While growing up in the outskirts of Philadelphia, Alex Elmore served as a caddie at fabled Merion Country Club. And it is where Elmore "fell in love with [golf] — hook, line and sinker," he says. Today, Elmore serves as executive vice president for Troon's owned-leased asset group division. During his corporate ascension, Elmore has evolved and in this Q&A with The First Call, he shares a bit of his philosophies — along with what's on his musical playlist.
The First Call: Where are you located?
Alex Elmore: Troon headquarters are in Scottsdale, Arizona, with multiple offices across the country. I am based out of the Reston, Virginia, office.
TFC: In one sentence, describe what you do for a living.
AE: I support an amazing team of hospitality professionals at 67 properties across 13 states, helping them achieve their respective goals.
TFC: What time do you wake in the morning, and what time do you typically start the workday?
AE: 6 a.m. alarm typically. When I’m not traveling, I’ll pour a cup of coffee and take my two dogs for a walk through some nearby woods. Then typically check in on emails, grab a 20- to 45-minute workout, depending on the day, then head into the office around 8:30 or 9. When I’m on the road, I try to keep the wake-up and workout going. Keeps me on track.
TFC: What are key elements to leadership or to being a good leader?
AE: A servant’s heart, listening ears and clarity in your vision and your expectations. I’m a huge fan of strengths-based leadership, so providing the most basic foundational needs for your team — clear direction and the tools/resources necessary to do their jobs — is priority one. Beyond that, support them, hold them accountable to the expectations fairly, and then get out of their way and let them shine.
TFC: What's the secret to your success?
AE: I have conversations and I try to treat others as they deserve to be treated. I don’t always succeed, but I’m open to and appreciate feedback, then do my best to adjust. Care about others first and success generally follows.
TFC: Who is your role model?
AE: My father-in-law, who is an amazing man for many reasons.
TFC: Knowing what you know today, what professional advice would you give a younger you?
AE: Outwork the others and focus on your interpersonal, soft skills as much as other skills-based learnings.
TFC: What’s the last book you read?
AE: Rereading the “Lonesome Dove” series by Larry McMurtry.
TFC: What’s the last movie you saw?
AE: “Jesus Revolution.”
TFC: What’s on your playlist?
AE: Everything, but the top five stations I’ve played recently in Pandora are Zach Williams, Imagine Dragons, The Waterboys, Newsboys and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
TFC: When I’m not at work, you can find me ...
AE: On the baseball diamond. I coach my 12-year-old Matthew's travel team and my 14-year-old son Joshua plays as well.
TFC: What is your greatest extravagance?
AE: Ski trips out west with the family.
TFC: What is your handicap index?
AE: 1.3.
TFC: What are the favorite golf courses you have played?
AE: Royal County Down, Royal Dornoch, Fisher’s Island, Merion.
