Skip to Content

Charlyn Alunday

Golf Operations and Social Media Coordinator, Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman UAE

Charlyn AlundayQ: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up and please explain if there was a story around that.

A: When I was younger, I had a burning passion for experiencing different cultures through travel. I dreamed of working in the hospitality industry, maybe with an airline or hotel, so I could meet interesting people and visit exotic places. However, as fate would have it, I never imagined finding myself in the golf industry. Life is full of surprises, and while my journey may not have gone as planned, I am happy with where it has taken me.

Q: What is one or two interesting facts about your heritage or culture that you would like to share with us?

A: The Philippines boasts of a diverse linguistic landscape with over 175 languages spoken, out of which 171 are classified as ‘living’ languages. However, communication in English should not be a problem as more than 52 million individuals speak the language, placing the country as the fifth largest English-speaking nation worldwide.

Basketball has become a deeply ingrained passion in the Philippines, with roots that trace back to the early twentieth century when the game was introduced by American colonial rulers. Initially played as a women’s sport in the public school system, it has now permeated all corners of the country, with makeshift hoops dotting street corners and dedicated sports centers abuzz with activity. The Philippines boasts Asia’s premier professional league, which holds the distinction of being one of the oldest in the world, second only to the NBA.

Q: Who got you into the business or game of golf and what was your first experience at a golf course/range?

A: In 2018, I had the opportunity to visit Dubai and was fortunate enough during this time to interview for a role at Al Zorah Golf Club.  Thankfully, I was successful yet at the time, I didn’t know Golf and if this was the career move I wanted.  After a few days of being at the club, I was enrolled on a 6-week program of lessons with our PGA professional. Initially, I thought golf would be easy; however, I still remember to the day that I kept missing the golf ball until the latter stages of my lesson. Nevertheless, I persisted, now I am playing twice a week with members and colleagues, and I absolutely love it.

Q: Was there a mentor that helped guide you along your current career path and was there a piece of advice that helped you along your way?

A:  Throughout my time at Al Zorah, I have been fortunate enough to have our general manager as my mentor and source of inspiration. His guidance has been invaluable, providing me with wise words and support as I grow both personally and professionally. One of Phil’s most valuable pieces of advice is the importance of investing in oneself and pushing oneself to be better. What truly impresses me about Phil is that he leads by example and practices what he preaches.

Q: How long have you worked for Troon and what has been your career progression; what do you love most about your job?

A: When I first joined Troon, I started out in Golf Operations, which I found to be an enjoyable experience. It gave me the chance to interact with both members and visitors on a daily basis. As time passed, my role evolved, and I was given the responsibility of managing our social media platforms. This was a fresh and exciting challenge for me, as I had the chance to experiment with new tools and techniques.

One of the most thrilling aspects of my job was working with drones and utilizing this footage in our promotional campaigns. The feeling of being able to capture breathtaking aerial shots was truly exhilarating. Furthermore, I was fortunate enough to learn from some of the most talented golf course photographers in the industry, such as Kev Murray and Patrick Koening. The learning curve has been remarkable, and I am grateful for the experience.

Q: What do you do in your daily job or life to inspire minorities to get them interested in the game of golf or into the golf business as a career?

A:By its nature, golf is often considered an elitist sport in the Philippines, which limits the majority from being able to participate and reduces the visibility of the game. However, I decided to leverage social media to highlight my golfing experiences to an expanding Filipino audience in hopes that they will play the game.

Q: What is your dream foursome for golf (you and three others) or for lunch (if you don’t golf)?

A: Playing golf with my three sisters would be a fun day out on the golf course.  It would also be an inspiring four-person group, representing a minority in the sport.

Learn more about Troon’s DE&I Initiatives, Associates and Stories.

Follow #GolfForEveryone

For more stories on Troon’s DE&I initiative and associates