TROON GOLF ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER APPOINTMENTS AT LEADING PROPERTIES IN ARIZONA

Posted on July 17, 2008

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Cortabitarte to the general manager position at the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Ariz., and Steve Leonard, as general manager at Moon Valley Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz. Both Cortabitarte and Leonard bring a proven history of elevating the member/guest experience, and look to build upon their proven success.

Cortabitarte’s impressive resume spans across 30 years, serving in management positions at 13 major hotels including the Olympic in Seattle, Wash., the St. Francis in New York City, La Paloma in Tucson, Ariz. and Mission Hills in Palm Springs, Calif. Cortabitarte also spent several years as the general manager of the Troon Golf-managed Ocean Club in the Bahamas, home of the Michael Jordan Celebrity Classic. In 2003, he transferred to Troon’s Ocotillo Golf Resort and was most recently the general manager at Troon North Golf Club.

Leonard is a PGA professional with more than 17 years of experience at private, public and daily-fee golf facilities. His 10 years with Troon Golf include his most recent position as general manager at the Golf Club of Estrella. Leonard previously served as general manager at Savannah Quarters Country Club in Georgia and also held the head pro position at Kierland Golf Club in Arizona. Prior to his time with Troon Golf, Leonard worked at Camelback Golf Club, Marriott’s Desert Springs Resort and Spa, and Marriott’s Griffin Gate Resort. Leonard arrives at Moon Valley in the midst of a $4 million clubhouse renovation. The improvements will greatly enhance the dining experience for the members and elevate the club’s banquet facilities to one of the best in the area.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at more than 200 courses located in 31 states and 31 countries. Additionally, 36 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Oneida Golf and Country Club, Green Bay, Wis.; Talking Stick Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Clubs at St. James Plantation, Southport, N.C.; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Playa Mujeres Golf Club, Cancun, Mexico; and The Grove, London, England.