Marriott Golf, the Global Golf Division of Marriott International, Inc. has announced its annual awards for golf excellence across the company’s portfolio of properties.
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert, California, has been named Golf Property of the Year; August Decker, Director of Golf Operations at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club at Marriott’s Orlando World Center in Orlando, Florida, was named Golf Professional of the Year and John Smith, Director of Grounds at Delta Hotels Breadsall Priory Country Club in Derby, England, was recognized as Golf Grounds Manager of the Year.
A 28-year veteran of Marriott Golf, John Smith assumed the role of Course Manager in 1999. Caring for the grounds at Breadsall Priory runs deep in the Smith family. John’s father, Gordon, was the previous Head Greenkeeper. Under John’s leadership, Breadsall Priory was one the first golf country clubs in the United Kingdom to earn Audubon Certification. He has expanded this work to include numerous other sustainability programs.
John initiated a “course walk” program last year aimed at educating golfers on what it takes to produce and maintain a golf course. Not only was this hugely beneficial for the members, but it also fostered togetherness, as members participated in the process. John also provides his expertise in the local community with The Rotary Club.
His strongest attribute is his ability to enhance people and develop careers. He invests his time in people, ensuring the team members are developing qualifications and skill sets to advance their careers.
“John embodies Marriott’s core value to Serve Our World. His personal dedication to take care of his team shows in its elevated level of performance. He constantly evaluates the performance of products and services to deliver best possible course conditions. John genuinely values with feedback from staff and members and uses it to mould his plans for future practices,” said Robert Waller, Senior Director, Grounds, and Marriott Golf. “We couldn’t be prouder to recognize John Smith as our Golf Grounds Manager of the Year.”
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club was named as the Golf Property of the Year. In addition to its successful year-over-year business metrics and significant achievements in sales and profit, Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club consistently leads the Marriott portfolio in course-conditioning levels.
Some of the many award criteria for Golf Property of the Year include performance excellence for current and previous years in various categories including golf sales, round improvements, turf grass conditions, innovative program development, customer satisfaction, and personnel training & leadership.
“Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Resort exceeded its business goals by a significant margin, while maintaining the highest quality levels of conditioning and service,” said Bill Nault, Vice President, Marriott’s Global Golf Division. “The Golf team at the resort drives exceptional value for our Owners and Resort Guests and deserves special recognition.”
August Decker of Hawk’s Landing Golf Club at Marriott’s Orlando World Center was named Golf Professional of the Year. Decker was recognized as an individual who consistently performs and exceeds in areas of sales and profit, supplier program compliance, rounds improvement, leadership in staff development, sales and marketing initiatives, and customer loyalty. Under Decker’s leadership, the property was a strong example to others in the portfolio in building awareness and fundraising efforts for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital through their year-long Play Yellow campaign.
“Since assuming the Director of Golf Operations position at Hawks Landing Golf Club, August has consistently driven record breaking financial results,” said James Keane, Senior Director, Golf Operations & Development Planning, Marriott’s Global Golf Division. “We are glad to see him leading one of our premier properties with so much success. It is an honor to recognize August as our Golf Professional of the Year.”
Marriott’s Global Golf Division manages 45 courses in 14 countries across 5 continents, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf for numerous Marriott International lodging brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Westin, Sheraton, Gaylord Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, and Marriott Golf Academy.
Since 1970, Marriott has been a recognized leader of integrated resort and golf operations, through its award-winning business results and renowned service culture. Marriott provides golf development expertise, golf management, and consulting services to a unique variety of hospitality environments including resorts, private membership clubs, daily fee courses, golf schools, and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/explore-and-plan/golf.mi