Marriott Golf Announces Annual Awards for Performance Excellence

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort Named Golf Property of the Year

(ORLANDO, Fla.) - Marriott Golf, the Global Golf Division of Marriott International, Inc. today announced its annual awards for golf excellence across the Company’s portfolio of properties.  JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida has been named Golf Property of the Year; Colin Gooch, Director of Golf Operations of Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, in Lexington, Kentucky, was named Golf Professional of the Year and Todd Evans, the Director of Grounds Operations at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida, was recognized as Golf Grounds Manager of the Year.

Property of the Year

Highlighting the annual awards, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, has been named Golf Property of the Year.  In addition to its successful Membership Program and earning the highest guest satisfaction ratings in  Marriott International’s Global Golf Division, JW Marriott Marco Island weathered  Hurricane Irma and extensive renovation work in order to re-open and operate its business.  The property is a consistent leader of the competitive Southwest Florida / Greater Naples resort and club market.    Some of the many award criteria for Golf Property of the Year include:  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 & leadership.

Golf Professional of the Yea

“Despite an extraordinary year of weather difficulties, JW Marriott Marco Island exceeded all of its goals and is a testament to hard work and dedication”, said Claye Atcheson, Vice President, Marriott Golf.  “The Golf team at the resort drives exceptional value for our Members and Resort Guests and deserves special recognition.”

Colin Gooch of Griffin Gate Marriott Resort was named Golf Professional of the Year.  Gooch 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.  Under Colin’s leadership, the property saw an increase in member participation and raised the most fundraising for Marriott Golf’s Hit the Green for Hope, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming, an introductory golf program for military Veterans with disabilities.  Colin created a tournament, hosted over Labor Day to support the cause.  Consideration for this prestigious award is based on performance excellence for current and previous years.

“Since assuming the Director of Golf Operations position at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort, Colin Gooch has found creative ways to market his golf club and drive value to its loyal members”, said Brett Stark, Senior Director, Marketing & eCommerce, Marriott Golf.  “It’s an honor to recognize Colin as our Golf Professional of the Year.”

Grounds Manager of the Year

A 13-year veteran of Marriott Golf, with the last 10 years leading the golf grounds team at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida, Director of Grounds Operations, Todd Evans, was recognized as Golf Grounds Manager of the Year.  Todd achieved record scores in associate satisfaction, an accident free workplace, charitable fundraising, and course conditioning measures.  His ability to produce consistent championship tier playing conditions is a key contributing factor in impressing a fully subscribed Membership.  Todd also guided the property through Hurricane Irma preparation and substantial recovery when the hurricane made landfall directly at Marco Island.  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.

“Todd Evans embodies the company philosophy – take care of associates and they will take care of the customer.  His leadership has led to one of the most engaged teams in the company.  For the last decade, his guidance has steered multiple projects, hurricane recovery, and property initiatives, all while maintaining exceptional playing conditions, said David Robinson, Senior Director, Grounds, Marriott Golf.  “We couldn’t be more proud to recognize Todd Evans as our Grounds Manager of the Year.”

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/explore-and-plan/golf.mi.