John Easterbrook is leaving Troon to take over as Chief Membership Officer of the PGA of America.
Easterbrook, who is executive vice president and chief operating officer at Troon, has been with the world’s largest operator for 20 years. He will move to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and will report to PGA CEO Pete Bevacqua.
In the newly created Chief Membership Officer role, Easterbrook will oversee the core PGA Member-focused areas of the organization, including education, employment, member services and section business operations. He will officially begin his duties on March 9.
“We created this position to help us better serve our Members, and ultimately help grow the game,” said Bevacqua. “John is an incredible talent with proven experience at all levels of our Association – from traditional golf professional to executive business leadership.”
To replace Easterbrook, Troon appointed Mike Ryan and Bruce Glasco as co-chief operating officers and executive vice presidents. Both Ryan and Glasco will be charged with directing domestic and international operations.
“While we say goodbye to John with mixed emotions, it is a great honor for him and a nod to Troon as an industry leader,” said Dana Garmany, chairman and chief executive officer, Troon. “We thank John for his tireless dedication to Troon over two-plus decades, while congratulating Mike and Bruce on their respective appointments and elevated roles. Our operational leaders will now be strategically positioned in every corner of the world – a move that will help us further elevate and enhance the service levels for our clients, courses and partners.”
While at Troon, Easterbrook was instrumental in the growth of the company’s portfolio and was responsible for the day-to-day operation of a vast global business that includes more than 15,000 associates located in 275 courses across 36 states in the U.S. and 31 countries worldwide. He was responsible for the development of operating standards and financial benchmarking, directed field operations and sales and marketing, and was a member of the senior executive committee.
“As the grandson of a PGA Professional and son of a college football coach, golf and sports have been a big part of my life forever,” said Easterbrook. “I am humbled to be selected to serve the 28,000 men and women of the PGA of America. As a PGA member for 30 years and with 20 years of experience at Troon – with more than 400 PGA professionals on staff – I have always understood the importance of PGA leadership at golf facilities around the world. The CMO position will allow me to truly follow my passion to create enhanced career opportunities for great people. I am looking forward to joining the PGA team and leading the effort to promote and develop PGA Professionals around the world.”
Mike Ryan joined Troon in 2001 and served as the company’s senior vice president of operations with oversight of clubs, resorts and golf facilities from Florida to Hawaii. In June of 2016, Ryan was promoted to president of the company’s Troon Golf division. In his new co-chief operating officer position, Ryan will continue to oversee operations for Troon Golf while also overseeing the operational direction of the company. Ryan will continue to be based out of Troon’s Scottsdale, Ariz. office.
Bruce Glasco joined Troon in 1999 as vice president of operations and was promoted to senior vice president of the company’s Australia Pacific Division in 2001. He was appointed senior vice president and managing director of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operations in 2006 and in 2012, Glasco was named chief operating officer of Troon International. In 2016, Glasco was promoted to president of Troon International. In his new co-chief operating officer position, Glasco will continue to be based out of Troon’s Palm Beach Gardens, Florida office.