Marriott Golf announces annual awards for performance excellence

Marriott Golf has announced its annual awards for golf excellence across the company’s portfolio of properties. La Iguana Golf Course at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Costa Rica was named Golf Property of the Year; Charles Sheppard, director of golf operations at Toftrees Golf Club in State College, Pa., was named Golf Professional of the Year; and Aaron Thomas, director of grounds operations at JW Marriott Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., was named Golf Grounds Manager of the Year. 

 

La Iguana Golf Course Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort achieved the highest golfer satisfaction scores of all properties within the Marriott Golf portfolio. In addition to its commitment to environmental sustainability programs, the property established a lineup of thriving player development programs, highlighted by a rehabilitative golf program designed for disabled men and women to enjoy the game of golf. Some of the many award criteria are: performance excellence for current and previous years in various categories including golf sales, round improvements, turf grass conditions, innovative program development, customer satisfaction and personnel training and leadership.

 

“La Iguana Golf Course is committed to developing and implementing best practices that encompass all areas of golf operations,” said Claye Atcheson, vice president of Marriott Golf. “Aside of their environmental stewardship, golf programming and amazing diversity initiatives, which are unmatched, the staff at La Iguana has exceeded customer expectations and that is the ultimate benchmark.”

 

Charles Sheppard was recognized as an individual who consistently performs and exceeds in areas of sales and profit, supplier program compliance, rounds improvement, leadership in staff development, sales and marketing initiatives and customer loyalty. Sheppard achieved the highest levels of customer and employee satisfaction, and was instrumental in reinvigorating the membership program at Toftrees, creating enhanced program offerings and engagement from men, ladies and juniors of all skill levels. Consideration for this prestigious award is based on performance excellence for current and previous years.

 

“A passionate leader and mentor, Charles Sheppard is truly deserving of the Golf Professional of the Year recognition,” said Bill Nault, vice president of Marriott Golf. “While PGA Professionals are not driven by awards, this honor certainly validates the hard work and dedication that has helped to define Charles’ career in the golf industry.”

 

Aaron Thomas led the renovation and is responsible for sustaining the day-to-day maintenance program for the award-winning Ambiente and Padre golf courses at JW Marriott Camelback Golf Club. Additionally, under Thomas’s leadership and backed by a unique grassing plan to responsibly utilize natural resources, the property conserved more than 30 million gallons of water in 2015. Some of the criteria for this award include: overall turf grass condition, successful large-scale renovation or construction projects, member and guest satisfaction scores, employee satisfaction scores, loss prevention efforts, staff development, financial management and continuing education with active pursuit of certification from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

 

“Aaron Thomas represents the best of Marriott Golf and is deserving of the Golf Grounds Manager of Year recognition,” said David Robinson, senior director, grounds at Marriott Golf. “There are so many talented individuals working across our portfolio of properties and Aaron stands at the head of the class for his exceptional performance and commitment to excellence.”