LAKE MARY, FL – Following one of the very best conferences in the 21-year history of the International Network of Golf, the ING Spring Conference will head to South Carolina in May of 2012.
The recently renovated Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center will host the 22nd Annual ING Spring Conference May 20-24 2012. Embassy Suites is home to the Preserve at Verdae Green Golf Club. ING recently completed its 21st ING Spring Conference at Innisbrook Resort to rave reviews.
“I think this year was the best ever,” said one regular attendee on the post-conference survey. “Awesome,” said another. And “The ING Spring Conference just gets better and better year after year.”
Approximately 160 people are expected at the Greenville conference next May for this annual gathering of media and golf industry leaders, conducted by the non-profit International Network Of Golf. The four-day conference is full of educational events, networking opportunities, product displays and tests, and lots of golf. The very popular ING One-On-One Appointment Show provides attendees a platform for private meetings to encourage business relationships. Also on the diverse ING itinerary will be workshops, speakers, the Demo Lab, the Food For Thought Breakfast, and the much more.
The Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center has invested $3 million in creating an updated, eco-friendly golf course from the Willard Byrd-designed championship Verdae Greens Golf Course. To celebrate the facility’s 20-year anniversary, it re-opened as The Preserve at Verdae this Memorial Day Weekend. The Resort is managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.
“We chose to re-name the course The Preserve at Verdae to reflect our commitment to preserving the balance between nature and golf,” said Joe Morrissey, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts’ Senior Vice President – Operations. “With this renovation, we are reducing our carbon footprint by planting more natural grasses and landscaping, and preserving and expanding the existing habitats for local wildlife and birds.”
The Preserve is now the only course within 60 miles of Greenville that features drought-resistant Mini Verde Bermuda grass, a strain that requires fewer pesticides and fertilizer to stay green throughout hot summers and cool winters. These greens putt beautifully allowing for a truer consistent roll of the golf ball. The Preserve’s tour quality practice facility features a multi-level tee box, separate chipping and practice bunker area, and a large practice putting green.
The land the Preserve stands on was leased to the Embassy Suites 20 years ago because the owner felt a golf course would have little impact on the surrounding area, which remains undeveloped, land. “The golf course serves as a significant recreational amenity for the 1,100-acre master planned development known as Verdae,” said Rick Sumerel, President and COO of Verdae Development, Inc. “The sustainable enhancements planned for the course highlight a unique commitment to make the best use of precious land in an urban setting, while protecting natural beauty.”
The renovation also added the Terrace, a unique and beautiful new pavilion. Overlooking the tennis courts, the pool and golf facilities, The Terrace measures 3,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 1,100 guests at any type of outdoor event from weddings to corporate retreats.
“As the only hotel, conference center and golf resort combination within a 60 miles radius of Greenville, we have created a unique destination for social golf groups, corporate retreats, tournaments and charity outings,” said David Nelson, General Manager of the Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center. “Our affordable golf course will give every golfer the opportunity to have an upscale resort golf experience.”
The project also added restructured retaining walls of natural stone along creek beds and an enhanced golf shop. The Preserve at Verdae will continue to be open to the public, allowing all golfers to enjoy the course that hosted the Nike Tour for nine years.
“The Preserve is a unique and challenging course to play,” said The Preserve at Verdae’s Director of Golf, Paul Albert. “We have a number of elevation changes and difficult dog-legs that require precision play to small targets. This course is a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.”
“We’ve seen tremendous support and interest in the new improvements on the course from the community – tournament inquiries are up thirty percent,” said Stacey Dawkins, the Resort’s Director of Sales. “This renovation has opened up a new market for us to target, companies that want to partner with venues which share their desire to preserve natural resources and reduce our impact on our environment.”
Located on tree-lined Verdae Boulevard between Laurens Road and Woodruff Road, The Resort is easily accessible from both I-385 and I-85, only nine miles from the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, six miles to downtown Greenville, and provides complimentary airport transportation and free parking. In addition to on-site golf, the all-suite resort features 268 guest rooms, 23,000 square feet of meeting space, extensive outdoor venues, a business center, gift shop, Precor equipped fitness center, four lighted tennis courts and indoor/outdoor swimming pools. Dining on property allows guests the choice of Café Verdae, 19th Green Lounge, Cancun Charley’s outdoor patio bar, Clubhouse Grille and full catering and beverage service for groups and events. All overnight guests receive complimentary cooked to order breakfast and evening manager’s reception.
For more information, visit the Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center website at www.embassysuitesgreenville.com or call the hotel directly at 1-864-676-9090.
About International Network of Golf
Simply put, if you are in the golf or media business, at any level and in any segment, then you should be a member of the International Network Of Golf. ING is a media-based, non-profit association that since 1990 has been networking the golf industry. ING’s stated mission is to enhance and promote communication and education in the golf industry. But the group’s vision and energies are aimed well above those already lofty objectives.
ING brings people together and encourages them to learn about – and conduct business with – each other.
MEDIA MEMBERS from publications and shows will meet prospective advertisers, gain access to terrific story material, and have dialogue with and learn from each other.
BUSINESS MEMBERS from companies large and small gain personal access to influential media members, have a platform to launch and test new products and services, and a place to network with their peers, gaining valuable information about the golf industry that can help them grow their own businesses.
Contact:
Mike Jamison
407-328-0500, ext. 1
mike@jamisongolf.com