Golf: Forward-thinking Stewart bids to take Polish club to next level

STEWART SNEDDEN, who helped transform Swanston New into one of Scotland's most modern-thinking golf clubs, is now hoping to put another course on the golfing map - in Poland.

The 46-year-old has just taken up a new post as the director of golf at Modry Las Golf Club, which is the first championship course to be designed by three-time Open champion Gary Player in Central Europe

The newly-created role is part of a phased series of improvements that has already seen the Polish course named as one of Europe's best emerging courses.

Snedden, who had filled the same position at Swanston New, admitted the chance to take up his new position was too good an opportunity to miss.

"The course is challenging and beautifully designed. To come here is a privilege," he commented.

"Modry Las is two years old and has established itself as one of Europe's top courses. In my opinion, it could host any tournament from any of the tours.

"I've seen a lot of tracks around Europe but few come close to this. It's very exciting to be here."

Snedden spent four years at Swanston, helping quadruple membership while project managing the redesign of the 18-hole course, masterminding the introduction of a par-3 course and the opening of a bespoke practice facility.

The Scot also caddied for the club's touring pro, John Gallagher, when he won the Scottish Amateur Championship at Prestwick in 2007.

Before entering the golf industry, Snedden spent 27 years in the British Army serving in the infantry and then in the army air corps as a captain. He toured the world visiting a number of hotspots including Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan. His new role at Modry Las will be marginally less hazardous liaising with members, corporate clients and staff.

"It was great to celebrate our second anniversary with Stewart, who has added an important new dimension to our team," said Arthur Gromadzki, chairman of Modry Las. "His proven track record of growing local membership and attracting visitors is an ideal match for our ambitions.

"He also has great leadership skills and a determination to make things happen.

"He now has a beautifully-designed Gary Player-signature course to work with, so I am looking forward to his contribution."