ORLANDO, Florida (May 8, 2021) – Marriott Golf, the Global Golf Division of Marriott International, Inc. recently announced its annual awards for golf excellence across the Company’s portfolio of properties.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona was named Golf Property of the Year; Chris Major, General Manager of Golf Operations of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, in Marco Island, Florida, was named Golf Professional of the Year ,and Josh Kelley, Director of Grounds Operations at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, was recognized as Golf Grounds Manager of the Year.
Highlighting the annual awards, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, has been named Golf Property of the Year. In addition to its successful year-over-year business metrics especially during a world pandemic, Camelback Golf Club was the first in Arizona to implement all of Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols.
The property consistently ranks in the Marriott International’s Global Golf Division as a favorite of loyal Marriott Bonvoy customers as well as a consistent leader in the highly competitive Phoenix/Arizona 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 conditions, innovative program development, customer satisfaction, and personnel training & leadership.
“Despite an extraordinary year of weathering their business with a pandemic, JW Marriott Camelback exceeded all of its goals and is a testament to hard work and dedication”, said William Nault, Vice President, Marriott Golf. “The Golf team at the resort drives exceptional value for our Members, Resort Guests, and loyal local customers and deserves special recognition.”
Major of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort was named Golf Professional of the Year. Major 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 Major’s leadership, the property raised the most fundraising for Marriott Golf’s commitment to support Children’s Miracle Network’s Play Yellow campaign as well as for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming, an introductory golf program for military veterans with disabilities.
“Chris consistently leads his team at both The Rookery and Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club in providing a world-class golf experience for its Members and Resort Guests alike”, said James Keane, Senior Director, Golf Operations & Development Planning. “It’s an honor to recognize Chris as our Golf Professional of the Year.”
A 15-year veteran of Marriott Golf, leading the golf and resort teams at Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, Josh Kelley was recognized as Golf Grounds Manager of the Year.
Kelley 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 Membership, local players, and resort travelers.
Some of the criteria for this award include overall turf grass condition, member and guest satisfaction scores, employee satisfaction scores, loss prevention efforts, staff development, financial management, and continuing education efforts.
“Josh Kelley embodies the company philosophy – take care of associates and they will take care of the customer,” said David Robinson, Senior Director, Grounds, Marriott Golf. “His leadership has led to one of the most engaged teams in the company. For the last 15 years, his commitment to excellent has lead him to implement innovative ideas, try new things and learn from the results, and guide the property through multiple projects, including most recently, overseeing a complete build of an island green.
“We couldn’t be prouder to recognize Josh Kelley as our Golf Grounds Manager of the Year”.
Marriott’s Global Golf Division manages 50 courses in 15 countries across 5 continents, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf for Marriott International lodging brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, Gaylord Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, and Marriott Golf Academy.
Since 1970, Marriott has been a recognized leader of integrated resort and golf operations, through its award-winning business results and renowned service culture. Marriott provides golf development expertise, golf management, and consulting services to a unique variety of hospitality environments including resorts, private membership clubs, daily fee courses, golf schools, and franchises.
For more information, visit www.marriott.com/explore-and-plan/golf.mi.
