Media Coverage
Club & Resort Business Magazine
Read the archived Press Release below.
Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. June 20, 2011 – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Florida Division has awarded the distinction “Facility Manager of the Year” to BallenIsles Country Club General Manager Derrick Barnett.
Barnett’s stellar accomplishments were recognized at the USPTA awards ceremony during the 2011 USPTA Florida Division Annual Convention at Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
“On behalf of the Florida Division Board, we would like to thank you for your dedication and professionalism. Your efforts are what make the Florida Division stand out as the best in our association. We congratulate you for your achievement. It is an honor and privilege to work with you,” The USPTA Florida Division Board noted in its award announcement letter.
“Facility Manager of the Year” is judged by the USPTA in several areas, including: Encouraging professional development of facility staff; Promotion of tennis in the facility environment; Support for USPTA education and professional development opportunities; Hiring and supporting USPTA-certified tennis professionals; Organizational affiliations and special achievements in the tennis facility industry and Contributions to the tennis community.
Barnett’s tenure at BallenIsles has overseen some extraordinary capital improvements including a $9 million East golf course redesign, a new BallenIsles Golf Academy, a $3.6 million refurbishment of BallenIsles Grand Clubhouse and a brand new $26 million Sports Complex. Set on 62,000 square feet amidst BallenIsles’ tropical oasis of 1,300 acres, it is adjacent to a world class 22-court tennis complex complete with an exhibition tennis court and stadium seating.
BallenIsles’ exceptional facilities have a distinguished history as the choice of many professional athletes for both practice and competition. The highly valued tennis program at BallenIsles continues to attract a Who’s Who of former and current Grand Slam champions including Venus Williams, Virginia Wade, Stan Smith, Fred Stolle, Mats Wilander, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy, Mikael Pernfors, Jimmy Arias, Aaron Krickstein, Van Winitsky, Gigi Fernandez and Alina Jidkova.
Earlier this year, out of nearly 200 Clubs managed worldwide by Troon Golf, BallenIsles was awarded “Facility of the Year”. For more information visit www.BallenIsles.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Hopkinson, NewsMark Public Relations
561-852-5767 mhopkinson@newsmarkpr.com
