(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 inaugural “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 winners of the coveted “Chairman’s Award” and “Superintendents Chairman’s Award” were also revealed. 

The winners were announced at the “Buffalo Strong Celebration” in Orlando. The event brought together general managers, superintendents and other key employees from more than 130 BCG- and Billy Casper Signature-managed facilities across the country.  

“Bringing everyone together, we knew we couldn’t miss the opportunity to honor the exceptional team members and facilities on a national level that have achieved outstanding business results, instilled a culture of acing the employee, guest and client experience, all while holding true to the Billy Casper Golf company values,” said Katie Barongan, Vice President of Human Resources.

Alta Vista Country Club – the esteemed private golf club in scenic Orange County – took home the coveted Buffy Award for “Facility of the Year.” The club also earned regional awards for “Top Performer of the Year” and “Food & Beverage Operation of the Year.” Alta Vista employees Taryn Weickert and Karl Reul earned regional awards for “Salesperson of the Year” and “General Manager of the Year,” respectively. 

Juan Perez of Indian River Preserve Golf Club in Mims, Fla., earned the Buffy Award for “Superintendent of the Year.” Perez recently led significant course enhancements – including a complete greens restoration – and the construction of a new clubhouse. Following the impressive project, the club changed its name from Walkabout Golf Club to Indian River Golf Club.  

Bruce Grundlock of Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, N.J., took home the Buffy Award for “General Manager of the Year.” One of the Garden State’s top facilities, Royce Brook features two championship golf courses. The parkland-style East Course is open to both the public and members of the Club while the links-style West Course is restricted to member play.  

Sanctuary Lake Golf Course in Troy, Mich., earned the Buffy Award for “Top Performer of the Year.” Prince William Golf Course in Nokesville, Va., earned the national “ACE Award,” presented to the facility that embodied the best overall employee, guest and member experience. Eileen Lacy, Entity Specialist at Billy Casper Golf’s Virginia Support Office (VSO), won the Buffy Award for “VSO Employee of the Year.” 

Arguably the most prestigious honors of the night, the Chairman’s Awards, were presented to two exceptional employees based on their outstanding dedication and commitment to the BCG values. Michael Stevens, a Regional Director of Agronomy based in the southeast, earned the “Superintendents Chairman’s Award.”   

Joel Gohlmann, Senior Vice President of Operations, earned the “Chairman’s Award.” Gohlmann has been with BCG for over a decade; he joined the team in 2005 as Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager. In his current role, he guides client relations, staffing, budgeting, business planning, marketing, agronomy and portfolio growth. 

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