The Belfry near Sutton Coldfield, one of the world’s most renowned golf resorts and the only four-time host of the prestigious Ryder Cup matches, has appointed a new managing director to oversee a major £30 million refurbishment. The highly-experienced Lynn Hood will be an integral part of a new era at the world-renowned golf, hotel and conference destination. Work will begin early next year, after The Belfry was bought in August by American investment firm KSL Capital Partners, who subsequently appointed The De Vere Group to manage the property.
“It is a very exciting project because The Belfry has the perfect partner in KSL, who are experienced in taking over a number of established resorts. Their expertise will prove extremely beneficial,” noted Hood. “We are working on the development plans and we will have detailed drawings to show to our extensive customer base quite soon. We expect to start the refurbishment in January with the golfing retail aspect of the business and the welcome areas through to Sam’s Bar.”
Hood has an impressive array of experience in the hospitality industry after starting her career 20 years ago with Walt Disney in the USA. In recent years, she has been general manager at Glasgow’s Malmaison and the City Inn, where she was promoted to operations director and the board of directors. During her six years with City Inn, she looked after a portfolio of hotels across the UK and was responsible for the opening of two deluxe hotels in Manchester and Leeds.
“As well as ensuring the best possible customer experience I will be concentrating on the sales and marketing elements of the redevelopment project as we move to re-position The Belfry with new and long-standing customers” continued Hood. “It was apparent from the moment I walked through the doors that there is a great deal of pride felt here both from customers and from the team. There is a magical atmosphere and a real treat for golf enthusiasts of any ability.”
The Belfry, which is set amongst 550 acres of quaint Warwickshire countryside, currently comprises a 324-bedroom resort and two championship golf courses, The PGA National – England’s only PGA-branded golf course, and The Brabazon – the world’s only four-time host of The Ryder Cup having held the tournament in 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002. Additionally, The Belfry is home to the PGA National Golf Academyand a further 18-hole course, The Derby. Given the unique and expansive nature of the resort campus works will be phased and the club will remain open during the refurbishment.
“We’re delighted withLynn’s appointment. Her experience in the hospitality industry is extensive and we have no doubt that she will be a valuable and effective leader throughout this process. We will work together to build the existing legacy at The Belfry, which still remains one of the world’s most desirable golf resorts,” commented Daniel Hodson, De Vere’s Director of Golf. “Lynn’s appointment will likely be the first of several exciting developments over the course of the next few months that will help strengthen The Belfry’s and De Vere’s leading position in the UK market. We’re looking forward to offering guests a totally unique golf experience.”
The Belfry www.thebelfry.co.uk
De Vere Golf, please visit www.devere.co.uk/golf.