Dubai, UAE, 27 January 2026 - Viya has confirmed a series of senior management appointments and internal promotions across its Dubai golf portfolio, underlining the group’s commitment to developing leadership talent from within the organisation and ensuring long term continuity across its clubs.

Franco Botha will take up the role of Club Manager at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, following more than two years years at Jumeirah Golf Estates where he served as Director of Golf.

During his time at the club, Botha was a key member of the senior management team, contributing to golf operations, overall club performance, and the successful delivery of major international events. His appointment reflects Viya’s continued focus on internal progression and leadership stability across its portfolio.

Ian Brennan will also join Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club as Director of Golf, moving from Emirates Golf Club where he has spent the past four years as a core member of the golf operations team. During this period, Brennan played an important role in the day-to-day and strategic delivery of golf operations at one of the busiest golf clubs in the world.

Meanwhile, Michael Major will move from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club to take on the role of Director of Golf at Jumeirah Golf Estates. His appointment marks a notable milestone in a career spanning more than 10 years with the company.

Major joined Viya as a Golf Operations Intern and has progressed through a number of operational and leadership roles, most recently holding the position of Director of Golf at Dubai Creek.

In his new role, Major will work closely with Club Manager, Dan Naudo, and will oversee golf operations across both the Earth and Fire courses, bringing deep institutional knowledge and long standing operational experience to one of the Middle East’s most internationally recognised golf venues.

Commenting on the appointments, Christopher May, CEO of Viya, said: “These appointments reflect our long-term approach to leadership development and succession planning. Franco, Michael and Ian each bring strong operational experience, a deep understanding of our clubs, and a shared commitment to excellence, and I am confident they will continue to play an important role in the ongoing success of our Dubai portfolio.”

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club hosted the Dubai Invitational from January 15-18, with a world class field including defending champion Tommy Fleetwood alongside Major champions and Ryder Cup players such as Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Patrick Reed and Padraig Harrington. The event followed a strong performance for Dubai Creek in the latest Golf World Top 100 World Resorts ranking.

Jumeirah Golf Estates remains a cornerstone venue on the international golfing calendar, having hosted another successful DP World Tour Championship in November. The season ending finale on the Earth Course was won by Matt Fitzpatrick after a play off victory over McIlroy, bringing the DP World Tour season to a close in dramatic fashion.

These key appointments further underline Viya’s investment in experienced leadership to support the continued growth and success of its golf, leisure and hospitality operations in Dubai.

About Viya Golf

Viya is the UAE’s leading golf and hospitality management group, operating a portfolio of championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants, premium leisure and recreation facilities, innovative entertainment concepts, and digital platforms. Since launching Emirates Golf Club in 1988, the region’s first all-grass course, the group has expanded to include Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Topgolf Dubai, Tiger Strikes, and recreation brands such as Viya Fit and Viya Padel.

As part of wasl Hospitality & Leisure, Viya is recognized as a guardian of golfing heritage and a leader in modern hospitality. Its operations are underpinned by the Viya App, a loyalty-driven platform that integrates bookings, rewards, and spendable benefits across the portfolio. Dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Viya connects communities to extraordinary experiences and continues to shape Dubai and the UAE as global destinations for sport, leisure, and lifestyle.

For more information, visit:
dubaicreekresort.com | www.viyagolf.com | www.dubaigolf.com/jge

For more information, contact:
Leonardo Izzi
Head of Destinations
GMS Agency
leo@gmagency.com