Benchmark Appoints David Swartzel Head Golf Superintendent
Bedford Springs Resort
HOUSTON, TX, August 7, 2006. Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of David Swartzel as head golf course superintendent for the historic Bedford Springs Resort. The landmark property near Bedford, Pennsylvania, which dates to 1796 and has served seven US Presidents, is engaged in a comprehensive restoration and expansion program. Included in the restoration is the Donald Ross Course, which is scheduled to reopen in June of 2007. Select golf holes at Bedford Springs date to 1895 and are thought to be some of the first golf holes installed in America. Greg French, vice president for Benchmark Hospitality, made the announcement.
"I am pleased to welcome David Swartzel to Benchmark as the head golf course superintendent at Bedford Springs Resort," said Mr. French. "David brings solid experience in golf course management to this position, having worked for top courses in Ohio and Pennsylvania."
As head golf course superintendent, Mr. Swartzel will oversee the construction and restoration process for the circa 1923 Donald Ross Course at Bedford Springs Resort.
Previously, David Swartzel was employed as head superintendent at the renowned Philadelphia Cricket Club of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, for the club's Hurdzan/Fry-designed Course completed in 2002. In this role, he gained valuable experience in overseeing the construction, grow-in and management of the all-important first years of operation, which he will utilize in his new appointment at Bedford Springs Resort.
Swartzel originally joined the property as assistant golf course superintendent for the 1922 Tillinghast-designed course that is in the Top 100, according to Golf Digest. The historic facility hosted the United States Open Championship in 1907 and 1910.
Mr. Swartzel worked previously for the Double Eagle Club in Galena, Ohio, and later for the Tom Fazio-designed Sand Ridge Golf Club in Chardon, Ohio. He is a graduate of Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Agronomy, specializing in turf grass management, with a minor in Agricultural Business and Applied Economics. He and his family are relocating to Bedford Springs.
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