Suspicion of tax fraud led to spectacular public raids by armed federal agents at the city’s Veterans and Franconia courses in 2016 and the firing of the former head and assistant pros contracted to operate the courses for the city. The assistant pro pleaded guilty to six counts involving nearly $200,000 in fraud, but the…
Spuyten-Duyval GC Acquired By Toledo, Ohio Parks System
The 27-hole property in the suburb of Sylvania was built in 1929 and has been operated privately as one of the oldest golf courses in the Toledo area. It is now slated to become part of the third largest Metropark in Lucas County, Ohio, through a deal using grant funding that will allow the parks…
Golf Expenditures Figure Prominently in Embezzlement, Influence Probes
A Regional Director of the United Auto Workers was arrested and charged with embezzling union funds and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on golf clubs, golf equipment and apparel purchased at club and resort pro shops during conferences. An investigative report showed that internal documents set the price of playing golf with Florida Gov.…
Director of Golf Charged with Stealing $30,000 Cart
Dustin Michael Hunter, who held the position at Cape Neddick (Maine) CC, was arrested for allegedly being involved with the theft of a paramobile golf cart from the club, along with a trailer used for its transport. While the cart is designed for disabled golfers, it can be customized to be used for other sports…
Venice (Fla.) G&CC Earns Sustainability Distinction
Through its participation in the Vivid Leaf platform, the club has been recognized as the “greenest club in the U.S.” and the first worldwide to reach the stringent “Jade” level. The club’s initiatives have reduced electric expenses by more than $350,000, cut the clubhouse utility bill in half, and achieved an overall negative CO2 balance for…
Vue Grille & Bar at Indian Wells (Calif.) Golf Resort Reopens After $1M Upgrade
The American gastro pub and bourbon bar on the second floor of the property’s 53,000-sq. ft. clubhouse now features a new rectangle-shaped bar with seating for 30 guests, including 20 inside and 10 outside, and new windows that showcase the golf course and mountain views. The project also included new kitchen equipment and enhancements, to…
The Manor Inn Reopens at Pinehurst Resort Following Extensive Renovation
(The new North & South bar) The 96-year-old inn is the “youngest” of the North Carolina property’s three historic hotels. Its entire interior, including 43 guest rooms, has been completely renovated, with only 15 percent of the interior framing remaining. The new North & South bar features a dramatic ceiling with an illustration of the…
Court Date Set for Man Charged with Vandalism at Trump National GC-Bedminster
(Richard McEwan and the golf course at Trump National GC-Bedminster) Richard McEwan is accused of “doing donuts” in a car on the New Jersey property’s golf course on two separate occasions in early September, causing a total of nearly $20,000 in damage. McEwan was also apprehended in pop star Taylor Swift’s mansion in Westerly, R.I.…
A “Shining Example” Leads John Warnack on Path to Excellence in Club Management Honors
After John Warnack got an early first impression of how to make people feel special, he applied what he learned in his own career—and eventually earned the Excellence in Club Management Award named for the man who provided that initial lesson.
Myrtlewood GC’s Palmetto Course Set to Reopen
Tee times have been booked for September 20 for the 46-year-old course in Myrtle Beach, S.C., to unveil its new ultradwarf Bermudagrass greens and completely rebuilt bunkers. But Hurricane Dorian’s impact may affect the opening date. The course, which features a signature par-4 18th hole that runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, closed to start the renovation…
England’s Royal Norwich GC Rebrands from “Unsustainable” Golf Focus
(The Stables, Royal Norwich GC’s new building that will house a microbrewery, bakery and multifunctional space). The 125-year-old club is unveiling a new microbrewery, bakery and family nature trails to “create a community and a reason for people to be part of it,” according to its General Manager and Director. The club’s previous site is…
Former Convent to Become New Event Space and Spa
The Abbey Inn & Spa will open in January 2020 in northern Westchester County, N.Y., repurposed with luxury accommodations and amenities that include a restaurant, spa and fitness area, along with indoor and outdoor meeting, event, and gathering spaces that overlook the Hudson River and a 42-room, full-service boutique hotel. Two chapels from what is…
Greg Neill Wins 2019 Most Valuable Technician Award
(Greg Neill, right, with Anthony Williams) The Equipment Manager at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas in Irving, Tex., has won the annual award that recognizes excellence among golf course equipment managers and the vital role they play in course management. He was nominated by Anthony Williams, CGCS, Director of Golf…
New Boutique Hotel Planned for SentryWorld Golf Resort
Sentry Insurance, which owns and operates the destination golf property across from its headquarters in Stevens Point, Wis., will build the upscale hotel just off its championship golf course’s 18th fairway, with an opening scheduled for the spring of 2021.
Construction of New Landmand GC Begins
The Homer, Neb. property, which will be open to the public and also have a limited membership component, will feature a 7,000-yard, par-73 golf course. Rough shaping is planned to be completed this year so grassing can be done by the fall of 2020. King-Collins Golf Course Design, architects of Sweetens Cove GC, will design…