TROON GOLF HONORS FACILITIES AND ASSOCIATES FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to recognize the following facilities and individuals for outstanding performance in 2010. Winners were announced at the 2011 Troon Golf Leadership Conference, which recently took place in Scottsdale, Ariz., January 17-20. Congratulations to the following award winners:
“FACILITY OF THE YEAR”
BallenIsles Country Club, Florida
BallenIsles ranked among the top facilities in the company’s “Member Experience” category while significantly improving “Net Promoter” scores, agronomic conditions and the food & beverage experience. The club’s gross operating profit also saw a substantial increase compared to prior year. Comments from the club’s president include praise of the management team’s leadership and ability to succeed through challenging circumstances. Finalists for the award included St. James Plantation and Indian Wells Golf Resort.
“GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR”
Ken Kosak, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, U.A.E.
Ken has traveled the world for Troon Golf, taking on challenging assignments for the company. His strong leadership skills and accurate judgment have won over the confidence of countless owners, turning them into promoters of Troon Golf. Ken is known for motivating those he manages while maximizing their potential. His hard work at Abu Dhabi Golf Club has played a major role in the facility’s success. Finalists for the award included Rich Carter from Indian Wells Golf Resort and Michael Rodriguez from Wausau Country Club.
“SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR”
Seth Miller, Makai Golf Club, Hawaii
Seth has brought a new attitude and sense of pride to Makai that has filtered through his entire crew. He led a successful renovation at the course and consistently delivers high quality turf conditions. Makai has quickly gained the reputation as having the best playing conditions in Kauai. Seth is a tireless worker who consistently looks out for the best interest of his team. Finalists for the award included David Stout from The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa and Ross Laubsher from Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club.
“MOST IMPROVED FACILITY OF THE YEAR”
Muttontown Club, New York
This award is given only to properties demonstrating a true “success story” and Muttontown saw substantial improvements in multiple performance areas. Most notably, the club’s “Net Promoter” score radically increased within six months and its “Owner Net Promoter” score was a perfect 10. Finalists for the award included Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass and Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club.
“FACILITY NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR”
Lion Lake Country Club, China
After opening 18 holes and a clubhouse at the end of 2009 and an additional nine holes months later, Lion Lake Country Club won four major accolades celebrating the facility’s exceptional design. With a team of 360 associates and a clubhouse measuring 165,000 square feet, Lion Lake is a flagship property located in a region poised for growth in the golf industry. Finalists for the award included The Dunes Course at Costa Navarino and Silverado Resort and Spa.
“TURNAROUND FACILITY OF THE YEAR”
The Peninsula Golf & Country Club, Delaware
The Peninsula Golf & Country Club had an exceptional year, marked by impressive financial turnarounds. The facility experienced a major increase in revenue growth and net operating income in 2010. This accomplishment involved the entire staff implementing expense improvement processes, which were accomplished while raising membership satisfaction scores. Finalists for the award included Shark’s Tooth Golf Club and Sarasota National Golf Club.
“ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR”
Walter Reid, El Macero Country Club, California
During his time at El Macero Country Club, Walter has redefined the word “excellence” in member service. His managers have described him as being consistent, uplifting, passionate, creative, and ever-improving. Walter is always eager to go beyond his particular area to meet the needs of members and to help other associates succeed. Finalists for the award included Edgar Cazares, Classic Club; Rory Maxwell, Lake of Isles; and Kylie Oh, Troon Golf Academy, Banyan Tree Club & Spa, Seoul.
“FOOD & BEVERAGE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR”
Pamela Thompson, Savannah Quarters Country Club, Georgia
During Pamela’s tenure at Savannah Quarters, she has led the expansion of the food & beverage services from a small temporary facility to a 29,000 square-foot clubhouse. She has also increased overall revenue in the department by several hundred thousand dollars and identified new business opportunities by utilizing her market knowledge and resources. Her biggest impact has been seen in the way she “lives” Troon Golf’s Guiding Principles on a daily basis.
“PROPERTY SUPPORT ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR”
Corby Foster, Corporate Office, Arizona
Corby Foster joined Troon Golf in 2003 and has consistently been an invaluable contributor ever since. He demonstrates an impressive work ethic and is always focused on continuous process improvement. Corby’s professionalism and dedication to the field make him the ideal associate for this award. Finalists included Megan Clay, Megan Stallone and Tom Enders.
“W.I.T.S” (WALK IN THEIR SHOES) AWARD
Scott Christenson, The Allegria Golf Club, Egypt
The “W.I.T.S” Award was created to recognize those who overcome hardships and exceed at promoting the Troon Golf brand and operating philosophy under challenging conditions. Scott has served Troon Golf at five courses in five different countries in a span of just 12 months. This includes time spent in Portugal followed by an assignment in Abu Dhabi assisting the operations team deliver the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship event; separate assignments in Greece and the United Kingdom; and finally his current position as director of golf at The Allegria Golf Club in Egypt. Finalists included Jim Karafa, Colonial Golf & Tennis Club and Tom Wilcox, Quintero Golf & Country Club.
“AWARD OF EXCELLENCE”
Mike Friend, Troon North Golf Club, Arizona
The Award of Excellence is chosen by the executive committee and awarded only on the most deserved occasions. Mike is the ideal recipient for the award, demonstrating a true passion for service and providing “personal touches” to enhance the experience of customers and associates. He takes ownership of everything that happens at Troon North Golf Club and truly treats it as his own business. His dedication to Troon Golf is unmatched and turns everyone he interacts with into a promoter of the company.
“TROON AMBASSADOR AWARD”
Tim Mahoney, Troon Golf Director of Instruction
Tim is considered one of the game’s most highly decorated instructors. He is listed among America’s “50 Greatest Teachers” by Golf Digest and has been named among the “Top 100 Teachers” in America by Golf Magazine for more than a decade. Tim is considered one of golf’s best promoters and has served as a true ambassador for Troon Golf while opening teaching facilities in more than 10 countries across the world.
TROON GOLF “ROCK STARS”
Several evaluation surveys revealed the following top performers in areas of leadership, member and guest satisfaction, and overall performance.
Sarasota National Golf Club, Florida – Associate Satisfaction
Yocha Dehe Golf Club, California – Guest Satisfaction
Muttontown Club, New York– Member Satisfaction
Wausau Country Club, Wisconsin – Owner Satisfaction
Classic Club, California – Troon Rewards Signups
The Phoenician, Arizona – Compliance Report (Daily-Fee)
Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, Florida – Compliance Report (Private)
BallenIsles Country Club, Florida – Quality Leads
Troon North Golf Club, Arizona – Top Line Sales Improvement
Brynwood Golf & Country Club, New York – Membership Sales
Kyle Jones – Yocha Dehe Golf Club, California – Environmental
Talking Stick Golf Club, Arizona – Loss Prevention
Settlers Run Golf & Country Club, Australia – Grow the Game
“Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you for consistently going above and beyond to deliver the Troon Golf Experience,” stated John Easterbrook, Troon Golf’s executive vice president, operations. “We pride ourselves on having the industry’s best and brightest on our team, and these awards confirm just that!”
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 30 states and 23 countries. Additionally, 45 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Brynwood Golf & Country Club, Armonk, N.Y.; Sequoyah National Golf Club , Cherokee, N.C.; Yocha Dehe Golf Club, Brooks, Calif.; Kooindah Waters Golf Club , New South Wales, Australia; Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Costa Navarino, Messinia, Greece.
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