Levelling the Fairways: Debbie MacMillan on pioneering international golf business at Trump Turnberry

As part of our Levelling the Fairways series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Debbie MacMillan, who has been making waves as the International Golf Business Development Manager at Trump Turnberry since January. Debbie shared insights into her journey, her role, and her passion for encouraging more women to take up golf.

An unconventional journey into the golf industry

Debbie's journey into the world of golf was unconventional. "I entered the golf industry for the first time around six to eight years ago," she explained. Her initial role was as a golf tour operator, a job that didn’t require her to play golf. However, as she immersed herself in the industry, Debbie developed a deep love for the sport. "I am a classic case of all the gear and no idea," she joked, "but I fell in love with it."

This love for golf has carried over into her new role at Trump Turnberry, where she oversees private memberships and works closely with golf tour operators. Although her personal game took a backseat during a brief career hiatus, Debbie is passionate about returning to the course, noting that golf offers the flexibility to drop and pick it up throughout life.

Female leadership at Trump Turnberry

A key highlight of Debbie's role is witnessing the growing number of women in leadership within the Trump organisation. "There's a lot of girl power going on," she proudly stated, mentioning female general managers and vice presidents at Trump golf resorts across the U.S. and Scotland, notably Sarah Malone, Executive Vice President at Trump International in Aberdeen. Debbie believes this shift is not just in golf but reflects a broader change across industries.

However, that’s not to say that Debbie hasn’t been well supported by her male colleagues throughout her career. Though traditionally a male-dominated industry, Debbie told me she’s never faced challenges based on her gender and believes that, for many women, the perceived barriers in golf are often based on assumptions rather than reality. "Thankfully, I feel very comfortable in the industry, and I’ve been encouraged at every step," she shared. “I’ve definitely benefited from the encouragement and guidance of both male and female colleagues, supervisors, and mentors.”

Encouraging women and families in golf

Debbie is particularly excited about Trump Turnberry’s commitment to growing family and female participation in the sport. "We’re seeing more couples and families joining as members, and golf is becoming a sport for everyone," she noted. The resort hosts an annual Ladies Golf Clinic and is working to bring in a female golf pro to lead more women’s coaching sessions.

The Ladies Golf Clinic, held in October, is one way Turnberry encourages women to feel comfortable and confident on the course. "We group together, have fun, and play golf in a supportive environment," Debbie said. "It’s all about making sure women feel they belong here."

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, Debbie is optimistic about the future of women in golf. "Golf isn’t just for men. Don’t be afraid to book a golf tour or tee off on the first hole," she encouraged. She believes that with more female-oriented clinics and events, women will feel more comfortable and empowered to take up golf, whether as a hobby or a career.

Debbie also sees mentorship as crucial for supporting women in the industry. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasised the importance of fostering connections and support networks, both within and beyond the workplace. "The support system throughout has been beautiful," she remarked, noting the camaraderie she’s experienced with both men and women across the Trump organisation.

Liked this one? Read more from our Levelling the Fairways series, like this: Levelling the Fairways: Six solutions to driving inclusivity in golf >