It is a natural step up for Douglas, whose reputation as a turf manager has grown during his six-year stint in Alexandra.
The Events Centre will host nine under-19 Cricket World Cup games early next year and it seems likely it will host future internationals following a recent $640,000 upgrade which lifted the oval up to ICC standards.
It is a good career move for Douglas, Otago Country Cricket chairman Malcolm Jones said. But it is also a blow for Molyneux Park, just when the venue was gathering some momentum.
''He has built up a great reputation for producing good cricket wickets,'' Jones said.
''The No2 ground and the practice facilities were rated as high as anywhere in New Zealand by Canterbury coach Gary Stead.
The Otago side had a week-long training camp where it played on No2 and was blown away by what he produced.
''He has turned into an excellent groundsman.
''But now there is a door open at Molyneux Park and the role needs to be filled fairly quick.''
The main pitch block was scheduled to be relayed this year. Jones said when that work took place would depend on whether Molyneux Park was scheduled a first-class game this season.
''If we get a first-class game it looks like that may be in November. The relaying of the block will have to be put on hold until the other end of the season after our Hawke Cup programme is finished. That is a little bit up in the air.''
Molyneux Park has not hosted a first-class game since March 2004 but gained traction last season when Otago coach Rob Walter publicly stated he would like the Volts to play more cricket at the venue.
Douglas' departure comes at a bad time in that sense, but Jones hopes the recruitment process will unearth a quality groundsman.
''It probably is a setback but I don't think it is an insurmountable hurdle.
''Andrew will be a loss but you never know who is around corner. It could be the next Peter Domigan or Andrew Douglas.''
Douglas had not responded to emailed questions by last night.
