Todd Norton of JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa named Golf Grounds Manager of the Year; Vinoy Golf Club named Golf Property of the Year
ORLANDO, Fla. – Nov. 5, 2014…Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, recently announced that Nathan Stith, PGA, Director of Golf at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes, was named Golf Professional of the Year.
Marriott Golf’s prestigious Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes an individual who consistently performs and exceeds in areas of sales and profit; supplier program compliance; rounds improvement; leadership in personnel development; innovative program development; affinity programs; earning industry and Marriott Golf awards. Consideration for the prestigious award is based on performance excellence for current and previous years.
Since assuming the role of Director of Golf at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes, in 2012, Nathan has been responsible for all facets of golf club performance. Under Stith’s guidance, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes, has consistently been ranked No. 1 worldwide for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel brand (2012, 2013 and 2014) for guest satisfaction.
“Nathan exudes incredible leadership qualities, and it’s refreshing to see his commitment to delivering a memorable experience for all guests,” said Claye Atcheson, Vice President of Golf Operations for Marriott Golf. “Nathan truly deserves the recognition as Golf Professional of the Year, as he embodies the essence of what we look for in our PGA golf professionals.”
In related news, Todd Norton, Director of Grounds at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, has been named Golf Grounds Manager of the Year, and Vinoy Golf Club, located at the The Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Fla., has been named the Marriott Golf Property of the Year.
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NATHAN STITH NAMED GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR … Add One
Criteria for the Golf Grounds Manager of the Year are based on overall turf grass condition of the golf course throughout the year, loss prevention efforts, personnel development, operating within budget, efforts in continuing education with active pursuit of certification from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and more. Criteria for the Property of the Year is based on performance excellence for current and previous years in various categories including golf sales, round improvements, customer satisfaction, program development, personnel development & leadership and more.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 52 golf courses at 40 locations in 12 countries, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf for seven Marriott International lodging brands. 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.
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