USPTA World Conference Awards BallenIsles GM Derrick Barnett "Facility Manager of the Year"

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Honoring those who stand out and go above and beyond in all aspects of the tennis industry, the United States Professional Tennis Association has awarded BallenIsles General Manager Derrick Barnett "Facility Manager of the Year - Large Facility," during its annual World Conference Sept. 19-24.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110930/FL77560 )

This is the second USPTA award this year to Barnett. Earlier this summer, the USPTA Florida Division also recognized his leadership with the distinction, "Facility Manager of the Year."

Announcing the award, the USPTA noted that Barnett oversaw the planning, design and completion of a 62,000-square-foot sports complex with extensive tennis and fitness facilities at BallenIsles.

"He also approved additional special event funds targeted to create excitement and promote the sport of tennis," the USPTA stated. This has included a calendar full of exhibition matches with current and former tour players.

"The club, which has more than 1,400 members, a 62,000-square-foot clubhouse, 22 tennis courts, pro shop, pilates, aerobics and spinning studio, and physical therapy suite, requires all tennis-teaching professionals to be USPTA certified. All tennis professionals are encouraged to participate in local workshops, maintain membership and attend conventions, all of which the club supports financially. The club also believes in giving back to the community by donating courts for at least six charity tournaments a year and by supporting various outreach programs, including free clinics through Tennis Across America and First Serve," the USPTA award announcement noted.

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.

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.

Also 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 [email protected]

SOURCE BallenIsles Country Club