Proud of Our Accomplishments

Turf Valley operates two championship golf courses, Original and Hialeah, in Ellicott City, Maryland.  They recently completed a successful two-year renovation that started in August of 2020, with a full re-opening on June 1st, 2022. Turf Valley's Original golf course opened in 1959 and has undergone many changes and improvements over the decades, including the addition of the Hialeah course. A full renovation was necessary due to the age of the golf course and to incorporate modern design principles and sustainable practices. There has been much anticipation of the newly renovated courses, which have seen a significant uptick in the number of rounds played over the past four months. The advantage of having two courses allowed one to be closed for the 9-month renovation, while the other remained open to members of Turf Valley.

Turf Valley contracted with McDonald & Sons, Inc. to complete the renovation project on both 18-hole golf courses. As a premier builder in the golf course industry, McDonald & Sons utilizes innovative construction and design techniques. Conservation was an important factor of the renovation and included the installation of a state-of-the art irrigation system to reduce overall water consumption. In addition, the sand bunkers were rebuilt using the Better Billy Bunker drainage system and the tee boxes were reconstructed to increase playability. The greens underwent perimeter adjustments to take advantage of topography and control water movement and drainage. A re-grassing of surfaces was completed using heat and drought tolerant grass varieties and the cart paths were replaced for a smoother ride.

Turf Valley's golf courses are designated as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" and one of 19 golf courses in Maryland to hold the title. Turf Valley first received the certification in 2019 and every three years must undergo a recertification process, which they completed in May 2022. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a variety of areas.

"Turf Valley's golf course renovation was the primary focus of the grounds department efforts over the past two years. Upgrades to our irrigation system, grass variety selection and geofencing technology installation were key components of the overall renovation," said Jeff Roeder, Golf Course Superintendent at Turf Valley Resort.

The golf courses at Turf Valley are private and are available to members and hotel guests. A variety of overnight golf packages are available for non-members to experience the newly renovated golf courses. A virtual tour on Turf Valley's website provides a bird's eye view and details of each hole.

 

About Turf Valley Resort:

A private Maryland golf resort, Turf Valley offers 36 holes of championship golf on our newly renovated courses for members and resort guests. Golfers of all skill levels can experience two distinctive 18-hole golf courses, each providing a unique playing experience.

In addition, Turf Valley Resort is a conference, events, and wedding venue offering full-service catering and a hotel with 172 rooms overlooking the golf courses. Located in Howard County, Maryland, Turf Valley Resort is easily accessible from Columbia, Baltimore, and surrounding areas.

Turf Valley Resort is proud to announce it has retained its designation as "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary"  through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Turf Valley Resort is one of 19 golf courses in Maryland and over 900 in the world to hold the title of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

"Turf Valley Resort has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on their golf course property," said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.

Turf Valley's golf courses were first designated a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in April of 2019. Every three years courses must undergo a recertification process, which Turf Valley completed in May 2022.

"Turf Valley Resort's commitment to establishing and expanding acreage with native, low maintenance vegetation and maintaining native areas is exceptional. They continue to maximize their wildlife habitat and reduce water usage," says Scott Turner, Environmental Program Specialist, who performed the site visit.

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in several areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

Turf Valley's accomplishments include:

• Reduced irrigated turf areas by over 40 acres
• Invested in geofencing technology to deter golfers from disturbing sensitive areas
• Planted heat and drought tolerant grass varieties during golf course renovation
• Updated the design and piping of irrigation sprinklers to reduce water consumption
• Maintain pollinator habitat through the Monarchs in the Rough program
• Created habitat and corridors for wildlife through the naturalization of out of play areas

"Turf Valley's golf course renovation was the primary focus of the grounds department efforts over the past two years. Upgrades to our irrigation system, grass variety selection and geofencing technology installation were key components to recertification.  I look forward to devoting more time to environmental outreach and education projects with our staff and members moving forward," said Jeff Roeder, Golf Course Superintendent at Turf Valley Resort.

 

About Turf Valley Resort:

A private Maryland golf resort, Turf Valley offers 36 holes of championship golf on our newly renovated courses for members and resort guests. Golfers of all skill levels can experience two distinctive 18-hole golf courses, each providing a unique playing experience.

In addition, Turf Valley Resort is a conference, events, and wedding venue offering full-service catering and a hotel with 172 rooms overlooking the golf courses. Located in Howard County, Maryland, Turf Valley Resort is easily accessible from Columbia, Baltimore, and surrounding areas.

Turf Valley Resort is proud to announce Donna Robbins, Human Resources Director, has been named a 2022 Manager of the Year by The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) in this year's Stars of the Industry. MHLA is a trade-based membership organization representing Maryland's billion dollar-lodging industry. Employee are nominated by hotels who are current MHLA members in good standing.

