TROON HONORS FACILITIES AND ASSOCIATES FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
“Best of the Best” Recognized During the 2012 Troon Leadership Conference
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to recognize the following facilities and individuals for outstanding performances in 2011. Winners were announced at the 2012 Troon Leadership Conference, which recently took place in Scottsdale, Ariz., January 17-19. Congratulations to the following award winners:
“FACILITY OF THE YEAR”
Whirlwind Golf Club, Arizona
Whirlwind was listed among the top five golf facilities in every measurable performance category, finishing as a finalist for four Troon Rock Star Awards – winning one with the best Associate Satisfaction Net Promoter Score(NPS). The facility excelled in Troon Rewards sign ups and experienced superior associate survey scores with 93 percent of the staff identified as property promoters and 94 percent as Troon promoters. Finalists for the award included The Grove, Lion Lake Country Club and Indian Wells Golf Resort.
“GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR”
Mark Nordman, Colonial Country Club, Florida
Mark is a true ambassador for Troon and lives its guiding principles by maintaining a strong sense of balance between financial success of the community at Colonial Country Club with a desire to deliver unparalleled service. He received top Owner Survey Scores and increased both membership and revenues at Colonial in 2011. One comment received from Mark’s nomination stated, “He is a true professional who continues to exceed the expectation of our owners.” Finalists for the award included Marty Hoeffken, Whirlwind Golf Club, Derrick Barnett, BallenIsles Country Club, and Anna Darnell, The Grove.
“ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR”
Trisha Ferguson, Colonial Country Club, Florida
Trisha is an extremely dedicated, caring, skillful and competent professional. She has the total trust and faith of the club’s staff of 120 associates, club board of directors, finance committee and 1,700 members. She embodies all of the qualities that represent the values of Troon. Finalists for the award included Eduardo Garcia, The Westin La Cantera Resort, Gary Stockinger, The Muttontown Club, Melad Botros, The Allegria Golf Club, Bituin Gaoeon, The Montgomerie Dubai, and Ariadna Juarez, Troon North Golf Club.
“SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR”
David Stout, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Arizona
David has shown enormous creative value for his owners and members through taking on numerous responsibilities outside his core duties. In 2011, David completed a large greens renovation project by using no capital dollars and took over a large hotel grounds operation, all while saving the property significant dollars and improving maintenance quality at the same time! David is a strong leader and is constantly looking for ways to show additional value. Finalists for the award included Conrad Broussard, St. James Plantation, Kyle Jones, Yocha Dehe Golf Club, and Andrew Whittaker, Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“MOST IMPROVED FACILITY OF THE YEAR”
Ironhorse Golf Club, Kansas
This award is given only to properties demonstrating a true “success story” and Ironhorse saw substantial improvements in multiple performance areas because of its diligent and hard-working team. It saw substantial increases in revenue and net operating income in 2011 and earned a “Top 100 Golf Shop” award for the first time. The condition of the course and improved customer service has truly created a new excitement in the area’s golf community. Finalists for the award included Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club and Settlers Run Golf & Country Club.
“FACILITY NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR”
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, Spain
A determined focus on quality and service helped Las Colinas grow in 2011. In the midst of a down market, Las Colinas achieved 36,000 rounds of golf in its first full year of operation with impressive revenues and average daily rate figures. Las Colinas entered Golf World’s latest list of the “Top 100 Courses in Europe” for the first time and hosted a successful Q school tournament for the European Tour. Finalists for the award included Makai Golf Club, Kapalua and Silver Creek Valley Country Club.
“TURNAROUND FACILITY OF THE YEAR”
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, Arizona
After finishing runner up for this award in 2010, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes continued to have exceptional years, marked by consistent financial turnarounds with major increases in revenue growth and net operating income. Lead by a major capital investment by its ownership, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, this accomplishment also involved the entire staff and leadership team striving to exceed the expectations of its customers. Finalists for the award included Lumine Golf Club and Camp Creek Golf Club.
