De Vere Utilises Expertise Across Portfolio to Guarentee Finest Golf Course Conditioning

De Vere Hotels & Resorts has long been renowned for its leading portfolio of golf resorts across the UK and can now boast that its golf courses are in the best condition ever, as a result of the meticulous audit process which utilises the expertise of teams from across each of the locations.

The in-depth process looks to develop the conditioning and standards of each golf course within the portfolio by rating key areas influencing guests enjoyment during their round. The points based system analyses each aspect of the golf courses, from greens, tees, fairways, approaches, bunkers, and the overall agronomy of the course, which ensures that any improvements are not at the expense of good practices.

Each De Vere golf course performs its own audit on a quarterly basis allowing the course manager to work with key hotel staff and the Resort General Manager to establish an overall picture of the course conditioning. Each course is then independently audited twice a year in collaboration with the Course Manager and General Manager, so that any required improvements can be identified and adequate resources allocated.

This dedicated process further underlines the exacting detail that goes into producing the finest golf courses across the De Vere Golf portfolio, and underlines the significance placed upon creating the best possible guest experiences.

The latest audit, which accounted for 2014 Year-to-Date until the end of August, saw the golf courses reach their highest ratings since the audit was introduced in 2009. As the Group Golf Courses & Estates Manager, Jim Brown, who conducts the process points out, this has highlighted the success of recent investments made across the golf courses.

“Following last year’s audit, we made significant investments across the courses, particularly with drainage, and this is where we have seen the greatest improvements when conducting the process this year,” comments Brown. “This work has ensured significantly less course closures for members and guests and has also protected the courses better. We have seen much more consistency and quality in the turf, despite record rainfall throughout Spring.

“Our resorts have always been known as some of the UK’s best courses in the summer, but we wanted to develop our product and improve golfing experiences all year round. We introduced the audit process five years ago and it has been hugely beneficial across the board. It allows the Course Managers to take a step back and look at the wider perspective, and also involves the key individuals from the hotel within the process to ensure all parties are aligned.

Amongst the specific resorts to standout form the audits, was Heron’s Reach in Blackpool, which scored the highest marks of any course over the two most recent audits, displaying exceptional greens and all-round conditioning. The Carrick on Loch Lomond has seen a distinct reduction in the number of closure days following drainage investments over the past 12 months.

 “At the end, we produce a schedule of works to make the relevant improvements, whether that means looking at new processes, allocation of resources or possible investment,” continued Brown. “There is also a league table, which adds an element of competitiveness between the resorts.”

The process underlines De Vere’s commitment to providing the finest golfing experiences for members and guests alike, from pristinely conditioned golf courses, through to the sublime off-course facilities, and renowned levels of hospitality.

For more information visit www.DeVereGolf.co.uk