As part of its ongoing golf venue investment programme, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, the UK’s largest independent hotel group, has further enhanced its senior golf management team with the appointment of Mark Lloyd and Ian Berry as Directors of Golf.
Mark Lloyd, a former PGA Professional who boasts more than 12 years’ experience in golf operations management, joins as Director of Golf at Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa, while Ian Berry, who has held management and sales positions at a number of businesses and golf resorts, is the new Director of Golf at Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa.
Mark and Ian have been given the remit to further enhance the service levels, the golf courses and the overall experience of visiting golfers, as well as managing the membership growth and driving corporate business at both resorts.
Commenting on the new appointments, Keith Pickard, Group Director of Golf and Health & Fitness at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts said: “Both Mark and Ian have strong track records within the golf industry and are great additions to the management team.
“We have always aimed at creating a special experience for visiting golfers and I have no doubt that they will make a positive contribution to the further development of Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa and Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa.”
The new appointments follow the £550,000 investment in course upgrades at the five UK venues, alongside the £1 million development of the new clubhouse at Macdonald Aviemore Resort in 2013 and the £10 million renovations of its hotels during 2015, as part of the group’s commitment to providing luxury accommodation to all visitors.
Keith added: “We have an excellent team, which is made stronger by these two appointments, and following the strategic investment programme over the past three years, designed to further enhance playing conditions and the customer experience, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts approaches 2017 in impressive shape.”
Alongside the five golf venues, the group’s portfolio includes 18 golf-related hotels in the UK, four golf hotels on the Costa del Sol, two in the Algarve and one in Ireland.
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk