Marriott Golf has named Scott Bender, Director of Grounds for Griffin Gate Golf Club in Lexington, Ky., as its 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.  As a highlight of this effort, which was 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.