Billy Casper Golf Announces ‘Buffy Award’ Winners
(RESTON, Va.) – Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – the highly respected and innovative management partner for golf courses, country clubs and resorts – has announced the winners of the second annual “Buffy Awards.”
The national awards recognize the “best of the best” in six categories including “General Manager of the Year”, “Superintendent of the Year” and “Facility of the Year”.
“The Buffy Awards recognize the hard work, dedication and passion of our employees,” says Joel Gohlmann BCG Executive Vice President of Operations. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our exceptional teammates.”
Sanctuary Lake Golf Course in Troy, Mich., earned the coveted Buffy Award for “Facility of the Year.” Last year, Sanctuary Lake took home the inaugural Buffy Award for “Top Performer of the Year.” Situated a half-hour north of Detroit, the links-style layout offers one of the most unique golf experiences in the region. The par-71 course is built on 190 acres of rolling landscape with 80 strategically-placed bunkers and small, undulating bent grass greens. In addition to a memorable course, Sanctuary Lakes also boasts an impressive practice area featuring 70 hitting stations with both natural and artificial hitting surfaces and two practice greens.
This year’s Buffy Award for “Top Performer of the Year” went to Quarry Pines Golf Club in Tucson, Ariz. One of southern Arizona’s premier public courses, Quarry Pines offers a mix of dramatic elevation changes and stunning mountain views over 18 enjoyable holes.
Lester Park Golf Course in Duluth, Minn., earned the national “ACE Award,” presented to the facility that embodied the best overall employee, guest and member experience. Every BCG employee – from general manager to starter, golf shop clerk to maintenance crew member – experiences ACE the GUEST Experience, a proprietary employee training and coaching program.
Three BCG individuals – Pat Franklin, Nick Rash and Hans Mahler – were also recognized for their outstanding work.
Franklin of The Meadows Country Club in Sarasota, Fla., took home the Buffy Award for “Superintendent of the Year.” A three-year veteran of BCG, he has been a superintendent for more than twenty-eight years. His expertise in agronomy has been integral to BCG’s success at multiple facilities.
Rash was named “General Manager of the Year” for his stellar work at Highland Woods Golf Course in Hoffman Estates, Ill. “Nick committed himself and his team to a vision of quality in 2017 and then provided the resources, training and process to see the vision through to execution,” says Bill Rehanek, BCG Senior Vice President of Operations. “Both of Nick’s properties showed significant improvements last year – first in the quality and consistency of the experience, then in the quality of the sales and marketing effort and finally in the financial performance. Nick and his team got the details right, and in our business that makes all the difference!”
Mahler, Accounts Payable Supervisor at BCG’s Virginia Support Office (VSO) earned the title of “VSO Employee of the Year.” “Hans leads by example,” says Anthony Scala, CFO. “I’m fortunate to see his hard work, dedication and unprecedented positive attitude – despite constantly being pulled in a million directions – every day.”
The winners were announced on the May all-staff call, a monthly meeting which brings together employees from BCG- and Billy Casper Signature-managed courses across the country.
For the list of regional award winners, click here.
About Billy Casper Golf
Billy Casper Golf (BCG) is one of the largest privately owned golf course management companies in the U.S., with nearly 150 properties in 29 states. Headquartered in Reston, VA – with regional offices across America – BCG has more than 25 years of results-driven expertise. The company specializes in full-service course management as well as assistance in specific segments of the golf business, including: course and property maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, food and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management.
BCG continues to evolve the golf experience through customized solutions and innovative programs like the annual World’s Largest Golf Outing – a national golf fundraiser conceived by BCG Chairman and CEO, Peter Hill. The company recently launched its newest management solution, Billy Casper Signature, as a boutique division that specializes in country club, resort and private club management.
More information: www.billycaspergolf.com, 703.761.1444
