a coffee in hand. The course is open to members from 8am so the first port of call for Chris in the morning is to check the fleet of golf buggies, trollies and clubs and review the planned works for the day with the Greenkeepers.
The rest of the team join him onsite for 8am to refresh the stock levels in the pro shop and prepare to welcome guests for the day. Currently stocking clothing and accessories, all branded with the Mar Hall crest, Chris will expand the collection when the proposed new clubhouse works have been completed in early 2025.
The golf personnel at Mar Hall currently consists of a team of five which will expand as the golf operations grow.
The rest of the day depends on what corporate bookings, lessons or competitions are on the agenda. Chris leads lessons on the course for members and guests which are typically one hour. Guests can also utilise Mar Hall’s brand new TaylorMade fleet of clubs for hire and custom golf buggies for their time on course – adding a luxury level of service.
Chris has curated a vibrant programme of regular competitions which take place every Saturday and bi-weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays for members. In addition, Mar Hall plays host to corporate and charity golf days with the latest taking place on Monday 8 July in aid of Ardgowan Hospice. Attracting famous faces and renowned Scottish sporting icons, actor Martin Compston, broadcaster Gordon Smart and Scottish football legends Frank McAvennie, Rab Douglas and Gordon Dalziel are all already confirmed to attend as well as Spanish professional golfer Rafa Cabrera-Bello.
The end of a typical day for Chris and his team involves clearing and cashing up for the night, logging the competition results and cleaning the hire fleet. Following this, at around 5pm the team competes over nine holes of golf on the course before going home. This instills healthy competition and a friendly culture within the team as the stakes of the game mean the loser buys the morning coffee for the next day.
Recent investment in Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort
Significant investment and improvements to the golf course are underway at Mar Hall with considerable upgrades already made in recent months. All bunkers have been repaired with total sand replacement, while the greens have undergone an aeration process, which will be continuously top-dressed throughout the year along with the fairways.
Other upgrades include a new automated irrigation system and a new fertilisation and disease control process to protect the grounds, while 12 new golf buggies have been purchased, and the team will continue to be expanded to ensure a five-star guest experience in line with corporate and golf society events.
Chris welcomes ongoing investment from the owners to materialise the ambitious vision for the Mar Hall Resort. The standards have already been raised to create a world-leading golf facility and continue making steps towards an enhanced luxury service.
About Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort
Nestled in an idyllic 240-acre ancient woodland estate, the five-star Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort is located just 10 minutes’ drive from Glasgow International Airport. The grand mansion in the Scottish countryside is home to the prestigious Earl of Mar Scottish championship golf course, which was designed by one of Britain’s leading golfers and renowned golf course architect, Dave Thomas.
Intentionally designed as two loops of nine, the par-70 course consists of generously proportioned fairways, large gently contoured USGA-Spec greens, and strategically placed bunkers for a fun, yet challenging round.
For more information, please visit www.marhall.com or to book a golf taster session and enquire about membership contact golf@marhall.com or call 0141 812 9999.
