July 9, 2025 -- Marriott Golf is proud to announce that August Decker, Golf General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, has been honored as the Executive of the Year by the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) as part of its inaugural Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards.
This highly competitive award recognizes outstanding leadership across Central Florida’s hospitality industry, which boasts over five hundred hotels. Out of more than thirty nominees in the Executive of the Year category, August stood out for his exceptional vision, performance, and impact—not just at Grande Lakes, but across Marriott Golf.
“August’s leadership continues to set a first-class standard,” said Jim Keane, Vice President, Global Golf Division, Marriott International, Inc. “His ability to drive performance, develop talent, and deliver luxury members and guest experiences represents the very best of Marriott’s values and vision.”
Under Decker’s leadership, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes has seen exceptional results:
- Over $10 million in revenue growth in just two years
- 450+ new golf memberships, reflecting a sharp rise in community engagement
- 2024 Marriott Golf Property of the Year
- Seamless delivery of high-profile events like the PNC Championship
Beyond golf operations, August has played a pivotal role in the resort’s sustainability transformation—leading a 32-person green team, increasing the trash diversion rate from 3.8% to over 20% in early 2025, and supporting composting efforts that have diverted over sixty-five tons of wet waste.
He has also proven to be a mentor and talent developer, successfully promoting two team members to Directors of Golf, and fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
“Please join me in congratulating August Decker for being recognized as the CFHLA Executive of the Year,” said Jon McGavin, Area General Manager, Grande Lakes Orlando, in a company-wide announcement. “August has done a remarkable job for Grande Lakes, and we are all very proud of him.”
For more on the Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards, visit www.cfhla.org/distinguished-leaders-awards.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott’s Global Golf Division manages 45 courses in 14 countries across 5 continents, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf for numerous Marriott International lodging brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Delta by Marriott, Westin, Renaissance Hotels , Gaylord Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, and Marriott Golf Academy. Since 1970, Marriott has been a recognized leader of integrated resort and golf operations, through its award-winning business results and renowned service culture. Marriott provides golf development expertise, golf management, and consulting services to a unique variety of hospitality environments including resorts, private membership clubs, daily fee courses, golf schools, and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/explore-and-plan/golf.mi.