CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 17, 2012) – There’s a new kind of marshal patrolling the 36 holes of championship golf at La Costa Resort and Spa. And to be honest, they really aren’t marshals at all. They’re called “The Golf Squad” and their job goes far beyond telling patrons how putts break, or raking a bunker for them.
The Golf Squad – a team of course ambassadors specially deputized to make every golfer’s round more fun – are on a mission of goodwill. Each squad member comes to the assignment with special skills perfect for putting the fun back in golf:
Among them, they speak six languages (you should hear them order a sandwich and a beer in Italian)
One of the squad came to La Costa after a successful career as an anesthesiologist (which means you can say in all honesty, “I am playing golf on the advice of a doctor.”)
Once upon a time, one member directed customer service for a major U.S. automaker (anything would beat listening to angry car-buyers all day, right?)
And there is one with a background in, well, we can’t say exactly, but he seems to have a gift for appearing on the spot just at the right time to help.
The nine members of The Golf Squad-who roam the resort’s North and South courses, two at a time, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day are outgoing, conversational, knowledgeable, and passionate about the game of golf, as well as the iconic venue they call “the office.”
As the heart and soul of a new program that debuted in spring 2012 The Golf Squad is an extension of La Costa’s resort-wide commitment to service excellence, with the focus being on every golfer who tees it up. Unlike conventional “course marshals” the Golf Squad does not “police” the La Costa courses. Rather, the group provides support – as well as encouragement – for golfers as they play.
“It is all about making each guest feel special,” says James Hochrine, La Costa’s Assistant Director of Golf, who manages The Golf Squad. “We want every guest to feel right at home as soon as they walk in the door.”
For example, each member of The Golf Squad has a business card with his name and contact number, provided to each guest to use as needed. The cards not only make it easier for guests to contact The Golf Squad throughout the round, but they reinforce the personal welcome and illustrate the “at your service” mentality of The Golf Squad and every other resort employee.
The Golf Squad is schooled in the history of golf at La Costa, trained in the idiosyncrasies of the golf courses, and expert on daily playing conditions, flagstick positions, and expected pace of play. (They’ve even been known to reward golfers who play briskly with a voucher for the first round of beverages at Diversions Lounge, right behind both courses’ 18th holes.)
“We are excited to have our ‘secret weapons of service’ patrolling our golf courses,” said Paul McCormick, vice president and general manager at La Costa Resort and Spa. “Our goal is to enhance the guest experience at every touch point. The Golf Squad embodies our mission to surpass all of our guests’ expectations.”
They’ll even take a quick snapshot of your foursome before you tee off. Anything to put a smile on your face … that’s what The Golf Squad is all about.
For more information about golf at La Costa, visit www.lacosta.com
About La Costa Resort and Spa
Fresh from a $50 million renovation and nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa boasts a new look. Re-designed areas include the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 611 spacious and re-designed guestrooms and suites, the Coastal Events Center, an expanded Athletic Club, and two golf courses, including the all-new Champions Course. Acclaimed restaurants – Legends Bistro and BlueFire Grill present an updated take on locally inspired cuisine. The Spanish mission-style resort has a village-like ambience with whitewashed stucco buildings framed by vibrant and lush Southern California landscaping. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.
About KSL Resorts
Founded in 1992, KSL Resorts manages nine time-honored resorts with outstanding recreational amenities including spa, golf, tennis and ski. Each is refined yet unpretentious, rich in legacy and genuine in service. The KSL Resorts portfolio of properties includes:
Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, Calif.)
Beach Village at The Del (San Diego, Calif.)
La Costa Resort and Spa (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa (Vail, Colo.)
Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, Texas)
The Homestead (Hot Springs, Va.)
Montelucia Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, Az.)
The Grove Park Inn (Asheville, N.C.)
For more information, call (866) KSL-7727 or visit www.kslresorts.com
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations-East
(908) 876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
Ed Vyeda
Hunter Public Relations-West
(831) 375-1747
evyeda@hunter-pr.com
