Interview with Maureen Holden, Director of Marketing at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Sawgrass Marriott is a Florida oasis to be penciled in on every golfer’s bucket list and at the top of every planner’s mind for a golf resort destination.
1. Host golf-themed team-building activities
From start to finish, a group program at Sawgrass Marriott can have influence from the links. “We’ve definitely included our recreation department into meetings and events. For example, groups have had chipping contests as an ice breaker,” said Maureen Holden, Director of Marketing at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. For corporate groups, the resort has also hosted clambakes on the beach and cocktail parties by the pool, all nearby the course.
2. Offer outstanding guest room options
The hotel is situated just one mile from the shore, and right on the courses at TPC Sawgrass. Guest rooms either have a view of the sparkling pool, lagoon and waterfall or down the luscious fairways. All guest room décor reflects soothing earth tones gathered from the scenery outside window. Suites and on-property villas are also available to groups at the property for meetings and events. All rooms are restful options after a long day on the course.
3. Enjoy course after course
Nine restaurants on property give guests plenty to pick from. The resort has casual cafes and upscale experiences.Two of the on-property restaurants pay homage to their golf history. Vernon’s, a fresh seafood and steakhouse on property was named after Vernon Kelly, the real estate developer who helped craft both The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and the Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass with architects Pete and Alice Dye. The Golf Hall of Fame architect duo also have a restaurant after their namesake,Alice and Pete’s, a casual indoor/outdoor venue for local cuisine and cocktails with perfect observation of the links.
4. Change your pace of play
Whether your time on the course went too fast or a little sluggish, spend time afterwards relaxing at Ponte Vedra Beach, a convenient 5 minute shuttle ride. “Guests can also enjoy at the world class Sawgrass Spa, which is 25,000 square feet with 19 treatments rooms,” Holden said. For a trip off-property, the resort is only a short drive from the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine.
5. Get into the swing of it
The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass hosts The PLAYERS Championship every spring, one of the major stops on the PGA Tour. Guests of the resort have exclusive access to advance tee times on the iconic course, so they can try their hand at the notorious 17th hole, Island Green. Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass is a quieter, yet challenging alternative to savor your time on the rolling fairways. The Sawgrass Country Club, located across the street from the resort, was the host course of THE PLAYERS Championship until 1981. Today, the course offers 27 holes on three nines, where golfers can play in the footsteps of former Champions Jack Nichlaus, Lee Trevino, Mark Hayes, Raymond Floyd and Lanny Wadkins. Lastly, Marsh Landing Country Club is 18 holes of challenging intercoastal waterway course, designed by Ed Seay in 1986. The course is home to some of Florida’s most beloved wildlife, offering an unforgettable year-round golf experience to visitors.
The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation to the on-property villas, nine restaurants, and private beach club cabanas. All guests of the resort enjoy the same privileges as residents who belong to the private beach club.
Fast Facts:
Location: Ponte Vedra, Florida
Guestrooms: 510 (Will host groups as large as 350-500)
Distance to nearest airport: JAX, 35 minute drive
Meeting Space: 55,000 sq. ft all newly renovated.
Host Hotel of THE PLAYERS Championship
For more information, visit sawgrassmarriott.com