Winners were announced at the 32^nd annual MHLA Stars of the Industry Awards, held April 26 in Towson. The awards event recognizes hotels and team members who have gone above and beyond to provide excellent service to their guests and communities. Nominations were submitted by MHLA members and winners were chosen in 11 categories, celebrating the contributions of every hotel department, including managers, general managers, and front-line staff.  

"Donna Robbin is very deserving of this award as she is a huge advocate for every single employee working at Turf Valley Resort. Throughout the pandemic, she remained in constant communication with staff and managers about the ever-changing CDC guidelines. She ensured a safe environment for employees, as well as prevent exposures throughout the property. Donna has been in a director's role for 11 years and continues to challenge herself by taking on new responsibilities and always ensuring our employees work together as a cohesive, thoughtful team," said Pete Mangione, General Manager of Turf Valley Resort.

"This year's Stars of the Industry are all extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated their innovation, professionalism, and enthusiasm for their work," said Amy Rohrer, President & CEO, MHLA. "These are the people who make Maryland's hotel industry so special, and the reason we have persevered through the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These team members have risen to every challenge and remained committed to providing outstanding service to their guests, properties, and the community at large, and we are especially proud to celebrate their accomplishments."

Ellicott City, MD (April 12, 2019) - Turf Valley Resort has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Jeff Roeder, Golf Course Superintendent, completed the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. Turf Valley Resort is one of 22 golf courses in Maryland and 912 in the world to hold the title of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

"Turf Valley Resort has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Kane. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Turf Valley's accomplishments include:

• Establishing pollinator habitat through the Monarchs in the Rough program
• Reducing water consumption on the course by reducing irrigated turf areas by over 40 acres
• Creating habitat and corridors for wildlife through the naturalization of out of play areas.

"Working towards certification within Audubon International has reinforced and improved the golf course maintenance departments practices. We have developed a golf facility that is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to the environment. Turf Valley will continue to enhance wildlife habitats, protect our natural resources and be Environmental Stewards," said Roeder.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

An exceptional Maryland golf club, Turf Valley Resort invites golfers of all skill levels to experience 36 holes of championship golf set against Maryland's scenic rolling hills. Situated just minutes from Baltimore and Washington, DC, our tranquil golf resort features two distinctive 18-hole golf courses, each providing a unique playing experience.

(May 10, 2017) - Turf Valley Resort announces a multi-million-dollar renovation to their on-site hotel, which features 172 guest rooms and suites, as well as an American fusion restaurant, spa and two private golf courses.

Renovations to the property include:

• Renovation of 128 hotel room restrooms, which include updated marble vanities with backlit electric mirrors, magnifying mirrors, and sliding shower enclosures
• 40-inch flat-screen televisions in all guest rooms
• Complete redesign of all hotel corridors, including hotel elevator landing areas
• Updated kitchen and bathroom areas in all Hospitality Suites
• Newly renovated ADA-compliant rooms, including roll-in ADA showers and increasing the number of accessible rooms
• All renovations followed guidelines to our commitment to the environment and met commercial requirements
• New entryway into "The Garden," Turf Valley's outdoor wedding ceremony space

"The guest room redesign brings a new element of boutique sophistication to the property, further establishing Turf Valley Resort as an ideal romantic getaway, wedding destination, or conference center," said Joanne Mangione, Turf Valley's Interior Designer.

First Finish, Inc. completed all general contracting work in time for the opening of Turf Valley's 2017 season. Turf Valley, privately-owned-and-operated by the Mangione Family, completed renovations just as the Mangione Family enters their 40th year of owning the property. Prior to their opening, Turf Valley once operated as a thoroughbred horse farm, and as part of the original Doughoregan Manor owned by Charles Carroll.

"We are excited to offer our guests updated and new features," said Jeff Zetlmeisl, Assistant General Manager of the resort. "With these renovations, we are securing our position as the premier destination meeting and event venue in the Mid-Atlantic Region."

*Note: Hi-resolution images available upon request.
For more information about overnight packages, call 410.465.1500 or visit turfvalley.com/stay
To contact group sales, call 410.465.1200 or email info_sales@turfvalley.com

View PDF

(August 19, 2016) - Turf Valley Resort is excited and proud to announce that we will be hosting some of the shops that have been displaced from the flooding on Main Street of Ellicott City. The shops have been invited to set up a store with the inventory that they have remaining from the storm, as well as additional inventory that they continue to receive, in an effort to recreate the atmosphere. They will be located on the lower level of the resort beginning Friday, August 26. They will be open to the public Friday (11am - 7pm), Saturday (11am - 7pm) and Sunday (10am - 4pm).

