golf beautifull grounds & best landscape

In this enjoyable effort to spread appreciation for golf-course architecture, Shackelford preaches a simple dogma: a course should be naturalistic, replete with tempting, playable shot options. Knowing that golf aficionados can sense the difference between playing an assembly-line course built during the 1970s and a mature one from the 1920s, Shackelford puts flesh on the bones of their intuition with a review of design schools. He extols the "strategic" school, exemplified by St. Andrews or Augusta National, which he justifies with detailed assessments of the famous Road Hole and Amen Corner, respectively. Caustic about designs he disdains, Shackelford is more than an armchair critic because he helped create a new public course in Southern California, illustrated, as are his other topics, with a profusion of sketches and photographs.

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, personnel development, operating within budget, active pursuit of industry-wide certifications and education, and more.

In addition to his commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, Ragsdale is also a true community leader, having contributed to several community relations programs, including Feed The Homeless and Habitat for Humanity.

We are happy to recognize Andy Ragsdale as our Golf Grounds Manager of the Year," said Robert Waller, Senior Director, Grounds Operations at Ritz-Carlton Golf. "Complementing his commitment to promoting environmental stewardship, Andy serves as a passionate leader and has consistently demonstrated the ability to maintain the highest standards that are synonymous with a Ritz-Carlton property.

Marriott Golf manages 59 golf courses at 43 locations in 12 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.