“FOOD & BEVERAGE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR”
Andre Johns, The Els Club, UAE
During challenging economic times in Dubai, Andre has proven his immense value to Troon by showing a mastermind for creating successful food & beverage events. Beginning with a Brae barbeque, which attracted 200 locals, his events have grown to thousands of people. For example, Andre and his team recently hosted a catering event for 16,000 people at the community’s cricket stadium. Finalists included Shelly Bonino, Conestoga Golf Club, and Robert Astraikas, St. James Plantation.
“GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR”
Brian Kelley, BallenIsles Country Club, Florida
Brian has made a substantial impact at BallenIsles winning over respect from the members and admiration from his team. During his time at the club, Brian has improved its retail offering and taken on an influential role in growing the game through junior programs and instruction. His professionalism and aptitude in club operations set him apart in the industry. Finalists included Josh Lowney, Brynwood Golf & Country Club, and Josh Shepard, The Muttontown Club.
“PROPERTY SUPPORT ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR”
Jen Schaeffer, Corporate Office, Arizona
Jen has an infectious attitude that brings energy and excitement to the field. She sets her standards extremely high and encourages those around her to always improve. One nomination letter stated that “she controls the lifeblood of our company and does it extremely well.” Finalists included Guy Sugden and Tom Enders.
“W.I.T.S” (WALK IN THEIR SHOES) AWARD
Stephen Havrilla, Alpensia Golf & Country Club, South Korea
The “W.I.T.S” Award was created to recognize those who overcome hardships and exceed at promoting the Troon brand and operating philosophy under challenging conditions. Stephen lives in a region where less than one percent of the population speaks English and has endured difficult circumstances while on the job. However, he never complains and simply gets the job done. Finalists included Scott Christenson, Golfshire Club, and Russell Redford, previously at Bamm Hallow.
“AWARD OF EXCELLENCE”
Jeff Spangler, Corporate Office, Arizona
The Award of Excellence is chosen by the executive committee and awarded only on the most deserved occasions. Jeff has a way of inspiring everyone around him to strive at being better. He has a passion and enthusiasm for his work that is unmatched in the industry and delivers value in everything he does. Troon would not be the same company without Jeff and his intense devotion to his work.
“TROON AMBASSADOR AWARD”
Alex Nakajima, Makai Golf Club, Hawaii
Alex has consistently endorsed the company and gone above and beyond to promote Troon throughout the world. He spent several years in Japan solidifying opportunities for the company and has most recently led a successful re-launch of Makai Golf Club. Alex makes frequent trips oversees to promote his facility and is constantly “selling Troon” in everything he does.
TROON “ROCK STARS”
Several evaluation surveys revealed the following top performers in areas of leadership, member and guest satisfaction, and overall performance.
Associate Satisfaction (Overall) – The Revere Golf Club
Associate Satisfaction (NPS) – Whirlwind Golf Club
Guest Satisfaction (Overall) – Yocha Dehe Golf Club
Guest Satisfaction (NPS) – The Westin La Cantera Resort
Member Satisfaction (Overall) – The Rocks
Member Satisfaction (NPS) – Fieldstone Golf Club
Owner Satisfaction (All 5s and 10 Promoter) – Classic Club; Colonial Country Club; Poston Butte Golf Club; Giant’s Ridge Golf & Ski Resort; Fieldstone Golf Club; The Rocks; Lake of Isles; and
Makai Golf Club
Troon Rewards Signups (Domestic) – Yocha Dehe Golf Club
Troon Rewards Signups (International) – The Montgomerie, Dubai
Top Line Sales Improvement – Talking Stick Golf Club
Membership Sales – Ocean Edge Resort & Club
Public Relations – Indian Wells Golf Resort
“Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you for consistently going above and beyond to deliver the Troon Experience,” stated John Easterbrook, Troon’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 is the world?s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at Troon Golf® (daily-fee & resort) and Troon Privé (private) properties located in 29 states and 27 countries. Additionally, 47 Troon facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon 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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