The club recently introduced a social membership category, added catering, and is planning a project that would include a swimming pool, splash zones, outdoor dining, fitness and a downstairs pub, all as part of an effort to bring in families as members.
Grandview GC Sold for $2.15M
The deal is slated to close in mid-March, but the new ownership group is already operating the property. The new owners are planning to add new carts and more trees and bunkers to the course. Long-range plans include relocating the putting green, adding a larger driving range, and moving several holes on the front nine.
Local Businesses Advertise on Ben Geren GC
The Fort Smith, Ark., golf course features large granite tee markers on each of its 27 holes, and is selling the spaces to local businesses for one- and two-year commitments, for $250 and $400, respectively. So far, the property has sold eight of the spaces for two-year commitments.
Judge Finds White Oaks CC Exempt from $1.1M in Property Taxes
A tax dispute between the Newfield, N.J., property and Franklin Township dating back to 2012 was settled last week when Judge Patrick DeAlmeida determined the golf club’s land, which was purchased through the state Green Acres program funds as part of a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Pinelands project, is used for a public purpose.
Members Approve $35M Renovation at BallenIsles
After an extensive survey, independent focus groups and workshops, the membership of the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., property has approved a project that will expand the 72,000-sq. ft. clubhouse to feature a redesigned 19th Hole, a new lobby lounge, updated bar, and larger kitchens. The project is expected to completed in 18 months.
Former Employee Files Class-Action Lawsuit Against Farm Neck GC
Anna Shkuratova is suing the Oak Bluffs, Mass., club for not paying the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and $10 per hour under the Massachusetts minimum wage law. The suit alleges five subclasses of employees were not paid minimum and overtime wages, and includes counts of breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
San Francisco Commits to Preserve Sharp Park GC
After eight years of political battles with environmental groups that sought to protect frog and snake species at the Pacifica, Calif., property, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved continued operation of the 18-hole, Alister MacKenzie-designed golf course, with planned modifications to three holes to enhance wildlife habitat.
Golfers Save Caddy’s Life at Charlotte (N.C.) CC
Bruce Heath suffered a heart attack on the 12th hole of the golf course on February 12, prompting a group of golfers to spring into action, performing CPR and calling 911. “I feel lucky and blessed to have been around people who knew what they were doing,” said Heath, who is alive and well after heart surgery.
Black Mountain (N.C.) CC in “Good Shape” Physically, Financially
The property is on track to pay its operating expenses for the first time since 2004, which it has achieved by bringing operations in-house, decreasing the number of personnel to reduce costs, and investing in course conditions while keeping prices competitive.
Storm Forces Closure of Buenaventura GC
The Ventura, Calif., property suffered damage during strong storms last month, with nearly every hole affected and 13 holes severely impacted by water, mud and silt. The head agronomist from the United States Golf Association is working to help assess the damage and formulate a plan to restore the course to the shape needed for play.
Caddie Sues Club, Owner, Driver in Golf Cart Accident
Professional caddie Alicia McFadden is claiming Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club, owner Discovery Land Co., and driver David Harbour were negligent in August 2015 when a golf cart accident resulted in McFadden suffering a fractured skull, torn rotator cuff and cervical and lumbar damage that have resulted in $100,000 in medical bills.
Kohler Co. Revises Plans for Wilson, Wis., Golf Property
In the latest version of plans for a proposed championship golf course along Lake Michigan, the amount of wetlands directly impacted was reduced from 25 acres to 3.69 acres, protecting rare interdunal wetlands. The design updates involve adjustments for some holes and other features, and Kohler Co. is also offering a wetland mitigation plan.
Bunker Project, Facility Renovation Underway at Regents’ Glen CC
Rodney Krebs bought and reopened the York, Pa., property last year for $5 million. Now more than 60 bunkers on the golf course are being re-shaped, lined and filled with white sand. The Box Hill Mansion, built in 1929, and the RG Grill, which features casual fine dining with indoor and patio seating, are also being updated on the property.
Lawsuit Filed in Ownership Dispute Over Sunday River GC
The legal complaint alleges that SR Golf Holdings LLC and parent company Harris Golf Inc. have refused to hand over assets and membership fees to the new owner, Newry Holdings LLC. Newry Holdings is seeking $5.6 million in unpaid mortgage debt plus legal fees, and is also asking the court to bar Harris Golf from marketing the club as its own property and selling memberships.
2017 Chef to Chef Conference Wraps Up in Atlanta
The ninth annual event, held at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, ended on March 7 with chef demos and sessions on topics ranging from management and training to Latin cuisine, catering and banquet design, pastries and wine programs. The day began with a drawing for a Crown Verity grill, and the event also included a General Managers’ panel.