The Myrtle Beach-based golf course management company Signature Golf Group has promoted from within, naming Vice President of Operations and Construction David S. Downing II, who served as president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in 2008, as its new president.
Downing replaces one of Signature's founders, Steve Taylor. Taylor, who helped form Signature Golf in 2005, will become the company's chairman of the board. He intends to complete the transition while Downing is still a member of GCSAA's Board of Directors as Immediate Past President.
In a recent interview with Golf Course Management magazine, Downing spoke about the transition period he's currently going through.
"Basically, I have the title and I'm moving forward, but It'll probably take four or five months to get me up to speed with everything Steve did," Downing said.
Downing was originally hired by Signature Golf Group in late 2005 to serve as superintendent at one of its management properties, an Arnold Palmer Signature Course named Rivers Edge Golf Club in Shallotte, N.C.
He's also worked as golf course superintendent at Las Vegas Country Club and TPC of Connecticut.
Downing also served as Director of Golf Course Operations for Wild Wing Plantation and Myrtle Beach's Barefoot Resort, where he led construction of four courses; Barefoot Resort became the first 72-hole facility to open all four courses in the same day.
As president of Signature Golf Group , the 29-year GCSAA member said he plans to continue his emphasis on building the company's future.
"One of the things I want to try to do is grow the business," he said. "We have a good base, now is the time to stretch our wings a little bit. My focus will be on expanding the base."
That base includes the golf course management company itself, and sister companies Signature Golf Packages , which offers a collection of Myrtle Beach hotels and Myrtle Beach golf courses for golfers planning a Myrtle Beach golf vacation.
In 2008, Signature Golf Group continued its evolution by introducing yet another sister company, the Myrtle Beach Golf Shop , which has both a physical and onlin location to offer golfers the very best and latest golf equipment and apparel.
To learn more about Signature Golf Group and everything the company has to offer, please visit signaturegolfgroup.com or call (843) 215-FORE.