Garmany to retire as CEO of Troon Golf, will be replaced by Hinton

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Dana Garmany, chairman and founder of Troon Golf, has announced that he will retire from his role as chief executive officer with the company on Dec. 31, 2009.

As planned, the role of CEO will be taken over by Hud Hinton on Jan. 1, 2010. Hinton has served as president and chief operating officer of Troon Golf since 1999. Garmany will continue in his position as chairman of the board and will remain active in strategic company decisions. But all day-to-day activities and decision making will be handled by Hinton.

"While planning to be an active chairman, I look forward, with my current clean bill of health, to some new challenges and will enjoy some time with my wife and children as they have had a very tough go of it watching my battle with cancer over the last year," said Garmany. "It has been my distinct pleasure to lead Troon Golf for 20 years and I am confident our company will continue in its success long into the future."

Garmany founded Troon Golf in 1990 with Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., as its flagship property. Under Garmany's leadership, Troon Golf has grown to become a leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, encompassing nearly 200 golf courses in 26 countries and 31 states.

Garmany's success with Troon Golf, along with 25 years of industry experience developing and operating golf facilities worldwide has garnered countless recognition from golf's most prestigious accolades, including being named by both Golf Inc. and Golf Digest as one of the most powerful and influential people in golf. Garmany's influence has undeniably played a major role in redefining and raising the operational standards for domestic and international high-end daily-fee, resort, and private golf courses.

"On behalf of the entire board of directors, I am delighted to have Hud Hinton assume the CEO role in addition to his role as president," added Garmany. "Having worked with Hud for a number of years, I am certain he is the right person at the right time. I am confident of Troon's future under Hud's leadership."

Hinton is widely recognized as one of the hospitality industry's most experienced brand, franchise and third-party management experts. His experience in the hotel industry totals more than 25 years, and prior to joining Troon Golf in 1999, he was executive vice president, hotel operations, North America, for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

Previously, Hinton spent more than seven years as senior vice president, operations for Westin Hotels and Resorts. Earlier in his career, Hinton served as managing director of New York's Plaza Hotel and general manager of the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, Ariz.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world's largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 31 states and 26 countries. Additionally, 39 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Oneida Golf and Country Club, Green Bay, Wis.; Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Clubs at St. James Plantation, Southport, N.C.; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; and The Grove, London, England.