AUSTIN / BASTROP, TEXAS (Jan. 21, 2013) – Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa hired Kelly O’Donnell as the new director of golf for Wolfdancer Golf Club.
O’Donnell brings more than 30 years of experience to the position, inclusive of savvy in sales, marketing, manufacturing, operations management, as well as strong relationships in the local, regional and national golf communities.
In his new role, O’Donnell will be responsible for managing golf operations for the Austin-area resort’s 18-hole golf course, pro shop, memberships, tournaments and other programs offered by the award-winning Wolfdancer Golf Club. He will also oversee a staff of 30 and serve as a member of the resort’s managing committee.
O’Donnell was a member of the resort’s opening team in 2006, spending three years as Wolfdancer’s PGA head golf professional before accepting the director of golf position at White Bluff Resort in Whitney, Texas, near Waco in 2009.
“We are truly thrilled to welcome Kelly back to Hyatt Lost Pines and Wolfdancer Golf Club,” said Steve Dewire, general manager of Hyatt Lost Pines. “His industry knowledge and relationships, talent and love of the game made him the best candidate to fill this position. Since the day we opened, he has been a wonderful ambassador of our destination, and we’re excited about his return and his plans to further expand and enhance the award-winning Wolfdancer golf experience.”
In 2012, Wolfdancer Golf Club was ranked no. 13 for “Best Golf Courses in Texas” by Golf Magazine and listed among the “Best Resort Courses” by Golfweek.
Like the course he’ll be managing, O’Donnell brings accolades to the table from his tenure at Hyatt Lost Pines and White Bluff resort, among them the “Northern Texas PGA Chapter and Section Merchandiser of the Year Award” in 2010, “Manager of the Quarter” at White Bluff Resort and “Manager of the Quarter” at Hyatt Lost Pines in 2008.
While serving as the director of golf at White Bluff Resort, O’Donnell oversaw management of two championship golf courses, hosting tournaments, retreats, golf events, memberships among community residents, as well as numerous community engagement tournaments and events.
O’Donnell’s portfolio of PGA golf professional experience includes Britgolf, Highland Lakes Country Club, Lago Vista Golf Club, Great Southwest Golf Club and Mira Vista Country Club. He also served as the product marketing manager for Ben Hogan Golf Company and was the founder and sales operations vice president for Reid Lockhart Golf Company. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University.
About Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
Situated along the banks of the Lower Colorado River just outside of Austin, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa offers a luxurious Texas wilderness escape on 405 acres of scenic terrain. The resort features 491 guest rooms, more than 60,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and over 230,000 square feet of outdoor function space with pavilions and an amphitheater. Amenities include the Wolfdancer Golf Club, Spa Django and Renegade Trailhead equestrian facility. Beyond golf, spa and horseback riding, guests will enjoy exploring the adjoining 1,100-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park; kayaking and rafting; hiking and birding along 18 miles of trails; archery and trap shooting; swimming and floating at the Crooked River Water Park; nightly s’mores roasts at outdoor fire pits; weekly live music; and a lengthy lineup of recreation activities. Hyatt Lost Pines showcases a blend of year-round and seasonal dining options with everything from a light snack and a beverage to a fine dining experience. To learn more, call 512-308-1234 or visit www.lostpines.hyatt.com.
Contact:
Martin Armes / 919-608-7260 / martinarmes@nc.rr.comÌ¢?å¬
Brad King / 336-306-9219 / king@bradkingcommunications.com
Amanda Fier, Director of Public Relations
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
512-308-4704 / amanda.fier@hyatt.com
