MARRIOTT GOLF NAMES SCOTT BENDER GOLF GROUNDS MANAGER OF THE YEAR

ORLANDO, Fla. … June 19, 2009,Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, recently announced Scott Bender, Director of Grounds for Griffin Gate Golf Club, located in Lexington, Ky., was named Golf Grounds Manager of the Year. The award is based on performance excellence for current and previous years in various categories, including maintaining turfgrass conditions, successful large scale renovation or construction projects, loss prevention efforts, active pursuit of industry-wide certifications and education, and more.

Under Bender’s direction, Griffin Gate Golf Club earned certification through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program in 2008. A highlight of this effort, and as part of the property’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Bender spearheaded a community project with a local Boy Scouts Troop to build bat boxes on property.

“Scott Bender exemplifies the qualities of a great leader,” said David Robinson, Director of Golf Grounds, Marriott Golf. “His dedication, environmental prowess, and genuine desire to constantly improve the guest experience has made Griffin Gate Golf Club a superior facility in the state of Kentucky. On behalf of the Marriott Golf family, we are thrilled to recognize Scott for his commitment to excellence.”

Bender is currently The Kentucky Turfgrass Council Vice President and also served as a member of the Central Kentucky Turf and Ornamental Association for three years. Further, Bender was the first Golf Course Superintendent ever asked to join the Kentucky Golf Association Board of Directors, and he was recognized with the Environmental Commission Award from the Mayor of Lexington.

About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 57 golf courses at 41 locations in 11 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.

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