Program helps existing golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs and achieve recognition for their efforts. Once the course has been recognized in all categories and received a site visit from Audubon International staff they are designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Sanctuary Lake GC Named Billy Casper Golf Facility of the Year
The Troy, Mich. club took the top property honors in the management firm’s second annual “Buffy Awards.” Nick Rash of Highland Woods Golf Course in Highland Park, Ill. was named General Manager of the Year and Pat Franklin of The Meadows Country Club in Sarasota, Fla. was named Superintendent of the Year. Facility awards also went to Quarry Pines GC in Tucson, Ariz. and Lester Park GC in Duluth, Minn.
One Club in Tucson (Ariz.) Area Closes As Fate of Two Others is Weighed
The Golf Club at Vistoso will suspend operations on June 1, and the Tucson city council has asked for a new study of options for the Fred Enke and Silverbell municipal courses that range from closing to conversion into parks or selling the land to private developers. The need to get permission from the National…
La Paloma CC Breaks Ground on Enhancement Project
The multimillion-dollar project at the Tucson, Ariz., property is expected to take six months to complete. Highlights include an expanded dining and lounge area, new events and activities lawn, social putting experience, an expanded fitness center, improved halfway house, and Kids’ Club. La Paloma Country Club in Tucson, Ariz., has broken ground on a multimillion-dollar…
Oro Valley (Ariz.) Plans to Invest $6M in Golf Facilities
If the town council votes in favor of the plan on May 16, $3.8 million will be used to replace the water lines at the two 18-hole golf courses at El Conquistador Resort in Tucson, Ariz., and $2.2 million will be used to remodel the community center at Pusch Ridge Golf Course. The Oro Valley…
Tucson, Ariz., Golf Courses Paint Complex Financial Picture
The city estimates it made $221,369 in operating revenue at its five municipal golf courses in the 2017 fiscal year, but when depreciation and interest payments are taken into account, the city lost $522,842. Those figures also do not reflect the estimated $25 million in capital improvements city officials believe the courses will need in…
Tucson, Ariz., Seeks Public Input on Golf Courses
The city council is beginning the process of taking public comments on other possible uses for its Silverbell, El Rio, Fred Enke and Randolph golf courses. Though a total departure from golf is unlikely for the city, ideas range from redevelopment to creating other recreational uses, with the closure of at least one of the…
Marriott Golf Announces Golf Excellence Awards
Mike Cole, General Manager of Golf at Stone Mountain (Ga.) Golf Club, was named Marriott’s Golf Professional of the Year and Mark Salisbury, Superintendent of Starr Pass Golf Club in Tucson, Ariz., was recognized as Golf Grounds Manager of the Year. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grand Cayman was named Golf Property of the Year.
Hyatt Doubles Down on Wellness Properties
On a fourth-quarter earnings call, Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian said, “We believe we will be able to extend and expand the brand in destination wellness resorts [and] in standalone spas.” Hyatt acquired three wellness resorts and a new spa brand in January, which it values at $375 million, though that sum includes improvements planned for the resorts in the next two to three years.
Hyatt Acquires Wellness Hospitality Company Miraval Group
In a deal announced on January 18, the hotel corporation will pay $215 million for the Miraval brand and two resorts, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., and Travaasa in Austin, Texas, then invest an additional $160 million over the next few years to redevelop both properties and to acquire and redevelop a third, the Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort in Lenox, Mass. Miraval will live as a separate business unit within Hyatt.
Broken Sound Club’s Shannon Easter Leads Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards
The maintenance director and environmental consultant at the Boca Raton, Fla. property has been selected as the Overall and National Private recipient of the annual awards that recognize superintendents and their golf courses for overall excellence and best management practices. Alex Stuedemann of TPC Deere Run (Public Course) and Ken Nice of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Resort Course) were also selected for national recognition.
Marriott Golf Debuts College Links ’16 Program
As part of the year-round program, student golfers with a valid college ID can take advantage of discounted twilight green fees and carts at 17 golf courses in the Marriott Golf portfolio. The program is available after 3 p.m. any day of the week at participating courses, and tee times can be made up to three days in advance.
Full Healing Powers
A shift in public perceptions about health is prompting many club and resort properties to adopt a more holistic perspective toward wellness.
GolfNow, Uber Begin Multi-Tiered Partnership
The partnership will begin September 25 with a weekend promotion conducted in 10 U.S. cities and Orange County, Calif., offering Uber riders discounts on golf, surprise gifts, and an opportunity to win free golf for a year.
Sewailo GC, University of Arizona Extend Partnership Through 2020
The golf club at Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, Ariz., will remain the official home course of the university’s women’s and men’s golf teams after a successful trial period that began in 2013.