Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: “The opportunity to take responsibility for the fairways of a course of this calibre is very rare. The Carrick design and location is spectacular and I do not underestimate the challenge of keeping Doug Carrick’s course at championship-level standards all year round.

“It will be a stunning course to play and I am delighted that it will be pay and play, giving people of all levels the chance to walk the fairways of a magnificent course,” he continued.

Paul’s appointment follows the conclusion of a £2.5 million deal between De Vere and world leaders in golf machinery, Toro, for state-of-the-art turf equipment.

Born and educated in Galway, Ireland Paul moved to Helensburgh eight years ago where he was employed at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club as Assistant Superintendent. Before this he worked at the Jack Nicklaus designed parkland course, Mount Juliet Golf Club, which hosted the 2004 AMEX World Tour.

Craig Mitchell, Managing DVROL, said: “Paul‘s enthusiasm and experience will make him a valuable member of the estates team.”

The Carrick on Loch Lomond will be located just over a mile north of De Vere’s Cameron House Hotel and comprise 96 five-star time ownership properties - 78 lodges and 18 apartments within mansion houses (a new concept for DVROL), the all-season golf course, world-class spa and extensive leisure facilities. One third of the development will be committed to a nature reserve for the protection and enhancement of local wildlife.

The full build schedule will be completed in 2006 with construction on the golf course already underway and full play expected by Summer 2006. The first phase of luxury two-, three- and four-bedroom lodges and the mansion houses will commence in September.