There are eleven shops that will be open at Turf Valley as of Friday, August 26, 2016, including Southwest Connection, Still Life Gallery, Boliwalou, Zebop, Simply Divine Boutique, The Vintage Vault and Gallery, Sue Langert, Matcha Time Café and Gift Shop, Syriana Gallery, Park Ridge Trading Co. and Attic Antiques.

Turf Valley Resort is offering this space to the tenants free of charge, in lieu of the flooding on Saturday, July 30. General Manager Pete Mangione and his family, who own Turf Valley Resort, feel that "giving back to the community and fellow business owners is the right thing to do. Having a gem like historic Ellicott City so close to the resort has certainly been a wonderful asset for Turf Valley guests to visit and explore and we want to do as much as we can to help the merchants who lost so much."

(March 28, 2016) - Turf Valley Resort Resort has recently invested more than $85,000 to improve and rebuild its wireless internet infrastructure for groups, villas and guest rooms.

Turf Valley Resort has used Ruckus Wireless, a leader in Wi-Fi technological advances, to create one integrated wireless system that allows guests to move throughout the property with seamless and uninterupted Wi-Fi access.

Other Improvements Made To Turf Valley Resort's Internet Infrastructure Include:

• Numerous Wi-Fi hotspots added throughout the entire facility, including in the 24-hour fitness center, Spa at Turf Valley Resort, Hotel Lobby, Alexandra's American Fusion, and in all 172 guest rooms and villas.
• Internet speed increased - Ruckus Wireless System is five times faster than previous system, allowing guests to stream music and videos without issue.
• Eliminated the need for users to connect to one access point, then sign into different access point should they switch meeting rooms.
• Previously, each access point could accommodate a maximum of 50 users. New access points can accommodate 500 users per access point, and property-wide over 2,000 concurrent users. This also reduces the need to add extra access points for large meetings, with people using multiple login codes depending on access point.
• For groups who have mission-critical Wi-Fi needs for their meetings, such as dedicated guaranteed bandwidth, dedicated IP addresing, routable IP addressing, Turf Valley Resort will offer an Internet Gold Plan at a modest fee.

View PDF

(March 21, 2016) - Turf Valley Resort is excited to announce the First Lady of Maryland, Yumi Hogan, will be modeling in the 9th Annual Pretty in Pink Ladies Luncheon on Friday, April 1st, 2016 at Turf Valley Resort Resort. Pretty in Pink is an annual Pink Champagne Ladies Luncheon held every spring to raise money and awareness for Blossoms of Hope and The Claudia Mayer / Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center at the Howard County General Hospital.

Mrs. Hogan will be modeling on behalf of her husband, Governor Larry Hogan, who completed chemotherapy treatment for stage 3 non-Hodgkins lymphoma last fall. Pretty in Pink, Turf Valley Resort's Champagne Ladies Luncheon, features vendors supporting Blossoms of Hope, followed by a luncheon and fashion show. Most of the models in the fashion show are current or past patients at the Cancer Resource Center.

"This event is a beautiful way for women to bond throughout all stages of their treatment and recovery process," said Turf Valley Resort's Director of Public Relations and Board Member, Regina Ford. The runway fashion show features apparel from Octavia Boutique, Simply Divine Boutique of Ellicott City and Nordstrom. The runway fashion show will feature 25 models, the majority of whom are cancer survivors.

"The Board of Directors of Blossoms of Hope discovered this year that one-third of those who use The Claudia Mayer/ Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center are men. In order to promote this new revelation, we thought that Governor Hogan would be a perfect representative. Governor Hogan was unable to attend due to his schedule, but Mrs. Hogan agreed to participate as a model, and we were delighted because she will look so much better in the ladies' formal wear!" said Ford.

The 2016 Maryland Cherry Blossom Princess, Amanda Misaki Buker, will also be in attendance representing the National Conference of State Societies, which sponsors the Cherry Blossom Princess Program in all 50 states.

If you are interested in attending Pretty in Pink, please contact Turf Valley Resort's Director of Marketing, Nicole Motsay, at 410-423-0812. Tickets are $50.00 per person. All media inquiries should be directed to Regina Ford at 410-423-0811.

View PDF

Ellicott City Boy Scout Proposes Patch after Troop 944's Contribution to Preakness® Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival

Ellicott City, MD (March 26, 2015) - The Boy Scouts of America announced that a new Honor Guard Uniform Patch will be made available this spring for those who form Color Guards for community service.

The idea for an Honor Guard Patch was suggested by Troop 944 Senior Patrol Leader Dennis Howser-Doty, 16, of Ellicott City after the Scouts volunteered at Turf Valley Resort's Preakness® Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival last May. The Scouts participated in Saturday's Armed Forces Day Ceremony in 2014, serving in the Color Guard Flag Presentation and escorting the Wounded Veterans to hot air balloons to thank them for their service.

