A lot of my fellow corporate executives like to play golf. I have a set of clubs, but they're a little bit rusty and I've got to tell you, golf is a handicap for me. I've never been able to play the game well and that's always been a frustration. I'm sure some of you know how I feel.
Despite my frustrations, it was more than three decades ago our company recognized the growing popularity of golf. Today, our Marriott Golf division is perhaps the world's largest resort golf management company.
It started back in 1970 when we acquired the legendary Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona and, with that, developed our first golf course. Today, our Marriott Golf division manages 62 golf courses at 46 different properties in 13 countries around the world.
Green is the dominant color in golf. I always love to look at a golf course and see those beautiful green fairways and lovely greens. But now our golf courses are becoming even greener and more environmentally friendly. Marriott Golf just announced that 34 courses they manage in North America will become certified by Audubon International by the end of this year.
Audubon International Certification is the gold standard in the golf industry, demonstrating a golf course's environmental stewardship. Certification is a very complex process. All of the courses have to meet six specific criteria set by the Audubon Society, such as water conservation, wildlife preservation and community involvement.
It's not just our North American courses that are taking part in the initiative. Our Royal St. Kitts Golf Club in St. Kitts in the Caribbean will receive its certification soon. Several other courses outside the United States are currently members of the Audubon Society and they're getting ready to begin the certification process as well. And many of our international courses that aren't members of the Audubon Society work closely with their own local environmental groups.
It's great to see something I feel so strongly about, like environmental stewardship, being incorporated into a sport that is so important to our business. Marriott's commitment to going green is spreading rapidly around our company - at our hotels, our headquarters and our golf courses around the world.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
In all fairness, I have heard from Mr. Waller at Marriott golf and they are trying to address this issue. I really didn't think the Marriott cared but they do. I am amazed and impressed. Keep up the good work Mr. Waller!
Mr. Goode,
Identifying alternative power sources for golf grounds maintenance equipment is an important next step in our overall "Green Strategy". Unfortunately, we have purchased electric / battery powers triplex greens mowers at a number of our properties with limited success. The battery power and quality of cut does not meet our current needs. We have used 1st generation walking greens mowers at a number of properties with more success. The battery power and quality of cut has improved. Obviously being battery powered the operational noise is significantly less than normal fossil fuel mowers.
We are working with two turf equipment manufactures on developing better battery powered mowing equipment with the intent to install these mowers at our properties as soon as the technology meets our expectations.
Please feel free to let me know should you have any further questions or concerns.
Once again, thank you for your note. Our organization continues to make every effort to ensure both our golf and hotel operations are as Green friendly as possible.
Thanks,
Robert Waller
Posted by: Jeff Goode | 03/25/2008 at 03:51 AM
Bill,
I know and respect you, and was delighted to hear what you said about golf being your handicap. It is mine too. The last Marriott golf course I was on was the Marriott Marco Island Resort, and it was the most difficult course I have ever been on, but I'm no Arnold Palmer, Tiger Williams, etc. So like you I have hung up the clubs.
I have always appreciated your honesty, integrity, and your business acumen.
I wish you many great years ahead of you in your personal life, business life, and your spiritual life.
May God continue to bless you, your family, and your business.
Happy Easter!
Posted by: Mike | 03/20/2008 at 02:05 PM
I would like to respectfully disagree with any Enviromentally Friendly Certification for any Marriott golf courses. They come around the golf courses at 5:00 am with lawnmowers and leaf blowers to dry the greens and scare any and all wildlife in the area as well as wake up guest of the hotel which i would not consider very community freindly. I have seen them scare nesting birds and turtles fisrt hand. I have brought this to the managements attention but nothing changes. I have even written to Mr. Marriott personally and have not heard back from him. We have even sent them articles from the aspen newspaper about eco-freindly electric lawn mowers which are less disturbing but they did not care. I would respectfully ask The Audobon Society to reconsider this certification. jeff goode
Posted by: jeff goode | 03/20/2008 at 05:49 AM
I wasn't sure where to send this comment but I felt compelled to get it to you somehow. Recently,March 8th, we stayed at the Tampa Courtyard on Cass st.
we arrived very late and realized that we had left one of our bags, most important one, in the cab. Our trip would have been ruined without it. Athough everyone was sympathetic and attemptng to help, th night vaet, CHris I believe was his name, took itas apersonal challenge to find our bag and get it returned. Approximately two hours later we had it back,got some rest and had a wonderfl vacation. This type of customer service is why we have become users of Marriott hotels nd vacation clubs. Maybe you guys can give Chris an atta boy. Thanks again
Posted by: Steve Allen | 03/19/2008 at 12:22 PM