Dream Job for Niall
Niall Flanagan couldn't be happier in his new post.

Seconds after our interview had finished, Niall Flanagan headed straight over to a table in the corner to introduce himself to the people sitting there. At first, I thought it was down to the fact that they were attractive ladies but then the penny dropped.

Less than halfway through his second day into a new job as the General Manager of Loch Lomond Golf Club, Flanagan was relishing the fact he was back among members again, having been denied that opportunity in his old job at St Andrews Links Trust.

"St Andrews is unique in that fact it's the 'Home of Golf' but it is very much a municipal outlet," he says. "It's great that there are golf clubs in the town but, in my role with the Links Trust I never really got involved with the memberships.

"I kind of missed that, especially after having worked previously at clubs like Wentworth and Nal al Sheba in Dubai, where they both have great memberships. It like that day-to-day involvement with the members and I was keen to get back into it.

"Being able to come to Loch Lomond Golf Club, which prides itself on great membership, is an amazing opportunity."

An amazing opportunity indeed, but, with 20 years of experience in the golf and club industries under his belt, it is not difficult to see why Lyle Anderson, Loch Lomond's American owner, has handed Flanagan the task.