S. Mike Elliott
Vice President of Sales
Greg Norman Collection

It is with great pleasure that I write you this letter of congratulations and best wishes in your new venture.

In all of my years of working with various executives, managers, professionals, and buyers in both my career in golf as well as that in public accounting, you are unquestionably one of the most genuine people I have ever met. As we worked together on various matters while you were with Sunbelt, I always appreciated your interest and willingness to listen. Likewise, I also appreciated your honest dialogue knowing that you were only interested in a program or solution that worked for both of us.

While I always found your knowledge of the business and industry to be second to none, it is the personal attributes that I mentioned above that I believe will set you apart from the competition as a whole and ultimately make you successful in whatever endeavor you choose.

If I can be of assistance in any matter, business or otherwise, please do not hesitate to call upon me to do so. I consider you to be a friend and associate with which I intend to remain in touch with for years to come.

All the best!

Gene Hallman
Bruno Event Team

On behalf of the Bruno Event Team, I would like to personally express our appreciation for your continued support and commitment in hosting the Nationwide Tour Championship on Alabama’s Robert Trent Golf Jones Trail. Over the past eight years we have worked together to grow this event into the largest on the Nationwide Tour, promote our great state and be a part of making the Trail a world class destination. What a truly educational experience!

The relationships developed and the teamwork exhibited between you, the Bruno Event Team and the PGA Tour are the primary reason why this season ending tournament is now considered the premiere event on the Nationwide Tour. Your personal involvement and commitment to provide the necessary resources have assured all parties that every aspect of the tournament environment would be handled in a first class manner. It was always exemplary.

I understand you will be leaving SunBelt Golf at the end of the year to create your own Golf Consulting and Management Company. All of us at the Bruno Event Team wish you the best in your future endeavors. With your business background, knowledge of the golf industry, the personal relationships you have developed and your commitment to excellence, I have no doubt you will be very successful and trust our paths will cross again.

John B. Lawrence
Director of Strategic Accounts
The Toro Company

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Russell Redford for the past thirteen years during his tenure with SunBelt Golf. I first met Russell when he was newly appointed Director of Golf for SunBelt's new fifty-four hole facility, Magnolia Grove in Mobile, Alabama.

With his vast industry experience Russell and his fine staff were able to make the Magnolia Grove sight the best run of all the "Trail" properties in the very short order. My first visit within the first year of opening was very impressive, as the entire operation ran as if it had been operational for several years: smooth, efficient and polished.

Russell was promoted after six years to Vice President and Director of Golf Operations, Trail wide. As CEO of Turf Care Products, the Toro Distributor for Georgia and Alabama, I now met with the three key officers at SunBelt, one of which was Russell, on a continual basis.

We worked on many significant initiatives such as Beta testing and implementing the Trail wide use of the ProShot "GPS" system. With Russell’s leadership this daunting task was reduced to manageable processes that he and his Directors embraced. They successfully installed and operated the ProShot "GPS" system at eight (8) locations utilizing over 1,000 golf carts.

We also collaborated on several other projects including the implementation of a lighting detection and alarm system that was installed at all trail locations. This project also included mostly new technology but Russell was willing to work closely with my organization and other vendors to make this a successful investment that is used to this day to provide a safer playing environment for SunBelt's customers.

I had the privilege of participating in a number of Trail sponsored PGA events organized by Russell and his fine team, all of which have been among the best managed golf events in the region.

After Russell was promoted to C.O.O. at SunBelt, my interaction increased as he became more intimately involved in all facets of SunBelt's day to day operations as well as managing its aggressive plans for expansion. We worked closely on golf maintenance equipment purchases, detailed planning for new SunBelt’s facilities, as well as an array of problem solving sessions.

Russell's tenure with SunBelt is benchmarked by a significant number of successes in all facets of their business. He proved time and time again that his vast knowledge of every aspect of the golf business was grounded in sound principles, as he achieved significant goals in each role that he played. His contagious passion for the golf business is reflected in his efforts in making SunBelt one of the great success stories in the entire golf industry,

Respectfully submitted,
John B. Lawrence