What had been a “relatively flat old course” when originally designed in 1966 for the Marco Island, Fla. property was lengthened and reworked with undulations, elevations and vistas, along with enlarged greens. “The modernized course should serve our membership very well over the next 50 years,” says the club’s Greens and Grounds Committee Chairman.
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort Earns Top Property Award
Other awards announced by Marriott Golf cited Colin Gooch of the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort as Golf Professional of the Year, and Todd Evans of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort as Golf Grounds Manager of the Year.
Deep Dive
Properties are heeding members’ requests for more elaborate, top-notch pool facilities, with projects that range from cosmetic updates to full-fledged, resort-style renovations. As one of the most ubiquitous components of club and resort life, pools are the bread and butter for many facilities. But once pools begin to degrade and no longer represent the lifestyle…
Marco Island (Fla.) Marriott Rebrands, Reinvents Itself
Now known as JW Marriott Marco Beach Resort, the property is undergoing a $320 million renovation that began in summer 2015. Construction of the new Lanai Tower, which will include a 12,000-sq. ft. indoor entertainment center, 94 adults-only rooms and over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, will be complete by October 2017, and the property will host an official grand opening in November 2017.
Hilton Marco Island (Fla.) Beach Resort & Spa to Debut $40M Renovation
In January 2017, the property will unveil an upgraded lobby, enlarged family and poolside suites, an updated outdoor pool, a new indoor/outdoor restaurant and corresponding grab-and-go outlet. The property is also expanding and upgrading its 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event spaces, including a new beachfront event lawn that will debut in fall 2017.
Marriott Golf Debuts College Links ’16 Program
As part of the year-round program, student golfers with a valid college ID can take advantage of discounted twilight green fees and carts at 17 golf courses in the Marriott Golf portfolio. The program is available after 3 p.m. any day of the week at participating courses, and tee times can be made up to three days in advance.
Florida, South Carolina, Texas Properties Reopen After Renovations
The Marco Island (Fla.) Marriott has reopened for guests after completing the first phase of a $250 million upgrade; Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head Island, S.C., will open its Harbour Town Golf Links in late September/early October; and Golf Club of Texas in San Antonio will welcome members on August 28 following completion of a $7 million club-wide renovation.
Marco Island (Fla.) Marriott Plans $4M Rookery GC Renovation
The resort’s Rookery Golf Course is scheduled to close for updates in late April with plans to re-open in November, undergoing installation of Platinum Paspalum turf and design changes to bunker complexes. Throughout construction, members and guests will be able to play the property’s second championship golf course, Hammock Bay.