ORLANDO, Fla. – November 29, 2012…Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, recently announced that Scott Bender, Director of Engineering & Grounds at Griffin Gate Golf Club, located at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, in Lexington, Ky., has officially been designated a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Scott is among approximately 1,600 golf course superintendents worldwide who currently hold CGCS status, and according to GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans, “Twenty-five percent of GCSAA’s Class A members have elected to earn the highest level of recognition through the professional designation CGCS by completion of the GCSAA Certification Program. This program requires their demonstration of a higher set of competencies in golf course management through testing and practical application. Employers can be confident they employ a career professional who will increase their chances of having consistently superior course conditions.”
To qualify for GCSAA’s new competency-based certification program, a candidate must have at least three years of experience as a golf course superintendent, be employed in that capacity and meet post-secondary educational requirements and/or continuing education points. The candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities are validated through the development of a portfolio consisting of their responses to skill statements, case-study scenarios and submission of work samples; an on-site inspection of their golf facility; and a rigorous six-hour examination covering: equipment, irrigation systems, materials and technology; golf course and grounds; human resources, rules of golf, financial and administrative systems, regulatory and programmatic systems, crisis management, project management and ethics and values.
Located in the heart of Bluegrass Country and featuring 18 holes of Championship golf designed by renowned architect Rees Jones, Griffin Gate Golf Club is highlighted by ample bunkers guarding every green, water in play on 12 of 18 holes and few flat putts. As a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, Griffin Gate Golf Club has implemented a variety of environmental programs, highlighted by the creation of bat boxes, blue-bird houses, and a butterfly garden throughout the property. Additionally, the property has worked in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife to build wildlife corridors, ultimately offering wildlife the protection to move freely in specific areas on the property.
About GCSSA
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. The association provides education, information and representation to 19,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. For more information, visit www.gcsaa.org.
About EIFG
The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. For more information, visit www.eifg.org.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 54 golf courses at 43 locations in 12 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.
Contact:
Michele Cooper (michele@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc. @ 732-469-5700
