Last Update :10/30/2015

Barry Ryder Appointed Director of Golf At The Omni Homestead

Barry Ryder Appointed Director Of Golf At The Omni Homestead
Resort  Veteran of historic mountain resort's golf program fills shoes of longtime Golf Director Don Ryder 

Hot Springs, Va. (Oct. 15, 2015) - The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., has announced the appointment of Barry Ryder as director of golf. Barry Ryder, whose association with one of the nation's top golf resorts dates back more than three decades, is responsible for all golf operations at the historic mountain address, including play on the Cascades Course and the Old Course, as well as golf instruction and the golf pro shop. He follows his cousin, Don Ryder, who recently retired as head of the resort's golf operations, following a 42 year tenure at the resort.

"We are excited to promote Barry Ryder to Director of Golf. Through the years, he has proven to be an important asset to our resort and its golf program," said The Omni Homestead Resort Managing Director David Jurcak. "We have no doubt he will continue to have the same impact in his new role, and will continue the great leadership Don provided for so many years."

Barry Ryder has had a long and successful career at The Omni Homestead Resort. As the only person to have held the position of head golf professional at the Old Course, Lower Cascades and the Cascades, Barry Ryder is a true success story of The Omni Homestead Resort. Most recently, Barry Ryder served as head golf professional at the Old Course and golf school director.

He also previously held the position of director of golf schools for the resort and head instructor at the Old Course. In 2000, Barry Ryder was named head golf professional of the Cascades. He was also elected to PGA membership and was promoted to head golf professional at the Lower Cascades, several years after joining the PGA in 1989. Barry Ryder also served as a cart attendant at the Old Course for four years, after joining the resort in 1984 as a range picker. When not golfing or teaching the same, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities with his wife and two daughters.

This summer, Barry Ryder's cousin, Don Ryder, retired as director of golf at The Omni Homestead Resort. He remains associated with the resort as Director of Golf Emeritus. An accomplished player and respected teacher, Don Ryder was a past winner of the Middle Atlantic Professional Golf Association (MAPGA) Senior Championship, the Southern Chapter Senior Championship, and the MAPGA Senior-Junior Championship with Barry. Honored with the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) Service to Golf award, Don Ryder has been instrumental in promoting golf in Virginia through the VSGA, United States Golf Association, National Collegiate Athletic Association, as well as a many other national and regional groups.

About The Omni Homestead Resort

Celebrating its 250th Anniversary in 2016, The Omni Homestead Resort is one of America's most storied resorts, offering unparalleled hospitality and southern charm in a 2,000-acre setting within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia. Renowned for its natural healing springs, The Omni Homestead Resort is distinguished by 483 luxurious guest rooms and suites, 72,000 square feet of meeting space, a wide array of fine and casual dining choices, and more than 30 recreational amenities. The resort offers an expansive, luxurious spa with exclusive, adults-only spa garden and two championship golf courses including The Cascades, one of the nation's finest mountain courses. Allegheny Springs is a two-acre family-friendly water attraction complete with lazy river, water slides, family pool and water play zone. The resort also offers the South's first downhill ski area; a beautiful Equestrian Center with 28 stalls, visiting barn with 40 stalls and riding arena; top-rated Shooting Club with trap, skeet, sporting clays; fly-fishing; archery; falconry; off-road Segway tours; Mini Cascades, a new 18-hole miniature golf course and a wealth of other recreational attractions. The Homestead became part of Omni Hotels & Resorts on July 1, 2013.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts    

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 60 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. With over 20 world-class golf courses and award-winning spa retreats, to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its distinguished, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations and travel publications and was ranked "Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains" in the J.D. Power 2015 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

Resort Contact:
Lynn Swann
The Omni Homestead Resort
lynn.swann@omnihotels.com
540.839.7454

Media Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
908.963-6013

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