The proposed golf course at Florissant (Colo.) Fossil Beds National Monument will be constructed in two phases, with the first nine expected to be complete by summer 2018 and the second in summer 2019. Plans also call for a practice putting green, and an old schoolhouse could be transformed into a clubhouse.
Bayou Oaks Gets Sustainable Treatment
The golf course in New Orleans’ City Park, which is set to open next month, will feature solar-powered “bubbles” in several lagoons and other energy-efficient designs. The city opted to add sustainable elements in response to years of public protest to the facility, and as a way to save costs.
Grand Ridge GC Fuels Turnaround with Focus on Community
The Luling, La., property has increased memberships from about 100 to more than 420 in the past few weeks through extensive community outreach, including the club president making an “impassioned plea” to save the property at a community meeting and talking to residents door-to-door.
Former Thornridge GC Treasurer Faces Embezzlement Charges
Chaise Vegas appeared in court March 29 on charges of theft after he was arrested in January following a two-month investigation into finances of the Milford, Neb., golf course. In an affidavit, police said Vegas took $141,725.64 from the club over 18 months through unauthorized withdrawals from the course’s payroll and operating accounts.
Four-Year-Old Glen Oak GC Lawsuit Gets Trial Date
The lawsuit, filed by the Ransom Oaks homeowners association against the East Amherst, N.Y., golf course and two residents, will determine if property owners within the development must get permission from the association before selling off any part of their land. The case will head to trial in January 2018, unless the parties reach a settlement before then.
Private La Cañada Flintridge (Calif.) CC Opens Pool to Community
The property is opening its swim team to nonmembers to make the facilities an asset for local families, and to allow the team to operate beyond the regular summer session and into the school year. So far, 50 swimmers ages 6 to 17 have signed up for fall sessions, and about 25 to 30 kids are enrolled this spring.
Aiken, S.C., Polo Clubs to Build “Stronger Community Within the Sport”
Aiken (S.C.) Polo Club, New Bridge Polo and Country Club and Wagener (S.C.) Polo Club are working together to plan and coordinate tournaments and practices, to foster friendly relationships among the clubs and to stop competing against each other.
Shelter Island CC Takes New Strategy to Stay Afloat
Officials of the Shelter Island Heights, N.Y., property plan to lease the clubhouse bar and restaurant, balance the checkbook and review finances monthly, and host a membership drive as part of an effort to reverse a 34% decline in revenue between 2015 and 2016. “We’re going to run this like a business,” said Gordon Gooding, chairman of the club’s new financial committee.
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Judge Fines Morgan Hill GC for Not Installing Camera
On February 2, the Easton, Pa., golf course was ordered to install a surveillance camera on the 13th hole to monitor whether balls continue to slice into the yard of a couple who sued the property two years ago over errant balls. By March 10, the property had not yet installed the camera and was fined $1,000.
Slidell, La., to Buy Pinewood G&CC
The city council voted to purchase 86 of the property’s 96 acres for $800,000 in order to build large drainage detention ponds on the site. The club plans to sell the remaining 10 acres, including the clubhouse and pool, to the operator of NOLA Southern Grill, which provides food services at the property.
Forbes: Golf Course Investments Since 2006 Total $3B
The report debunks the “lazy narrative” of golf’s decline that points to the number of golf course closures by refocusing on the number of golf course renovation projects. Almost 100 courses re-opened last year after full 18-hole renovations that represented a capital investment of at least $300 million, according to the report, which does not include minor rehabilitation projects.
New Local Ownership Revitalizes Clarksville (Tenn.) CC
A group of 12 investors purchased the now for-profit club over the past few months and is working to recapitalize the club and reduce its debt. The group is also rolling out plans for improvements to the clubhouse facilities and the golf course.
Railside GC to Become State’s Only 12-Hole Golf Course
A group of 28 local investors is buying the Gibson City, Ill., property’s clubhouse, practice greens, driving range, and 10 of the golf course’s 18 holes to create two six-hole loops. The group is shooting for a May 1 opening for the clubhouse, with the course opening shortly after.