The semi-private property has undergone a series of closings and management and ownership changes in recent years, but will now be under the direction of the Naples, Fla.-based management firm, which plans a series of property-wide enhancements, including a golf course restoration, a new restaurant that will be open to the public, and expansion of the casual outdoor seating area.
The Country Club of Bristol (Tenn.) has reopened for the season under the direction of Naples, Fla.-based KOVA Golf Management, which has also announced a series of property-wide enhancement projects.
The semi-private club opened in 1958 but has undergone a series of closings and management and ownership changes over the past few years, as last reported by C&RB at the end of January (http://clubandresortbusiness.com/2018/01/cc-bristol-va-close-january-31/).
The property features an 18-hole golf course originally designed by A. G. McKay and remodeled in 1999 by Mark McCumber & Associates, with the changes executed by Course Crafters. It is now configured as a challenging 6,474-yard, par-71 situated on 150 acres of rolling hills.
Other club amenities include a golf shop and practice area; a clubhouse with dining and meeting facilities; tennis, racquetball, and volleyball courts; a junior Olympic-size swimming pool; and a comprehensive fitness center.
Several projects are now planned to restore the golf course to championship conditions, the club and KOVA announced. Additionally, among the planned clubhouse renovations is a completely new restaurant, which will be called “1894” and be open to the members and public.
Other significant upgrades to the clubhouse include the expansion of the casual outdoor seating area, to take advantage of panoramic views of the golf course.
“It is exciting to see the fresh, innovative direction that KOVA is proposing for The Country Club of Bristol,” said Mitch Walters of the club’s ownership group. “In KOVA, we found a partner that understands the club’s needs in providing members and guests with a premier golf club lifestyle.”
New membership programs for The Country Club of Bristol will begin on May 1, 2018, with single or family golf options available. Special consideration has been offered to the existing membership.
“The Country Club of Bristol is not only the birthplace of organized golf in Tennessee,” said Rick Rainville, President and Managing Partner of KOVA Golf Management, “it is one of the oldest clubs in America. The history here is amazing, and we want the community to know we take great pride in keeping this rich tradition alive and well.”
KOVA Golf Management’s portfolio includes management experience with The Ritz-Carlton® Naples, The PGA of America, PGA TOUR, WCI Communities, and other exclusive private clubs and resorts throughout the United States.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.