Soon after the festival, Howser-Doty worked with Scoutmaster Chip Galloway to propose a patch be created to wear in formal procedures by Scout Units. After a six-month review by BSA Headquarters, Troop 944 was informed in November that the Honor Guard Patch was approved for Scouts taking part in community ceremonies.

The Honor Guard Patch is the first of its kind to ever be recommended by a troop member, and the first patch approved in over 50 years. The Honor Guard Patch is to be worn on the right sleeve of the uniform, and is only to be worn by Scouts trained and actively serving in Color Guards.

"Scouts in Troop 944 really understand the culture of service to others, not just ‘Doing a good turn daily' as the Scout Motto says. I couldn't be more pleased when they wanted to provide a formal method, including recognition, for Scouts to help the community. Assisting Wounded Warriors into hot air balloons at Turf Valley Resort in 2014 was a great way to start the concept," said Scoutmaster Chip Galloway.

Troop 944 was established 51 years ago, and consists of 72 boys between the ages of 11-17 in Howard County. Along with the Armed Forces Day Ceremony, the Scouts also help out around the Turf Valley Resort's Hot Air Balloon Festival by picking up trash, looking after children, helping guests enter a walk-in balloon, and assisting vendors with crowd control and promoting event activities. The Scouts will once again participate in this year's Preakness® Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival, scheduled for May 14-16th, sporting their new Honor Guard Patches.

About Preakness® Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival

Turf Valley Resort has hosted the Preakness® Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival for six years. Guests are invited to enjoy festivities geared towards young children and those young at heart. Turf Valley Resort will host 25 beautiful hot air balloons, with pilots from all over the East Coast. The festival portion of the event will be held on Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15, 2015, from 4:00 until 9:00pm. The Armed Forces Day Ceremony and Balloon Launch will take place on Saturday, May 16th at 6:00am. Please call 410-465-1500 extension 2874 for more details, or visit www.ballooningusa.com/preakness.

About Turf Valley Resort

Turf Valley Resort is a family-owned-and-operated golf and spa resort located in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor. The resort features 40,000 square feet of event space, on-site Alexandra's Restaurant, Spa and 36 holes of championship golf. The newest addition to the Turf Valley Resort community, Turf Valley Resort Towne Square, allows guests, visitors, and the community to enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment.

View PDF

October 30, 2013 - Turf Valley Resort was recently accepted as a Bronze level GreenLeader into the new TripAdvisor® GreenLeaders™ program, which helps travelers plan greener trips by identifying environmentally-friendly accommodations across the U.S. Turf Valley Resort is the first hotel in Ellicott City awarded this status.

"We are honored that Turf Valley Resort's green efforts are acknowledged through our newly awarded GreenLeader status," said Turf Valley Resort General Manager Pete Mangione. "We have a dedicated Environmental Committee to implement green practices and raise awareness among both guests and employees. In an effort to protect our environment for generations to come, we hope to encourage other hotels and businesses in the area to continue seeking greener, more sustainable practices."

Turf Valley Resort has met a set of environmental standards developed for TripAdvisor by a leading environmental consulting firm, with input from expert partners. The more green practices a hotel has in place, the higher its GreenLeader level, which is shown on Turf Valley Resort's listing on the TripAdvisor site. "Turf Valley Resort Management is proud to be recognized by TripAdvisor as a GreenLeader," said Turf Valley Resort Director of Operations and Environment Committee Chair Jeff Zetlmeisl. "Our Environmental Committee will continue to work toward reducing our carbon footprint, protecting our environment, educating our staff and guests on our initiatives, and enhancing the guest experience through our efforts."

Travelers can now search for accommodations that have a GreenLeaders status on the TripAdvisor site, and view a detailed list of eco-friendly practices that they can expect at each location. Turf Valley Resort Green Initiatives include a property-wide recycling program, a linen and towel reuse option for guests, ENERGY STAR guest room appliances, and water-efficient faucets in guest bathrooms and public restrooms, among many other practices.

"TripAdvisor GreenLeaders are leading the hospitality industry in making efforts to improve their environmental footprint," said Jenny Rushmore, director of responsible travel at TripAdvisor. "We greatly applaud these accommodations and are pleased to share their eco-friendly practices with our online audience of more than 200 million travelers."

The TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program was developed in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® program, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the United Nations Environment Programme. For more information, please visit www.tripadvisor.com/GreenLeaders.

About Turf Valley Resort

Turf Valley Resort is located in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor features an on-site Spa, Alexandra's American Fusion Restaurant, and 36 holes of Championship Golf. The golf and spa resort also has 40,000 square feet of meeting space and Wi-Fi High Speed Internet in guest rooms, meeting rooms and public areas. Turf Valley Resort - Your everyday getaway.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors**, and over 100 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

*Source: Score Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, January 2013
**Source: Google Analytics, worldwide data, January 2013
©2013 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE TripAdvisor