ROSE HALL, JAMAICA – June 11, 2008 – Mike Cole has been appointed director of golf for the awarding-winning 18-hole White Witch Golf Course, announced Bernd Kuhlen, general manager. The White Witch, Jamaica’s premier golf course, is owned and operated by The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica.
Mike’s career with The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort began in 2000 as a golf internship student from Ferris State University, Michigan. He played a key role in the opening of the course and went on to accept full-time positions as golf shop manager in 2002 and golf head professional in 2005. Over the past 8 years, Mike has helped lead the White Witch to many successes including several coveted accolades. The course was named the #1 Golf Resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure Golf magazine in 2006 and 2007; one of the “Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America, The Caribbean & Atlantic” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2007 and 2008; and recognized with the “Meetings & Conventions Gold Tee Award of Excellence” in 2001 and from 2004-2007.
“The allure of the course is amazing. I fell in love the minute I saw it when I first came to Jamaica and I haven’t looked back,” commented Cole. “Our Golf Concierges epitomize true professionalism and I am just honored to be able to work with them everyday on such a spectacular course,” he added.
As a PGA certified associate, Mike brings a wealth of golfing knowledge to the resort and was integral in training the White Witch team members, enabling them to pass the Playing Ability Test, which facilitates entry to the Professional Golf Association (PGA). “Mike’s service to our AAA Five Diamond resort and award-winning golf course has been truly exceptional and we are proud of his accomplishments,” commented General Manager Bernd Kuhlen.
About The White Witch Golf Course at Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall
Winding through the mountains of Jamaica's historic 5,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation, The White Witch golf course is carved out of 600 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside featuring panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from 16 of its 18 holes. As part of Jamaica’s premiere golf resort - The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort - the par-71, 6,719-yard course was so named by its creators, golf course architects Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, in reference to the 19th century beauty, Annee Palmer, who owned the 5,000-acre sugar plantation on which the course is built. The White Witch features a clubhouse complete with men's and women's locker rooms, a proshop, The White Witch Clubhouse restaurant and complimentary services of the resort's exclusive golf concierge.
For further information on The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica call toll free 800-826-9430, visit The Ritz-Carlton Web site at www.ritzcarlton.com or contact a travel professional.
