Fairways and FunDays, voted Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator at the prestigious World Golf Awards on three occasions, has unveiled PGA Professional Conor Russell as its new CEO. Conor Russell takes over the reins at the company following highly successful Director of Golf roles at both the 5-Star K-Club Resort and Portmarnock Links.
Commenting on the appointment, Director of Golf at the company and former European Tour Professional, Peter Lawrie, said:
“Golf is the world’s largest sports-related travel sector and the product on offer in Ireland is second to none. It remains a highly competitive market and being successful requires putting the best people at the front of the best businesses. Conor is the epitome of professionalism within the golf industry. He is highly regarded by all who have had the pleasure of working with him throughout his successful career and Sutton, the K Club and Portmarnock Links. This appointment creates the perfect match to bring our top quality Irish Golf Tour product to a wider market.”.
Conor Russell stated:
“I’m delighted to join the team at Fairways and FunDays and the timing couldn’t be better. With an Open Championship coming to Royal Portrush in 2025 along with Adare Manor hosting the Ryder Cup in 2027 it’s a very exciting few years ahead for Golf in Ireland. Having worked closely with the company for the past number of years, looking after visiting groups at Portmarnock Links and The K Club, I have seen first-hand why Fairways and FunDays have become Europe’s leading Tour Operator. I’m really looking forward to enhancing their already strong reputation both domestically and internationally”
Joe O’Carroll, Director at Fairways & FunDays commented:
“Conor needs no introduction to those in the golf industry in Ireland and abroad and his track record speaks for itself. However, more importantly for us, Conor shares the same values that we promote within the company: Passion for golf in Ireland, Persistent Customer Service and Professionalism in every aspect of what we do. We are thrilled to have him on board to drive the next chapter of growth in the business.”
Conor takes up the role with immediate effect and rejoins one of his former colleagues at the K Club, Michael Sheehan, who also recently joined the company as Sales Executive.
About Fairways and FunDays
The company was founded in 2014 and was named Ireland’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator for 8 years running at the prestigious World Golf Awards. Fairways and FunDays was voted Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator at the World Golf Awards 2021 and 2023. Unlike other golf tour operators, Fairways and FunDays exclusively sells tours to Ireland, making them experts in providing the most enjoyable and most authentic Irish Golf Vacation Experiences. This also means that every additional client for Fairways and FunDays is an additional visitor to Ireland. Fairways and FunDays provide all our clients with “An Ultimate Golf & Ireland Experience” meaning that clients get to enjoy incredible golf courses, spectacular sightseeing, exhilarating evening entertainment, amazing accommodation, the famous Irish welcome and much more. Each tour is customised to the needs and budget of the client. Fairways and FunDays also design exciting, customised itineraries for non-golfers travelling as part of a group. Former European Tour Professional Peter Lawrie is Director of Golf at Fairways and FunDays. Fairways and FunDays is a member of the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).
About Conor Russell
Having spent 12 formative years at Sutton Golf Club, Conor moved to Portmarnock Links. Here he was instrumental in building the resorts’ national and international profile and growing its membership base.
In 2021 he took up the role of Director of Golf at the prestigious K Club and during his time there saw the venue secure the hosting of a number of major events including the Irish Open, which returned to the former Ryder Cup venue in 2023.
A native of Blackrock in County Louth but living in exile in County Meath! Conor holds a degree in Golf Studies & Business Management from Birmingham University.
Further Information
Please contact Joe O’Carroll, or a member of the Fairways and FunDays team on +353 45 871110 or 1800-7799810 (Toll Free from US/Canada) or email joe@fairwaysandfundays.com
Visit www.fairwaysandfundays.com