JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa announces two new hires for their prestigious golf division: John Wright as the Director of Golf and Todd Iacono as Head Golf Pro. Palm Desert’s largest resort is known for its two 18-hole championship style courses set against the towering backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Both the Palm and Valley courses were designed by acclaimed architect Ted Robinson, “King of Waterscapes.” True to Ted Robinson’s signature style, the Palm Course is complemented by sprawling water features and rolling greens. Wrapping around the back of the Resort, the Valley course offers challenging bunkers, generous fairways, and undulating greens allowing for an unmatched, scenic golf experience that embraces the resort’s natural beauty. Each par-72 golf course is over 6,500 yards, catering to golfers of all levels and the Desert Springs Golf Club offers golf clinics, private lessons, group & event packages as well as snack bars and beverage carts. For easy booking, the hotel also has a JW Palm Desert App.
A true industry veteran with over two decades of hospitality and golf experience, John Wright has been selected as the new Director of Golf for JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. John joins the hotel from JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona where he spent most of his career, starting with his role as Director of Golf, Spa, Tennis & Retail, which followed his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.
At JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, John went on to hold many positions over the years, including, most recently, as Director of Room Operations, in which he oversaw many departments and logistical elements, and as Director of Club Memberships where he was responsible for Club and Golf revenue. He oversaw the resort’s Club Membership and Golf Department Operations including golf grounds, instruction and retail along with oversight of all golfing operational components including sales, staffing, training, budgeting, P&L management and ownership reporting.
John’s expertise in Golf will undoubtedly lead to continued achievements at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa where his role includes overseeing golf operations, racquet sports and the grounds. Some of John’s goals for the department include expanding membership and programming, encouraging group bookings, along with improving course conditions and “pace of play” with a new cart GPS system in place. The hotel is also currently refurbishing an 18-hole mini-championship putting course designed for all ages and great for team-building and private events.
The hotel also announces Todd Iacono as the new Head Golf Pro. Todd joins the hotel from his most recent position as First Assistant Golf Pro at Enagic Golf Club in Chula Vista, CA, where he oversaw a staff of 12, coordinated tournament operations and provided instruction for members, public and juniors.
Todd is a consummate golf professional and operations team leader with a passion for positively impacting private, public, resort, or military courses and clubs. Highly skilled in driving revenue, Todd has a long record of success developing programs, maintaining equipment, managing budgets, and enabling staff for success through coaching and training efforts. Todd’s passion and love for hospitality and golf brought him to JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa where his role includes overseeing lessons, the golf shop and merchandise as well as individual and tournament bookings.
For more information or to book, visit: Jwdesertsprings.247activities.com
